Honeycomb slat for covering with improved light control for building structures and related covering

Abstract

In one aspect, a honeycomb slat for a covering for a building structure includes a slat core forming a honeycomb structure having opposing first and second sides extending between opposing first and second edges of the slat core. In addition, the honeycomb slat includes a light shielding layer disposed in association with only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure of the slat core.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 411,773 filed on September 30, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0004] It is known in the industry to utilize honeycomb slats or blades as covering elements within a covering for an architectural structure. For example, conventional honeycomb slats have been formed in the past as a two-piece construction, including an outer shell or tube and an inner element positioned within the outer tube. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,688,373, entitled "Architectural Covering for Windows" and hereinafter referred to as the '373 patent, discloses an opaque slat for use with a covering that includes an outer torque tube and a resilient insert strip inserted into the torque tube. Although the insert strip of the '373 patent provides a certain structural integrity to the outer torque tube, the "V", "C", and "S" fold configurations of the disclosed insert strips generally fail to provide sufficient rigidity at both the outer edges or joints of the slats. In addition, the resulting slats have an asymmetrical shape, which is generally not aesthetically pleasing to consumers.

[0005] As an alternative to using separate insert strips as the inner elements of a honeycomb slat, other known honeycomb slat configurations rely on fully laminating the inner elements to an outer shell or tube. For example, it is known to laminate a membrane material to a fabric material and then form such a laminated fabric / membrane assembly into a closed perimeter honeycomb aperture such that the fabric material is positioned along the exterior of the honeycomb aperture and the membrane material is positioned along the exterior of the honeycomb aperture. With such a configuration, the fully laminated fabric / membrane assembly is typically folded or crumpled to form opposing edges of the slat, wherein the free ends of the laminated fabric / membrane assembly are connected together to form the closed perimeter honeycomb aperture. However, slats formed from such laminated fabric / membrane assemblies typically experience significant deformation, warping, and / or other heat or stress-related problems when exposed to the high end of the temperature range typically found in a window environment.

[0006] Recently, an improved honeycomb slat configuration has been disclosed in WO 2022 / 086834, filed on October 18, 2021 and assigned to HunterDouglas Inc. (the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes). While the honeycomb slat configuration disclosed in WO 2022 / 086834 has numerous advantages and solves many of the various problems associated with previously known honeycomb slats, improvements and / or advances would be welcome to further improve the disclosed configuration. For example, further improvements and / or advances in light control provided by the honeycomb slat configuration would be welcome in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] Aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the inventive subject matter.

[0008] In one aspect, the inventive subject matter is directed to a honeycomb slat for a covering of a building structure. The honeycomb slat includes a slat core forming a honeycomb structure having opposing first and second sides extending between opposing first and second edges of the slat core. The honeycomb slat also includes a light shielding layer disposed in association with only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure of the slat core.

[0009] In another aspect, the inventive subject matter relates to a honeycomb slat for a covering of a building structure. The honeycomb slat includes an outer sheathing forming an outer honeycomb structure, wherein the outer honeycomb structure defines a leading edge and a trailing edge of the honeycomb slat. The honeycomb slat also includes an inner core positioned within the outer honeycomb structure of the outer sheathing, wherein the inner core forms an inner honeycomb structure having opposing first and second sides extending between opposing first and second edges of the inner core. Additionally, the honeycomb slat includes a light shielding layer disposed in association with only one of the first side or the second side of the inner honeycomb structure of the inner core.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the inventive subject matter relates to a covering for a building structure. The covering includes a top rail, a bottom rail supported relative to the top rail, and a plurality of honeycomb slats positioned between the top rail and the bottom rail. Each honeycomb slat defines a leading edge positioned along a front side of the covering and a trailing edge positioned along a rear side of the covering. Additionally, each honeycomb slat includes a slat core forming a honeycomb structure having opposing first and second sides extending between opposing first and second edges of the slat core. Each honeycomb slat also includes a light shielding layer disposed in association with only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure of the slat core. The light shielding layer extends only partially across the one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure such that a light permeable slit is defined between the light shielding layer and one of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the honeycomb slat. In addition, the light-permeable slit defines a slit distance between the light-shielding layer and one of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the honeycomb slats, and when the multiple honeycomb slats are moved to a closed position, the slit distance is less than an overlapping distance defined between adjacent honeycomb slats among the multiple honeycomb slats.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the inventive subject matter relates to a covering for a building structure. The covering includes a top rail, a bottom rail supported relative to the top rail, and a plurality of honeycomb slats positioned between the top rail and the bottom rail. Each honeycomb slat defines a leading edge positioned along a front side of the covering and a trailing edge positioned along a rear side of the covering. Each honeycomb slat includes a slat core forming a honeycomb structure having opposing first and second sides extending between opposing first and second edges of the inner core. Additionally, each honeycomb slat includes a shading layer disposed in association with only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure of the slat core.

[0012] In another aspect, the inventive subject matter relates to a covering for a building structure. The covering includes a top rail, a bottom rail supported relative to the top rail, and a plurality of honeycomb slats positioned between the top rail and the bottom rail. Each honeycomb slat includes an outer sheath forming an outer honeycomb structure. The outer honeycomb structure defines a leading edge and a trailing edge of the honeycomb slat, wherein the leading edge of the honeycomb slat is positioned along a front side of the covering and the trailing edge of the honeycomb slat is positioned along a rear side of the covering. Each honeycomb slat also includes an inner core positioned within the outer honeycomb structure of the outer sheath, wherein the inner core forms an inner honeycomb structure having opposite first and second sides extending between opposite first and second edges of the inner core. In addition, each honeycomb slat includes a light shielding layer that is disposed in association with only one of the first side or the second side of the inner honeycomb structure of the inner core.

[0013] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following detailed description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the inventive subject matter and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the inventive subject matter.

[0014] 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 to be an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A full and enabling disclosure of the inventive subject matter, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a covering for a building structure in accordance with aspects of the inventive subject matter, and particularly illustrates a covering including a plurality of honeycomb slats;

[0017] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a honeycomb slat according to aspects of the inventive subject matter;

[0018] Figure 3 FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken about line 3-3 according to aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a honeycomb slat shown, particularly illustrating one embodiment of the configuration of the outer sheath, inner core and light shielding layer of the honeycomb slat;

[0019] Figure 4 Diagram showing the unconstrained, exploded state Figure 3 An end view of the inner core of the honeycomb slat shown, particularly illustrating the blackout layer positioned relative to the inner core;

[0020] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 3 A similar cross-sectional view of the honeycomb slat shown, particularly illustrating an alternative mounting position for the light shielding layer of the honeycomb slat;

[0021] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 3 Another similar cross-sectional view of the honeycomb slat shown, particularly illustrating another alternative mounting position of the light shielding layer of the honeycomb slat;

[0022] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 3 A further similar cross-sectional view of the honeycomb slat shown, particularly illustrating yet another alternative mounting position for the light shielding layer of the honeycomb slat;

[0023] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 1 A partial side view of the covering shown, wherein the honeycomb slats have Figures 2 to 4 The configuration shown is mounted relative to the covering and tilted to a downward closed position;

[0024] Fig. 9 The diagram illustrates aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 8 the same partial side view shown with the slats tilted to an upward closed position;

[0025] Fig.10 The diagram illustrates aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 3 Same cross-sectional view of the outer sheath and inner core of a honeycomb slat shown, wherein one embodiment of the shade layer provides a slotted shade arrangement relative to which it is mounted;

[0026] Fig.11 Diagram showing the unconstrained, exploded state Fig.10 An end view of the inner core of the honeycomb slat shown, particularly illustrating the blackout layer positioned relative to the inner core;

[0027] Fig.12 The diagram illustrates aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 3 The same cross-sectional view of the outer sheath and inner core of a honeycomb slat shown, wherein another embodiment of the shade layer provides a slotted shade arrangement relative to which it is mounted;

[0028] Fig.13 Diagram showing the unconstrained, exploded state Fig.12An end view of the inner core of the honeycomb slat shown, particularly illustrating the blackout layer positioned relative to the inner core;

[0029] Fig.14 The diagram illustrates aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 1 A partial side view of the covering shown, wherein the honeycomb slats have Fig.10 and Fig.11 The configuration shown is mounted relative to the covering and tilted to a downward closed position;

[0030] Fig.15 The diagram illustrates aspects of the inventive subject matter. Fig.14 the same partial side view shown with the slats tilted to an upward closed position;

[0031] Fig.16 FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken about line 3-3 according to aspects of the inventive subject matter. Figure 2 An alternative cross-sectional view of a honeycomb slat shown, particularly illustrating one embodiment of an unsheathed honeycomb slat including a slat core and a light shielding layer; and

[0032] Fig.17 The diagram illustrates aspects of the inventive subject matter. Fig.12 An alternative cross-sectional view of a honeycomb slat is shown, particularly illustrating one embodiment of an unsheathed honeycomb slat including a slat core and a light shielding layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In general, the inventive subject matter is directed to a honeycomb slat configured for use within a covering of an architectural feature or structure (referred to herein simply as an architectural "structure" for convenience and not limitation). As will be described below, the honeycomb slat generally includes a slat core that forms a honeycomb structure of the slat. Additionally, according to aspects of the inventive subject matter, the honeycomb slat includes a single-sided shading arrangement. Specifically, in several embodiments, the shading layer may be disposed along only one side of the honeycomb slat.

[0034] As will be described below, the single-sided light blocking arrangement can allow the disclosed honeycomb slats to provide different lighting effects or different degrees of light control for the associated covering depending on whether the slats are moved to a first closed position (e.g., a downward closed position) or a second closed position (e.g., an upward closed position). For example, when the slats are tilted to one of the closed positions so that the light blocking layers of the slats are all positioned along the back side of the covering, any light transmitted from the back side of the covering at the slat-to-slat interface is allowed to enter the interior of the honeycomb holes, at which time the light is diffused inside each honeycomb hole. Due to such light diffusion through, the slats will have a soft glow or soft lighting effect along the front side of the covering, which provides a generally aesthetically pleasing appearance to the covering and also serves to hide any defects provided at the slat-to-slat interface or make the defects less noticeable. Additionally, when the slats are tilted to another closed position so that the light shielding layer of the slats is positioned all along the front side of the covering, the slats will have a darker appearance on the front side of the covering, and a soft reveal line will be provided at the slat-to-slat interface. Specifically, the light shielding layer will normally block light from passing through the slats along the front side of the covering. However, due to the single-sided light shielding arrangement, a small amount of diffuse light will be allowed to pass through the covering at the slat-to-slat interface to provide a very soft, uniform reveal line between each pair of adjacent slats, which hides any defects defined at the slat-to-slat interface or makes the defects almost unnoticeable.

[0035] As indicated above, the honeycomb slats generally include a slat core that forms the honeycomb structure of the slats. In one embodiment, the slat core may be positioned within an outer sheath of the honeycomb slats. In such an embodiment, the outer sheath generally may form the outer honeycomb structure of the honeycomb slats, and the core generally may form the inner honeycomb structure of the slats. However, in other embodiments, the honeycomb slats may include a slat core without an outer sheath, in which case the slat core may form the honeycomb structure of the honeycomb slats without an additional outer honeycomb structure surrounding the core.

[0036] It should be understood that, as described herein, an "embodiment" (such as shown in the accompanying drawings) may refer to an illustrative representation of an environment or article or component in which a disclosed concept or feature may be provided or embodied, or to a representation of only a way in which a concept or feature may be provided or embodied. However, such illustrated embodiments should be understood as examples (unless otherwise specified), and other ways of embodying the described concepts or features (such as those that can be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art after understanding the concepts or features from this disclosure) are within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, it will be understood that although the accompanying drawings may show one or more embodiments of a concept or feature together in a single embodiment of an environment, article or component incorporating such a concept or feature, such concepts or features will be understood as being independent and separate from each other (unless otherwise specified), but are shown together for convenience and are not intended to be limited to existence or use together. For example, a feature illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used alone, or used together with another embodiment to obtain yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the subject matter of the invention covers such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0037] Now refer to the diagram, Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of a covering 20 for a building structure (not shown) in accordance with aspects of the inventive subject matter is shown. Generally, the covering 20 is configured to be mountable relative to a window, door, or any other suitable building structure as desired. In one embodiment, the covering 20 can be configured to be mountable relative to the building structure to allow the covering 20 to be suspended or supported relative to the building structure. It should be understood that the covering 20 is not limited to its particular use as a window or door shade, and can be used as a covering, partition, shade, and / or the like relative to and / or within any type of building structure in any application.

[0038] In several embodiments, the covering 20 may be configured as a slatted covering, such as a "privacy" blind-type extendable / retractable covering. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the covering 20 includes a top rail 22, a bottom rail 24, and a plurality of horizontally disposed parallel honeycomb slats 100 configured to be supported between the top rail 22 and the bottom rail 24 via one or more trapezoidal belt assemblies 26 (e.g., a pair of trapezoidal belt assemblies 26). In several embodiments, by manipulating the trapezoidal belt assemblies 26, the honeycomb slats 100 can be rotated or tilted about their longitudinal axes to allow the slats 100 to be moved between the horizontal or open positions (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ) that permit light to pass between the slats 100. Figure 1 ) and two closed positions (e.g. Figure 8 and Fig.14 The first or downward closed position shown in the partial view of Fig. 9 and Fig.15 1 and 10. The slats 100 are tilted between one of a second or upwardly closed position (shown in a partial view of FIG. 1 ) in which the slats 100 are oriented substantially vertically in an overlapping manner to shield or block light from passing through the covering 20.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the trapezoidal belt assembly 26 may be manipulated to allow the honeycomb slats 100 to be tilted between open and closed positions thereof using, for example, a suitable tilt bar 30 disposed in operative association with the covering 20 or any other suitable control device forming part of the tilt system 32. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the covering 20 includes one or more components of a tilt system 32 within the top rail 22, such as a tilt station 34 disposed in operative association with each ladder belt assembly 26 and a tilt rod 36 coupled between the tilt bar 30 and the tilt station 34. In such an embodiment, when a user manipulates the tilt rod 30 (e.g., by rotating the tilt rod 30 relative to the top rail 22), the tilt rod 36 can be rotated to rotationally drive one or more tilt rollers (not shown) of the tilt station 34, thereby allowing the front and rear ladder rails (not shown) of each ladder belt assembly 26 to be raised or lowered relative to each other to adjust the tilt angle of the honeycomb slats 100.

[0040] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the covering 20 also includes one or more pairs of lift cords 42, 44 that form part of a lift system 46 for moving the covering 20 between a lowered or extended position (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 20 includes two pairs of lift cords 42, 44 extending between the top rail 22 and the bottom rail 24. Figure 1 Each lift cord pair in the embodiment includes a front lift cord 42 extending along the front side 48 of the covering 20 and a rear lift cord 44 extending along the rear side 50 of the covering 20. Specifically, each front lift cord 42 is configured to extend along the front edge 106 ( Figure 2 ) extends between the top rail 22 and the bottom rail 24, and each rear lift cord 44 is configured to extend along the opposite rear edge 108 ( Figure 2 ) extends between the top rail 22 and the bottom rail 24.

[0041] In one embodiment, each pair of lift cords 42, 44 can be configured to extend to a corresponding lift station 56 to control the vertical positioning of the bottom rail 24 relative to the top rail 22. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each pair of lift cords 42, 44 is operatively coupled to a lift station 56 housed within the bottom rail 24. In such an embodiment, a bottom end (not shown) of each lift cord 42, 44 is configured to couple to its associated lift station 56, while an opposite end (not shown) of each lift cord 42, 44 is configured to couple to the top rail 22. For example, each lift station 56 can include one or more lift spools (e.g., a pair of lift spools) for winding and unwinding the corresponding lift cord 42, 44 in each pair of lift cords. Thus, when the bottom rail 24 is raised relative to the top rail 22, each lift cord 42, 44 is wound around its corresponding lift spool. Similarly, when the bottom rail 24 is lowered relative to the top rail 22, each lift cord 42, 44 is unwound from its corresponding lift spool. Additionally, the lifting system 46 of the covering 20 may also include a lifting rod 58 operatively coupled to the lifting station 56 and a spring motor 60 operatively coupled to the lifting rod 58. In such an embodiment, the spring motor 60 may be configured to store energy when the bottom rail 24 is lowered relative to the top rail 22 and release such energy when the bottom rail 24 is raised relative to the top rail 22 to help move the covering 20 to its retracted position, as is generally understood.

[0042] It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the spring motor 60 may be overpowered or underpowered. In such an embodiment, to prevent accidental movement of the bottom rail 24 relative to the top rail 22, a brake assembly 62 may be disposed within the bottom rail 24 and operably coupled to the lift rod 58 to stop the rotation of the lift rod 58. For example, Figure 1 As shown, to actuate the brake assembly 62, an actuator button 64 is coupled to the bottom rail 24, which can be depressed to release or disengage the brake assembly 62 from the lift rod 58, thereby allowing the lift rod 58 to rotate in a manner that allows the lift cords 42, 44 to be wound around or unwound from their respective lift spools as the bottom rail 24 is lowered or raised, respectively, relative to the top rail 22. In other embodiments, the spring motor 60 may not be overpowered, thereby eliminating the need for the brake assembly 62. For example, in one embodiment, the spring motor 60 may be adapted to provide a variable torque, thereby allowing the lift system 46 to be configured as a balanced operating system.

[0043] It should be understood that the above description and Figure 1 The illustrated configuration of the covering 20 is provided merely to place the inventive subject matter in an exemplary field of use. It should therefore be apparent that the inventive subject matter can be readily adapted to any suitable manner of covering configuration. For example, in other embodiments, the honeycomb slats 100 described herein can be configured such that the slats 100 are vertically oriented (with the slats 100 being vertically oriented). Figure 1 In such an embodiment, the honeycomb slats 100 may be suspended, for example, from a corresponding head rail or track to allow the slats to be suspended vertically from the head rail or track relative to an adjacent building structure. In addition, the covering 20 may generally include any suitable type or manner of tilting system and / or lifting system.

[0044] Reference now Figures 2 to 4 , illustrates different views of one embodiment of a honeycomb slat 100 in accordance with various aspects of the inventive subject matter. Specifically, Figure 2 The figure shows a perspective view of a honeycomb slat 100 and Figure 3 The figure shows a section taken about line 3-3. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the slat 100 is shown. In addition, Figure 4 Diagram showing the unconstrained, exploded state Figure 2 and Figure 3 FIG. 1 is an end view of the slat core 130 of the honeycomb slat 100 shown. It should be understood that for description purposes, Figures 2 to 4 The honeycomb slat 100 shown will generally be referred to as Figure 1 However, in general, the honeycomb slats 100 disclosed herein may be configured for use with a covering having any other suitable configuration, including any suitable horizontal and / or vertical covering that incorporates slats or utilizes slats as covering elements.

[0045] like Figure 2 Specifically shown, the honeycomb slats 100 are generally oriented in the longitudinal direction (eg Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the strip 100 extends between the first transverse end 102 and the second transverse end 104 and extends in the width direction (as indicated by the arrow L in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the height direction (indicated by arrow W in FIG. 1 ), the honeycomb slat 100 extends between the leading edge or first outer edge 106 and the trailing edge or second outer edge 108. Figure 2 and Figure 3 100) between an upper or first outer face 110 and a lower or second outer face 112 of the slat 100, wherein the opposing outer faces 110, 112 extend between outer edges 106, 108 of the slat 100 in the width direction W. As indicated above, when the cellular slat 100 is incorporated into a "privacy" blind, the slat 100 can be configured to be vertically supported via one or more ladder belt assemblies 26 (e.g., via a rung of each ladder belt assembly 26 extending along the second outer face 112 of the slat 100), wherein the front and rear lift cords 42, 44 extend vertically along the opposing outer edges 106, 108 of the slat 100.

[0046] like Figure 3 Specifically, in several embodiments, the honeycomb slat 100 includes both an outer sheath 120 and a slat core 130 extending within the outer sheath 120 (hereinafter referred to as an "inner core" when the depicted embodiment of the slat 100 includes a sheath). Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the inventive subject matter, the honeycomb slat 100 includes a light shielding layer 200 disposed along one side of the slat 100. As will be described below with reference to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As described, the single-sided shading arrangement provided by the shading layer 200 can allow the honeycomb slats 100 to provide different lighting effects or different degrees of light control depending on whether the slats 100 are moved to their first closed position (e.g., a downward closed position) or their second closed position (e.g., an upward closed position).

[0047] Generally speaking, the outer jacket 120 has a tubular or annular configuration extending longitudinally along the entire length of the strip 100 (i.e., from the first transverse end 102 to the second transverse end 104 of the strip 100), which forms the outer honeycomb structure 121 of the strip 100 and thus defines the external features of the honeycomb strip 100. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the jacket 120 generally forms closed perimeter honeycomb cells along the outer perimeter of the slat 100, which defines the opposite outer faces 110, 112 and the outer edges 106, 108 of the slat 100. In several embodiments, the outer jacket 120 is formed of a flexible material. For example, the outer jacket 120 can be formed of a fabric material (such as a woven or braided fabric material). In one embodiment, the fabric material can be formed of thermoplastic fibers (such as polyester, nylon or polyolefin fibers), or any other suitable synthetic or natural fibers.

[0048] In one embodiment, to provide the tubular or annular configuration of the outer sheath 120, the sheath 120 is formed from two separate strips of material (e.g., two separate strips of fabric material) joined together end-to-end at opposing seams or joints. Figure 3As shown, the jacket 120 is formed of first and second material strips 122, 124 extending between the outer edges 106, 108 of the slat 100, such that the first material strip 122 generally defines the first outer face 110 of the slat 100 and the second material strip 124 generally defines the second outer face 112 of the slat 100. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a first end 122A of the first material strip 122 is coupled or connected to an adjacent first end 124A of the second material strip 124 via a first joint 126 formed at the first outer edge 106 of the slat 100, and an opposite second end 122B of the first material strip 122 is coupled or connected to an adjacent second end 124B of the second material strip 124 via a second joint 128 formed at the second outer edge 108 of the slat 100. It should be appreciated that the joints 126, 128 disposed between the adjacent ends of the material strips 122, 124 may generally be formed using any suitable bonding or connecting device and / or method. For example, in one embodiment, adjacent ends of the strips of material 122, 124 may be welded or bonded together using an ultrasonic sealing method to form an ultrasonic slit / weld joint at the connection point between the strips 122, 124. Alternatively, the joints 126, 128 may correspond to lap joints where adjacent ends of the strips of material 122, 124 overlap and are then coupled together using any suitable connection / coupling means (e.g., adhesives, stapling, suturing, tape, and / or the like).

[0049] In another embodiment, the outer sheath 120 can be formed from a single strip of material (e.g., a strip of fabric material) that has been placed into an annular arrangement and joined end-to-end at a single joint to form a tubular configuration of the sheath 120. In such an embodiment, similar to the above-described embodiments, the joint disposed between adjacent ends of the single strip of material can generally be formed using any suitable bonding or connecting device and / or method.

[0050] In several embodiments, the outer jacket 120 can be configured to constrain and enclose the inner core 130, wherein the core 130 acts as a reinforcing element to provide structural integrity to the honeycomb panel 100. However, while the outer jacket 120 is generally used to constrain / contain the inner core 130, in several embodiments, the core 130 is configured to be positioned within the outer jacket 120 in a partially or completely disengaged state relative to the outer jacket 120. Specifically, when installed within the outer jacket 120, the inner core 130 is configured to be disengaged from the outer jacket 120 along at least a portion of an interface defined between the outer jacket 120 and the inner core 130 (i.e., an interface defined between an inner perimeter of the jacket 120 and an outer perimeter of the core 130). For example, in one embodiment, the inner core 130 can be completely disengaged from the outer jacket 120 such that the core 130 is not coupled or connected to the outer jacket 120 at any location along the interface defined between these components. In such an embodiment, the inner core 130 may be freely movable relative to the outer jacket 120, which may be advantageous in instances where the jackets / cores are formed of different materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. For example, in an embodiment where the outer jacket 120 is formed of a fabric material and the inner core 130 is formed of a polymer-based film material (described below), the different coefficients of thermal expansion of these materials may cause the jacket 120 to expand / contract at a significantly different rate than the core 130, particularly under extreme temperatures. By providing the inner core 130 in a non-laminated, decoupled condition or state relative to the outer jacket 120, these components may expand / contract relative to each other in a manner that allows any stresses caused by temperature fluctuations and other environmental conditions to be relieved, thereby eliminating the possibility of any undesirable deformation, warping, and / or other thermal or stress-related issues within the resulting honeycomb slat 100.

[0051] As an alternative to disposing the inner core 130 in a completely disengaged state relative to the outer jacket 120, the inner core 130 may instead be disposed only in a partially disengaged state relative to the outer jacket 120 (such as a state in which the core 130 is attached or connected to the jacket 120 at one or more isolated locations along an interface defined between these components). For example, in one embodiment, the inner core 130 may be connected to the outer jacket (e.g., via a localized bead of glue applied between the outer jacket 120 and the inner core 130 distributed along the length of the strip 100 in the longitudinal direction L) across a very localized area or specific location of the interface defined between the jacket 120 and the core 130. Such localized attachment points may, for example, provide a connection between the outer jacket 120 and the inner core 130 while still allowing these components to expand / contract relative to each other to relieve any temperature-induced stresses.

[0052] Still refer to Figures 2 to 4In several embodiments, the internal core 130 of the honeycomb slat 100 generally corresponds to a folded material strip that is configured to form an internal honeycomb structure 132 inside the jacket 120, the internal honeycomb structure 132 providing stiffness and rigidity to the otherwise flexible jacket 120. In addition, the internal honeycomb structure 132 formed by the internal core 130 also serves to form and maintain a desired shape for the honeycomb slat 100. For example, as will be described below, the internal core 130 may be folded or crumpled at spaced-apart locations to provide two folded edges that form opposing vertices of the internal honeycomb structure 132 when the core 130 is positioned within the jacket 120 (e.g., formed at Figure 3 In such an embodiment, because the inner core 130 is dimensionally constrained within the outer jacket 120, the core 130 has a tendency to "pop open" at the apexes or fold edges 150, 152, thereby causing the core 130 to "bulge" or expand outwardly in the height direction H relative to the edge-to-edge or width centerline 138 of the slat 100, thereby forming a honeycomb structure 132 with curved walls extending between opposing apexes / folds 150, 152. Figure 3 As shown, the opposing vertices / folds 150, 152 of the internal honeycomb structure 132 are generally positioned adjacent to and aligned with the outer edges 106, 108 of the honeycomb slat 100 (and, therefore, the sheathing joints 126, 128 formed at the outer edges 106, 108) such that the curved walls of the honeycomb structure 132 extend generally parallel to and shape the outer faces 110, 112 of the honeycomb slat 100. Due to this positioning of the folded edges 150, 152, the slat 100 generally has a uniform amount of edge stiffness at each of its outer edges 106, 108.

[0053] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the internal honeycomb structure 132 formed by the core 130 defines a closed perimeter or substantially closed perimeter honeycomb cell having a first curved profile along a first side 140 of the honeycomb structure 132 and a second curved profile along a second side 142 of the honeycomb structure 132, wherein the curved profile generally extends between opposing vertices / folds 150, 152 of the honeycomb structure 132 in the width direction W. The curved profile generally arcs or curves outwardly such that the outer perimeter of the internal honeycomb structure 132 is characterized by opposing concavities extending between the vertices / folds 150, 152, thereby providing the internal honeycomb structure 132 with a symmetrical or substantially symmetrical shape about the width centerline 138 of the panel 100. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, due to the configuration of the internal core 130 , the shape of the internal honeycomb structure 132 is also symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about the vertical or height centerline 144 of the stave 100 .

[0054] Brief reference Figure 4 , we will now describe Figure 2 and Figure 3 The overall structure and configuration of the embodiment of the inner core 130 of the honeycomb slats shown. It should be understood that the inner core 130 in its unconstrained, exploded state (ie, relative to the outer sheath 120) is Figure 4 As will be described below, when the inner core 130 is positioned within the outer sheath 120, the sheath 120 constrains the inner core 130 in size, thereby allowing the core 130 to form Figure 3 An internal honeycomb structure 132 is shown.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, in several embodiments, the core 130 is formed from a flat strip of material that has been folded or crumpled at two spaced-apart locations to form first and second folded edges 150, 152 disposed between opposite ends of the core 130 (e.g., first and second ends 154, 156 of the core 130). Such a two-fold configuration generally divides the inner core 130 into three wall segments extending between / from the folds, wherein adjacent wall segments intersect each other or are otherwise connected together at each folded edge 150, 152. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the folded inner core 130 includes a center or base wall segment 158 ​​extending directly between the first fold edge 150 and the second fold edge 152. In addition, the inner core 130 includes first and second folded wall segments 160, 162 extending from the base wall segment 158 ​​at the first and second fold edges 150, 152, respectively, wherein the first folded wall segment 160 extends directly between the first fold edge 150 and the first end 154 of the inner core 130 and the second folded wall segment 162 extends directly between the second fold edge 152 and the second end 156 of the inner core 130. As shown, due to the relative positioning of the folded edges 150, 152 between the opposite ends 154, 156 of the inner core 130, the base wall segment 158 ​​and the first folded wall segment 160 generally define substantially the same length (e.g., the base segment length 164 and the first folded segment length 166), while the second wall segment 162 defines a length (e.g., the second folded segment length 168) that is shorter than the other two wall segments 158, 160. However, in other embodiments, the various wall segments 158, 160, 162 can be configured to define any other suitable length relative to each other. For example, in one embodiment, the second wall segment 162 can be configured to define the same or substantially the same length as the other two wall segments 158, 160.

[0056] In several embodiments, the inner core 130 is formed of a thin-walled material such as a film material. For example, in one embodiment, the inner core 130 can be formed of a polyester film, such as a biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film (e.g., In one embodiment, the inner core 130 may be formed of other suitable film materials, such as various other suitable polymer-based film materials. In one embodiment, the specific film material used to form the inner core 130 may be selected based on the desired properties of the material, such as the tendency of the material to spring back to its original flat or unfolded state after being folded. Such a tendency is conducive to generating an outward spring force at the folded edges 150, 152 when the inner core 130 is in its dimensionally constrained assembled state within the outer sheath 120. In addition, in one embodiment, the film material used to form the inner core 130 may correspond to a commercially available pre-shrunk film material to prevent shrinkage problems or otherwise provide dimensional stability to the material when exposed to extreme temperatures, particularly when exposed to the expected higher temperature range.

[0057] Additionally, the thickness of the film material can be selected to provide the desired structural integrity to the honeycomb slat 100 while also providing sufficient outward spring force at the folded edges 150, 152. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the film material forming the inner core 130 can be in the range of 0.002 inches to 0.010 inches, such as 0.003 inches to 0.009 inches, or 0.004 inches to 0.007 inches, and / or any other sub-range therebetween. However, it should be understood that material thicknesses outside of the above-noted thickness ranges can also be utilized depending on the nature of the material used to form the core 130 and / or the desired characteristics of the core 130 and / or the resulting honeycomb slat 100.

[0058] It should also be understood that the light transmittance of the film material can also be changed to adjust the light transmission characteristics of the honeycomb slat 100. For example, in several embodiments, the inner core 130 can be formed of a clear film material. In another embodiment, the inner core 130 can be formed of a translucent film material.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, when the core 130 is in its unconstrained, exploded state, each wall segment 158, 160, 162 of the inner core 130 generally defines a straight or non-curved profile along its length. However, with the core 130 positioned within the outer jacket 120, the wall segments 158, 160, 162 assume the curved profile of the inner honeycomb structure 132 described above. Specifically, referring back to Figure 3, the base wall segment 158 ​​of the inner core 130 generally defines a first curved profile extending along the first side 140 of the inner honeycomb structure 132, while the first folded wall segment 160 generally defines a second curved profile extending along the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132. As indicated above, this curvature or arc of the wall segments 158, 160 generally occurs due to the outward spring force provided by the folded edges 150, 152 when the core 130 is dimensionally constrained within the outer jacket 120. For example, in one embodiment, the segment lengths 164, 166 ( Figure 4 ) may be greater than the inner width 172 of the outer honeycomb structure 121 defined by the outer sheath 120 in the width direction W ( Figure 3 ). Thus, with the inner core 130 positioned within the outer sheath 120, the sheath 120 may dimensionally constrain the core 130 in the width direction W, thereby causing the base wall segment 158 ​​and the first folded wall segment 160 to be transformed into an outwardly curved profile via the spring force provided at the folded edges 150, 152.

[0060] Still refer to Figure 3 As indicated above, the base wall segment 158 ​​of the internal core 130 generally defines a first curved profile of the internal honeycomb structure 132, while the first folded wall segment 160 generally defines a second curved profile of the internal honeycomb structure 132. Specifically, the base wall segment 158 ​​defines a curved profile extending along the first side 140 of the internal honeycomb structure 132 between a first vertex / fold 150 and a second vertex / fold 152 of the internal honeycomb structure 132. Similarly, the first folded wall segment 160 defines a curved profile extending along the second side 142 of the internal honeycomb structure 132 between a first vertex / fold 150 and a second vertex / fold 152 of the internal honeycomb structure 132. In this regard, it should be noted that the first folded wall segment 160 generally extends along the entire width of the internal honeycomb structure 132 from the first vertex or fold edge 150 to the second vertex or fold edge 152, wherein the first folded wall segment 160 terminates at or adjacent to the second fold edge 152. Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, the first end 154 of the inner core 130 (which also forms the end of the first folded wall segment 160 opposite the first folded edge 150) is generally located adjacent to the second folded edge 152. Therefore, with the inner core 130 dimensionally constrained within the outer jacket 120, both the base wall segment 158 ​​and the first folded wall segment 160 generally extend across substantially the entire interior width of the outer honeycomb structure 121 formed by the jacket 120.

[0061] In addition, if Figure 3As shown, the first and second folded wall segments 160, 162 are generally configured to at least partially overlap each other when the core 130 is formed into the internal honeycomb structure 132. Specifically, the second folded wall segment 162 of the internal core 130 is generally configured to overlap the first folded wall segment 160 along a portion of the second side 142 of the internal honeycomb structure 132. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the second folded wall segment 162 generally extends from the second vertex or fold edge 152 along the inner surface 174 of the first folded wall segment 160 into the interior of the inner honeycomb structure 132, so that the folded wall segments 160, 162 overlap each other along a given overlap area. In one embodiment, the second folded wall segment 162 may simply extend along the inner surface 174 of the first folded wall segment 160 without being connected to this wall segment 160 at any point across the overlap area. In such an embodiment, the dimensional restraint provided by the outer jacket 120 to the inner core 130 can be used to maintain the first and second folded wall segments 160, 162 in their overlapping state or condition, and generally maintain the inner core 130 in its honeycomb configuration.

[0062] Alternatively, the first and second folded wall segments 160, 162 may instead be coupled together at a location of overlap defined therebetween, thereby providing a lap joint or connection between the folded wall segments 160, 162 that can maintain the honeycomb configuration of the inner core 130 independently of the outer jacket 120. By coupling the folded wall segments 160, 162 together in this manner, the inner core 130 can be configured to maintain its honeycomb configuration independently of the outer jacket 120. For example, the lap joint can be formed by applying an adhesive (e.g., a bead of glue) at the overlapping interface defined between the first folded wall segment 160 and the second folded wall segment 162. In another embodiment, any other suitable connection / joining device or method (e.g., tape, welding, etc.) can be used to form the lap joint between the folded wall segments 160, 162. Regardless of the connection / joining device or method utilized, by connecting the folded wall segments 160, 162 together such that the slat core 130 maintains its honeycomb configuration independent of the outer jacket 120, the core 130 itself can be configured to function as a honeycomb slat independent of the outer jacket 120. Specifically, as indicated above, in one embodiment, the slat core 130 can form the honeycomb structure of the honeycomb slat 100 without the need for an additional outer honeycomb structure surrounding the core 130 (e.g., where an outer jacket 120 is included). Examples of such configurations are described in Fig.16 , which shows the folded wall segments 160, 162 of the slat core 130 connected together (e.g., via glue beads 190) so that the core 130 itself forms a honeycomb structure (e.g., structure 132) that can be used as a honeycomb slat independently of the outer sheath 120.

[0063] As indicated above, the second folded wall segment 162 can be configured to define a segment length 168 that is shorter than the lengths 164, 166 of the other wall segments 158, 160 of the inner core 130. However, it should be appreciated that, in general, the total length 168 of the second folded wall segment 162 (and the length of the associated overlap region defined between the first folded wall segment 160 and the second folded wall segment 162) can be selected such that the length 168 is at least sufficient to allow the same or similar outward spring force to be applied at the second folded edge 152 as applied at the first folded edge 150, thereby allowing the core 130 to "bulge" or expand uniformly outward across the width of the slat 100 in the height direction H to form the symmetrical curved inner honeycomb structure 132 disclosed herein. For example, in one embodiment, the length 168 of the second folded segment 162 can be equal to or greater than 0.25 inches, such as a length within a range of 0.25 inches to 1 inch or 0.25 inches to 0.5 inches and / or any other sub-range therebetween. In other embodiments, the length 168 of the second folded wall segment 162 may be less than or greater than the above-described length ranges, including being the same or substantially the same as the lengths 164, 166 of the other wall segments 158, 160 of the inner core 130, depending on the overall size of the slat 100. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the length 168 of the second folded wall segment 162 may be selected such that the wall segment 162 extends along or overlaps the inner surface 174 of the first folded wall segment 160 from the second folded edge 152 to a location at or adjacent to the first folded edge 150.

[0064] like Figure 3As shown, with the inner core 130 positioned within the outer jacket 120, the inner honeycomb structure 132 defines a cell height 178 between the opposing first and second sides 140, 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132 in the height direction H, which is generally a function of the internal cell angles (e.g., first internal cell angles 180 and second internal cell angles 182) formed at each of the vertices or fold edges 150, 152 of the inner core 130. Specifically, the height 178 of the inner honeycomb structure 132 is generally proportional to the magnitude of the internal cell angles 180, 182, wherein the cell height 178 generally increases as the internal cell angles 180, 182 increase (and vice versa). Therefore, the internal cell angles 180, 182 defined at each vertex or fold edge 150, 152 can generally be selected to provide a desired cell height 178 and, therefore, a desired overall shape of the resulting honeycomb panel 100. For example, in one embodiment, each of the internal cell angles 180, 182 may correspond to an angle within the range of 10 degrees to 35 degrees, such as 15 degrees to 30 degrees, or 20 degrees to 25 degrees, and / or any other sub-range therebetween. It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the internal cell angle 180 formed at the first vertex or fold edge 150 may be the same or substantially the same as the internal cell angle 182 formed at the second vertex or fold edge 152. However, in other embodiments, the first and second internal cell angles 180, 182 may correspond to different angles, such as when different internal cell angles are needed to achieve a desired shape (e.g., a desired symmetrical shape) of the honeycomb slat 100. For example, depending on the thickness of the material used to form the inner core 130, the second internal cell angle 182 may need to be slightly smaller than the first internal cell angle 180 to provide a symmetrical cell shape because of the overlap between the first fold wall segment 160 and the second fold wall segment 162 at the second vertex or fold edge 152.

[0065] As indicated above, the honeycomb slat 100 can have a single-sided shading arrangement provided by a shading layer 200 that is positioned along only one side of the slat 100 and that extends between the opposing lateral ends 102, 104 of the slat 100 in the longitudinal direction L. Specifically, in several embodiments, the shading layer 200 can be positioned relative to the honeycomb slat 100 such that the layer 200 is disposed along only one side of the lateral centerline 138 of the slat 100, such as by positioning the shading layer 200 along a first side 140 or a second side 142 of the internal honeycomb structure 132 formed by the internal core 130. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the shading layer 200 is positioned along the second side 142 of the internal honeycomb structure 132. In particular, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, the light shielding layer 200 is disposed directly between the first wall segment 160 of the inner core 130 and the outer jacket 120, such that the layer 200 extends along the exterior of the inner honeycomb structure 132 across the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132. Alternatively, the light shielding layer 200 may be disposed along the inner surface 174 of the first wall segment 160 of the inner core 130, such that the layer 200 extends within the interior of the inner honeycomb structure 132 across the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132. Examples of such embodiments are shown in Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shows Figure 3 The same view of the outer sheath 120 and inner core 130 of the honeycomb slat 100 is shown, but with the light shield 200 extending along the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132 across the inner surface 174 of the first wall segment 160 of the inner core 130 .

[0066] Alternatively, the light shielding layer 200 may be positioned along the first side 140 of the inner honeycomb structure 132 formed by the inner core 130. For example, in one embodiment, the light shielding layer 200 may be positioned along the inner surface 175 ( Figure 6 ) is arranged so that the layer 200 extends across the first side 140 of the internal honeycomb structure 132 and within the interior of this structure 132. An example of such an embodiment is Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shows Figure 3 The same view of the outer jacket 120 and the inner core 130 of the honeycomb slat 100 is shown, but the light shielding layer 200 extends along the first side 140 of the honeycomb structure 132 across the inner surface 175 of the base wall segment 158 ​​of the inner core 130. In another embodiment, the light shielding layer 200 can be disposed between the base wall segment 158 ​​of the inner core 130 and the outer jacket 120, so that the layer 200 extends across the first side 140 of the inner honeycomb structure 132 along the exterior of this structure 132. An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shows Figure 3 The same view of the outer sheath 120 and inner core 130 of the honeycomb panel 100 is shown, but with the light shield 200 positioned between the outer sheath 120 and the inner core 130 along the first side 140 of the honeycomb structure 132 .

[0067] Return to reference Figure 3 and Figure 4In some embodiments, the light shielding layer 200 can be configured to extend across the entirety of the first side 140 or the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132, such as by extending across the entirety of the curved profile defined by the first wall segment 160 or the base wall segment 160 between the first fold edge 150 and the second fold edge 152 of the inner core 130. For example, Figure 4 As particularly shown, the light shielding layer 200 generally extends in length between a first end 202 and an opposite second end 204, wherein the first end 202 of the layer 200 generally terminates at the first fold edge 150 of the inner core 130 and the second end 204 of the layer generally terminates at the first end 154 of the inner core 130, such that the layer 200 extends along the entire length 166 of the first wall segment 160 of the inner core 130. For example, in one embodiment, the length 206 of the light shielding layer 200 defined between its opposite ends 202, 204 may generally be equal to the length 166 of the first wall segment 160. Thus, when the inner core 130 is formed into the inner honeycomb structure 132, the light shielding layer 200 may generally extend across the entire length of the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132. Similarly, in embodiments where the light shielding layer 200 is positioned along the first side 140 of the inner honeycomb structure 132, the light shielding layer 200 can be disposed along the entire length 164 (e.g., from the first folded edge 150 to the second folded edge 152) of the base wall segment 158 ​​of the inner core 130. In these embodiments, when the inner core 130 is formed into the inner honeycomb structure 132, the light shielding layer 200 can generally extend across the entire length of the first side 140 of the inner honeycomb structure 132 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Implementation scheme shown).

[0068] It should be appreciated that the shade layer 200 can generally be disposed in association with the components of the honeycomb slat 100 in any suitable manner. For example, the shade layer 200 can be positioned along the exterior of the inner honeycomb structure 132 formed by the inner core 130 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown between the first wall segment 160 and the outer sheath 120, or as Figure 7In an embodiment where the light shielding layer 200 is positioned between the base wall segment 158 ​​and the outer jacket 120 (as shown), the light shielding layer 200 may correspond to a separate light shielding material layer that is coupled to the corresponding wall segment 158, 160 or an adjacent portion of the outer jacket 120 (e.g., via heat bonding, adhesives, etc.), or a separate light shielding material layer that is simply positioned between these components (e.g., not fixed or coupled to either component). Alternatively, in such an embodiment, the light shielding layer 200 may correspond to a coating applied to the outer surface of the corresponding wall segment 158, 160 or the adjacent inner surface of the fabric jacket 120, where applicable. Similarly, in an embodiment where the light shielding layer 200 is positioned within the interior of the inner honeycomb structure 132 formed by the inner core 130 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ), the light shielding layer 200 may correspond to a separate light shielding material layer that is coupled to the corresponding wall segment 158, 160 or an adjacent portion of the outer jacket 120 (e.g., via heat bonding, adhesives, etc.), or a separate light shielding material layer that is simply positioned between these components (e.g., not fixed or coupled to either component). Figure 5 As shown along the inner surface 174 of the first wall segment 160, or as Figure 6 As shown along the inner surface 175 of the base wall segment 158, or as shown Fig.16 In the embodiment shown with respect to the unsheathed embodiment of the slat 100, the shading layer 200 may correspond to a separate shading material layer connected to the corresponding wall segments 158, 160 (e.g., via heat bonding, adhesives, etc.), or the shading layer 200 may correspond to a coating applied to the inner surfaces 174, 175 of the corresponding wall segments 158, 160.

[0069] Reference now Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter illustrated in the above reference Figure 1 A partial side view of a covering 20 is depicted in which the honeycomb slats 100 have a plurality of slats 102 mounted relative to the covering. Figures 2 to 4 Specifically, Figure 8 The slats 100 are shown tilted to a first closed position (eg, a downward closed position) such that the leading edge 106 of the slats 100 faces downward along the front side 48 of the covering 20 and the trailing edge 108 of the slats 100 faces upward along the rear side 50 of the covering 20. Fig. 9 The figure shows the slats 100 tilted to a second closed position (e.g., an upward closed position) such that the leading edge 106 of the slats 100 faces upward along the front side 48 of the covering 20 and the trailing edge 108 of the slats 100 faces downward along the rear side 50 of the covering 20. For illustrative purposes, each honeycomb slat 100 is schematically shown as a dashed oval 100, and the inner light shielding layer 200 of each honeycomb slat 100 is schematically shown as a solid line 200. It should be understood that whether the honeycomb slats 100 include both an outer sheath and an inner core or are configured similar to Fig.16 The unsheathed laths of the laths shown, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The description usually applies.

[0070] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, when tilted to the respective closed positions, the slats 100 are generally configured to be arranged in an overlapping arrangement such that the leading edge 106 of each slat 100 is positioned below the trailing edge 108 of an adjacent slat 100 (when in the closed position). Figure 8 100) or above the trailing edge 108 of the adjacent slat 100 (when in the downward closed position shown) Fig. 9 20 ). In an ideal state, the slats 100 are configured to be tightly closed against each other such that the overlapping arrangement results in no light gaps being defined at the interface between adjacent slats 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "slat-to-slat interface"). In practice, however, due to imperfections in the slat-to-slat closure or due to imperfections in the slats 100 themselves (i.e., deviations from the ideal state), small non-uniform light gaps or cracks exist on portions of the slat-to-slat interface that allow light (e.g., indicated by arrow 220) to pass from the rear side 50 to the front side 48 of the covering 20. Thus, if the honeycomb slats 100 are formed with a light shielding layer that integrally extends across both sides of the honeycomb structure formed by the internal core (e.g., a double-sided or full light shielding arrangement), light that enters the small gaps or cracks defined at the slat-to-slat interface will be directed through the gaps to the front side 48 of the covering 20 and provide a sharp contrast relative to the other light shielding slats, thereby highlighting the defects and making the uneven light gaps or cracks very obvious on the front side 48 of the covering 20. In contrast, the single-sided light shielding arrangement described herein allows these defects to remain obvious or completely hidden from view. In addition, the single-sided light shielding arrangement allows different lighting effects to be provided depending on whether the slats 100 are tilted to a downward closed position or an upward closed position.

[0071] like Figure 8 As particularly shown, with the slats 100 tilted to a downward closed position such that the light shielding layer 200 of each slat 100 is positioned along the rear side 50 of the covering 20, any light that enters the small gaps or cracks defined at the slat-to-slat interface from the rear side 50 of the covering 20 is allowed to pass through the adjacent non-light shielding portion (e.g., the honeycomb hole portion 212) of the slat 100 positioned at the interface and enter the interior of the slat 100, whereupon the light is diffused (as indicated by arrows 222) within the interior of the slat 100. Due to this diffusion of light through each slat 100, the slats 100 will have a soft glow or soft lighting effect along the front side 48 of the covering 20, which provides a generally aesthetically pleasing appearance to the covering 20 and also serves to hide any imperfections provided at the slat-to-slat interface or make the imperfections less noticeable.

[0072] In addition, if Fig. 9As shown, with the slats 100 tilted to the upward closed position so that the light shielding layer 200 is positioned along the front side 48 of the covering 20, the slats 100 will have a darker appearance on the front side 48 of the covering 20, and a soft reveal line (indicated by arrows 240) will be provided at the slat-to-slat interface. Specifically, the light shielding layer 200 will normally block light from passing through the slats 100 along the front side 48 of the covering 20. However, due to the single-sided light shielding arrangement, a small amount of diffuse light will be allowed to pass through the covering 20 at the slat-to-slat interface to provide a very soft, uniform reveal line 240 between each pair of adjacent slats 100, which hides any defects defined at the slat-to-slat interface or makes the defects almost unnoticeable.

[0073] Reference now Fig.10 and Fig.11 , various views of another embodiment of a light shielding layer 200' that can be arranged in a single-sided light shielding arrangement in association with a honeycomb slat 100 are illustrated in accordance with various aspects of the inventive subject matter. Specifically, Fig.10 and Fig.11 The diagram shows Figure 3 and Figure 4 The same view of the outer sheath 120 and inner core 130 is shown with a different embodiment of a light shielding layer 200' mounted relative thereto.

[0074] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, similar to the various embodiments described above, the light shielding layer 200' is configured to be positioned within a portion of the honeycomb slat 100 such that the layer 200' is disposed only along one side of the transverse centerline 138 of the slat 100, such as by positioning the light shielding layer 200' along the first side 140 or the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132 formed by the inner core 130. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the light shielding layer 200' is positioned along the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132. In particular, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the light shielding layer 200' is disposed directly between the first portion 160 of the inner core 130 and the outer jacket 120, such that the layer 200 extends along the exterior of the inner honeycomb structure 132 across the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132. However, in other embodiments, the light shielding layer 200' may be disposed along the inner surface 174 of the first wall segment 160 of the inner core 130 (e.g., in a manner similar to Figure 5 ) or along the first side 140 of the inner honeycomb structure 132 (e.g., in a manner similar to Figure 6 or Figure 7 as shown).

[0075] However, unlike the various embodiments described above, the light shielding layer 200' is configured to extend only partially across the side of the slat 100 where the layer 200' is located. Fig.11 16, the light shielding layer 200' only partially extends across the length 166 of the first wall segment 160 of the inner core 130. Specifically, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the light shielding layer 200' extends along the outer surface of the first wall segment 160 from a first end 202' located adjacent to the first fold edge 150 to a second or "slit" end 204' spaced from the first end 154 of the inner core 130, such that the layer 200 defines a length 206' that is shorter than the length 166 of the first wall segment 160. Thus, when the inner core 130 is formed into the inner honeycomb structure 132 (e.g., as Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , a light-permeable slit 250' may be defined between the slit end 204' of the light-shielding layer 200' and the adjacent edge (eg, the trailing edge 108) of the slat 100. For example, Fig.10 As shown, the slit 250' defined between the slit end 204' of the light shield 200' and the trailing edge 108 of the slat 100 generally extends across a given slit distance 252' in the width direction of the slat 100. As will be described below, this slit distance 252' can be based on a corresponding overlap distance 260' ( Fig.15 ) to provide different lighting effects depending on the direction in which the slats 100 are closed. For example, the light-permeable slits 250' may allow a certain amount of light to enter each honeycomb cell 100 along the rear side 50 of the covering 20 (e.g., through the portion of the outer jacket 120 and the inner core 130 positioned at the slits 250') when the slats 100 are in one closed position (e.g., the downwardly closed portion), but may be blocked or vertically overlapped by a portion of the light-shielding layer 200 of an adjacent slat 100 when the slats 100 are in another closed position to provide a darkened appearance with a soft, uniform reveal line on the front side 48 of the covering 29.

[0076] Reference now Fig.12 and Fig.13 , according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter Fig.10 and Fig.11 A similar view of the outer sheath 120 and inner core 130 is shown, with the light shielding layer 200' shown in a different installation position. Specifically, similar to Fig.10 and Fig.11In the illustrated embodiment, the light shielding layer 200' is disposed directly between the first wall segment 160 of the inner core 130 and the outer jacket 120, such that the layer 200 extends across the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132 and along the exterior of such structure 132. In addition, the light shielding layer 200 is configured to extend only partially across the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132. However, unlike the above-described embodiment in which the light shielding layer 200 extends from the first folded edge 150 of the inner core 130 across a portion of the first wall segment 160 to form a light-permeable slit 250' adjacent to the opposite end 154 of the first folded segment 160, the light shielding layer 200 creates such a slit 250' at a location adjacent to the first folded edge 150 of the inner core 130. Specifically, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the light shielding layer 200 extends along the outer surface of the first wall segment 160 from a first end 202' positioned adjacent the first end 154 of the inner core 130 to a second or "slit" end 204' spaced apart from the first folded edge 150 of the inner core 130 such that the layer 200 defines a length 206' that is shorter than the length 166 of the first wall segment 160. Thus, when the inner core 130 is positioned within the outer jacket 120 and formed into the inner honeycomb structure 132, light permeable slits 250' may be defined between the slit ends 204' of the light shielding layer 200 and an adjacent edge (e.g., the leading edge 106) of the slat 100. For example, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the slit 250' defined between the slit end 204' of the light shielding layer 200 and the leading edge 106 of the slat 100 generally extends across a given slit distance 252' in the width direction of the slat 100. Similar to the case described above, this slit distance 252' can be based on the corresponding overlap distance 260' ( Fig.15 ) to provide different lighting effects depending on the direction in which the slats 100 are closed.

[0077] It should be understood that while only a “slotted” shade configuration is described above with reference to the shade layer 200′ positioned between the inner core 130 and the outer jacket 120 along the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132, the slotted shade configuration may be provided at any other suitable location within the honeycomb slat 100, which provides a light-permeable slit 250′ between the shade layer 200 and the adjacent edge of the slat 100 through which light may be transmitted. For example, similar to Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the slotted shade configuration may be provided on the inner surface 174 of the first wall segment 160 such that the slots 250' are defined between the shade layer 200 and the leading edge 106 or the trailing edge 108 of the slat 100 along the second side 142 of the inner honeycomb structure 132. Alternatively, similar to Figure 6 and Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, the slotted shading configuration may be disposed along the first side 140 of the internal honeycomb structure 132 (e.g., along the inner surface 175 of the base wall segment 158 ​​or between the base wall segment 158 ​​and the outer jacket 120) such that the slit 250' is defined between the shading layer 200 and the leading edge 106 or the trailing edge 108 of the slat 100.

[0078] It should also be appreciated that the above-described light shielding layer 200' may be advantageously applied to a honeycomb slat 100 including an outer sheath and an inner core or to an unsheathed embodiment of the honeycomb slat 100. For example, Fig.17 The figure shows an unsheathed embodiment of a honeycomb slat 100, which is similar to Fig.16 An embodiment of a combined light shielding layer 200' is shown.

[0079] Reference now Fig.14 and Fig.15 , according to various aspects of the inventive subject matter, the above reference Figure 1 A partial side view of a covering 20 is depicted in which the honeycomb slats 100 have Fig.10 and Fig.11 The configuration shown is mounted relative to the cover and tilted to a corresponding closed position. Specifically, Fig.14 The slats 100 are shown tilted to a first closed position (eg, a downward closed position) such that the leading edge 106 of the slats 100 faces downward along the front side 48 of the covering 20 and the trailing edge 108 of the slats 100 faces upward along the rear side 50 of the covering 20. Fig.15 The figure shows the slats 100 tilted to a second closed position (e.g., an upward closed position) such that the leading edge 106 of the slats 100 faces upward along the front side 48 of the covering 20 and the trailing edge 108 of the slats 100 faces downward along the rear side 50 of the covering 20. For illustrative purposes, each honeycomb slat 100 is schematically shown as a dashed oval 100, while the inner light shielding layer 200' of each honeycomb slat 100 is schematically shown as a solid line 200'. It should be understood that whether the honeycomb slat 100 includes both an outer sheath and an inner core or is configured similar to Fig.17 The unsheathed laths of the laths shown, Fig.14 and Fig.15 The description usually applies.

[0080] Generally speaking, Fig.14 and Fig.15 The single-sided slotted shading arrangement shown provides the same Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The lighting effects described above are similar to the lighting effects described above (i.e., for a single-sided non-slit shading arrangement). For example, Fig.14As shown, with the slats 100 tilted to a downward closed position so that the light shielding layer 200' of each slat 100 is positioned along the rear side 50 of the covering 20, light 220 from the rear side 50 of the covering 20 is allowed to pass through each light-permeable slit 250' provided by the slotted light-shielding arrangement and enter the interior of the slats 100, at which time the light diffuses through the interior of the honeycomb holes 100 (as indicated by arrows 222). Due to this light diffusion through each honeycomb hole 100, the slats 100 will have a soft glow or soft lighting effect along the front side 48 of the covering 20, which provides a generally aesthetically pleasing appearance to the covering 20 and also serves to hide any defects provided at the interface between the slats and the front side 48 or make the defects less noticeable. However, because the light-permeable slits 250' allow for more light to be emitted than those described above with reference to FIG. Fig. 9 The described non-slit shade arrangement allows more light to enter the interior of each honeycomb hole 100, and the increased amount of diffuse light passing through each honeycomb hole 100 illuminates the slats 100 to a greater extent. This can allow the texture of the fabric material used to form the outer sheath 120 of the slats 100 to become more visible along the front side 48 of the covering 20, which is desirable in many cases (e.g., when the outer sheath 120 is formed of an aesthetically pleasing fabric). In addition, the increased illumination of the slats 100 can also provide greater contrast in the lighting effects provided between the downward closed position and the upward closed position.

[0081] like Fig.15 As shown, when the slats 100 are tilted to the upward closed position so that the light shielding layer 200' is positioned along the front side 48 of the covering 20, the slats 100 will provide the same Fig. 9 Specifically, the slats 100 will have a darker appearance on the front side 48 of the covering 20. However, as Fig.15As shown, in order to provide such a lighting effect with a slotted light shielding arrangement, the light shielding layers 200' are configured to vertically overlap each other across the slits 250', thereby allowing the light shielding layers 200' to substantially block any light from passing through the slats 100 along the front side 48 of the covering 20. Such an overlapping configuration can be achieved by selecting the slit distance 252' of each slat 100 to be less than the overlap distance 260', across which adjacent slats 100 overlap at the slat-to-slat interface. In other words, the overlap distance 260' can generally correspond to the maximum limit of the slat distance 252', so as to achieve the desired lighting effect. Thus, the slit distance 252' can generally vary over a range of distances from greater than zero to an overlap distance 260', wherein a smaller slit distance 252' allows less diffuse light to pass through each honeycomb hole 100 in a downwardly closed position (and, therefore, a lower contrast in lighting effects between the downwardly closed position and the upwardly closed position) and a larger slit distance 252' allows more diffuse light to pass through each honeycomb hole 100 in a downwardly closed position (and, therefore, a higher contrast in lighting effects between the downwardly closed position and the upwardly closed position).

[0082] In addition, it should be understood that due to the single-sided shading arrangement, when the slats 100 are tilted to Fig.14 In the upward closed position shown, a small amount of diffuse light will be allowed to pass through the cover 20 at the slat-to-slat interface. Fig. 9 In the described embodiment, this small amount of diffuse light will provide a very soft, uniform reveal line at the slat-to-slat interface between each pair of adjacent slats (indicated by line 240), which hides any defects defined at this interface or makes them almost unnoticeable.

[0083] It should also be understood that in the non-sheathed embodiments described herein (e.g., Fig.16 and Fig.17 ), the slat core may be finished or covered along one or both sides thereof for aesthetic purposes. For example, in one embodiment, one side of the slat core may be painted or printed to provide the slat core with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. In another embodiment, a covering material (e.g., fabric) may be laminated to one side of the slat core. Alternatively, such printed / painted or covering material may be applied to both sides of the slat core.

[0084] Although the foregoing specific embodiments and drawings represent various embodiments, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the invention. Each example is provided by way of example and is not intended to limit the broad concept of the subject matter of the invention. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions and by utilizing other elements, materials and components without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present disclosure. For example, a feature illustrated or described as a part of an embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to obtain another embodiment. Therefore, it is hoped that the subject matter of the invention covers these modifications and changes within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, without departing from the principles of the subject matter of the invention, the present disclosure may be used together with the structures, arrangements, proportions, materials and components used in practicing the present disclosure and many other modifications, which are particularly suitable for specific environments and operational requirements. For example, an element shown as being formed in one piece may be composed of a plurality of parts or elements shown, because a plurality of parts may be formed in one piece, the operation of the element may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the size or dimensions of the element may be changed. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the inventive subject matter being indicated by the appended claims and not limited to the foregoing description.

[0085] In the foregoing specific embodiments, it will be understood that, as used herein, the phrases "at least one", "one or more" and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both combined and separated in operation. As used herein, the term "a" or "an" element refers to one or more of the elements. Therefore, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, transverse, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, transverse, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise and / or the like) are used only for identification purposes to help the reader understand the subject matter of the invention, and / or for distinguishing the areas of associated elements from each other, and do not limit the associated elements, particularly with respect to the position, orientation or use of the subject matter of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attachment, connection, connection, combination, fixing, installation and / or the like) will be broadly interpreted and may include intermediate members between sets of elements and relative movement between elements, unless otherwise specified. Thus, connecting references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other. Identifying references (eg, primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, but rather are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0086] All devices and methods disclosed herein are examples of devices and / or methods implemented according to one or more principles of the inventive subject matter. These examples are not the only way to implement these principles, but are only examples. Therefore, references to elements or structures or features in the accompanying drawings must be understood as references to examples of embodiments of the inventive subject matter, and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the illustrated specific elements, structures or features. Other examples of the way in which the disclosed principles are implemented will be thought of by those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure.

[0087] This written description uses examples to disclose the inventive subject matter, including the best mode, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the inventive subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0088] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description by reference, wherein each claim is independently a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. In addition, although listed separately, multiple devices, elements or method steps can be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. In addition, although individual features may be included in different claims, these features may be advantageously combined, and inclusion in different claims does not imply that the combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude multiple. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second", etc. do not exclude multiple. The reference symbols in the claims are provided only as clarification examples and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A honeycomb slat for a covering of a building structure, the honeycomb slat include: a lath core forming a honeycomb structure having opposing first and second sides extending between opposing first and second edges of the lath core; as well as A light shielding layer is provided in association with only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure of the slat core.

2. The honeycomb slat of claim 1 , wherein the light shielding layer extends from the first edge to the second edge of the slat core across the only one of the first sides of the second side of the honeycomb structure.

3. A honeycomb slat as described in claim 1, wherein the shading layer only partially extends across one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure, so that a light-permeable slit is defined between the shading layer and one of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the honeycomb slat.

4. The honeycomb slat of claim 1, wherein the light permeable slits allow light to pass through the slat core and into the interior of the slat core along the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure.

5. The honeycomb slat of claim 1, wherein the slat core is formed from one of a clear film material or a translucent film material.

6. The honeycomb slat of claim 1, wherein the light shielding layer is positioned on an exterior of the slat core along the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure.

7. The honeycomb slat of claim 1, wherein the light shielding layer is positioned within the interior of the slat core along the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure.

8. The honeycomb slat according to claim 1, in: The first edge and the second edge of the plank core include a first folded edge and a second folded edge; The lath core includes a first end and a second end, the first fold edge and the second fold edge being formed between the first end and the second end, such that the lath core includes a plurality of wall segments; and The multiple wall segments include a base wall segment extending between the first folded edge and the second folded edge of the slat core, a first wall segment extending between the first folded edge of the slat core and the first end of the slat core, and a second wall segment extending between the second folded edge of the slat core and the second end of the slat core.

9. The honeycomb panel of claim 8, wherein the first wall segment and the second wall segment at least partially overlap each other along the second side of the honeycomb structure.

10. The honeycomb slat of claim 9, wherein the light shielding layer is disposed along the second side of the honeycomb structure.

11. The honeycomb slat of claim 9, wherein the light shielding layer is disposed along the first side of the honeycomb structure.

12. The honeycomb slat according to claim 8, in: the base wall segment extending across the first side of the honeycomb structure between opposite leading and trailing edges of the slats, and the first wall segment extending across the second side of the honeycomb structure between the leading and trailing edges of the slats; the first wall segment defines a segment length between the first folded edge and the first end of the strip core; and The base wall segment defines a segment length between the first and second folded edges of the strip core.

13. The honeycomb slat of claim 12, wherein the light shielding layer extends across the first wall segment from the first folded edge of the slat core to the first end.

14. The honeycomb slat of claim 12, wherein the light shielding layer extends partially across the first wall segment such that the light shielding layer defines a length that is less than the segment length of the first wall segment.

15. The honeycomb slat of claim 12, wherein the light shielding layer extends across the base wall segment from the first folded edge to the second folded edge of the slat core.

16. The honeycomb slat of claim 12, wherein the light shielding layer extends partially across the base wall segment such that the light shielding layer defines a length that is less than the segment length of the base wall segment.

17. The honeycomb stave of claim 1 further comprising an outer sheath forming an outer honeycomb structure of the stave, the stave core being positioned within the outer sheath.

18. The honeycomb stave of claim 17, wherein the stave core is at least partially disengaged relative to the outer jacket along at least a portion of an interface defined between the stave core and the outer jacket.

19. A covering comprising a top rail, a bottom rail supported relative to the top rail, and a plurality of honeycomb slats positioned between the top rail and the bottom rail, wherein each honeycomb slat defines a leading edge positioned along a front side of the covering and a trailing edge positioned along a rear side of the covering, and wherein each honeycomb slat is configured according to the honeycomb slat of claim 1.

20. The covering according to claim 19, in: The plurality of honeycomb slats are tiltable between a downwardly closed position and an upwardly closed position; and The shading layer is positioned along the front side of the covering when the plurality of honeycomb slats are tilted to one of the downward closed position or the upward closed position, and the shading layer is positioned along the rear side of the covering when the plurality of honeycomb slats are tilted to the other of the downward closed position or the upward closed position.

21. The covering according to claim 20, in: allowing an amount of light to pass from the rear side of the covering and into the interior of each of the plurality of honeycomb slats at a slat-to-slat interface defined between adjacent ones of the plurality of honeycomb slats when the plurality of honeycomb slats are tilted to the downward closed position such that the other of the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure is partially illuminated along the front side of the covering; and The light blocking layer of the plurality of honeycomb slats blocks light from passing through the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure along the front side of the covering when the plurality of honeycomb slats are tilted to the upward closed position.

22. The covering according to claim 19, in: The plurality of honeycomb slats are tiltable between a downwardly closed position and an upwardly closed position; and The plurality of honeycomb slats provide different lighting effects depending on whether the plurality of honeycomb slats are positioned in the downward closed position or in the upward closed position.

23. The covering of claim 19 wherein the light blocking layer extends from the first edge to the second edge of the slat core across the only one of the first sides of the second side of the honeycomb structure.

24. The covering of claim 19, wherein the light shielding layer extends only partially across the one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure such that a light permeable slit is defined between the light shielding layer and one of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the honeycomb slat.

25. The covering according to claim 24, in: The light-permeable slit defines a slit distance between the light-shielding layer and the one of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the honeycomb slat; and The slit distance is less than an overlap distance defined between adjacent ones of the plurality of honeycomb slats when the plurality of honeycomb slats are moved to a closed position.

26. A covering as described in claim 24, wherein the shading layer of a first honeycomb slat among the plurality of honeycomb slats is configured to vertically overlap with the shading layer of a second honeycomb slat among the plurality of honeycomb slats when the plurality of honeycomb slats are moved to a closed position, so that the overlapping retraction layer extends vertically across the light-permeable slit defined by the first honeycomb slat or the second honeycomb slat.

27. The covering of claim 24, wherein the light permeable slits allow light to pass through the slat core and into the interior of the slat core along the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure.

28. The covering of claim 19, wherein the slat core is formed from one of a clear film material or a translucent film material.

29. The covering of claim 19, wherein the light blocking layer is positioned on an exterior of the slat core along the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure.

30. The covering of claim 19, wherein the light blocking layer is positioned within the interior of the slat core along the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure.

31. The covering of claim 19, in: The first edge and the second edge of the plank core include a first folded edge and a second folded edge; The lath core includes a first end and a second end, the first fold edge and the second fold edge being formed between the first end and the second end, such that the lath core includes a plurality of wall segments; and The multiple wall segments include a base wall segment extending between the first folded edge and the second folded edge of the slat core, a first wall segment extending between the first folded edge of the slat core and the first end of the slat core, and a second wall segment extending between the second folded edge of the slat core and the second end of the slat core.

32. The covering of claim 31 , wherein the first wall segment and the second wall segment at least partially overlap one another along the second side of the honeycomb structure.

33. The covering of claim 32, wherein the light blocking layer is disposed along the second side of the honeycomb structure.

34. The covering of claim 32, wherein the light blocking layer is disposed along the first side of the honeycomb structure.

35. The covering of claim 31, in: the base wall segment extends across the first side of the honeycomb structure between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the slat, and the first wall segment extends across the second side of the honeycomb structure between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the slat; the first wall segment defines a segment length between the first folded edge and the first end of the strip core; and The base wall segment defines a segment length between the first and second folded edges of the strip core.

36. The covering of claim 35 wherein the light blocking layer extends across the first wall segment from the first folded edge of the slat core to the first end.

37. The covering of claim 35, wherein the light blocking layer extends partially across the first wall segment such that the light blocking layer defines a length that is less than the segment length of the first wall segment.

38. The covering of claim 35 wherein the light blocking layer extends across the base wall segment from the first folded edge to the second folded edge of the slat core.

39. The covering of claim 34, wherein the light shielding layer extends partially across the base wall segment such that the light shielding layer defines a length that is less than the segment length of the base wall segment.

40. The covering of claim 19 further comprising an outer sheath forming an outer honeycomb structure of the slats, the slat core being positioned within the outer sheath.

41. The covering of claim 40, wherein the slat core is in an at least partially disengaged state relative to the outer jacket along at least a portion of an interface defined between the slat core and the outer jacket.

42. A covering for a building structure, the covering include: Top rail; a bottom rail supported relative to the top rail; as well as a plurality of honeycomb slats positioned between the top rail and the bottom rail, each honeycomb slat defining a leading edge positioned along a front side of the covering and a trailing edge positioned along a rear side of the covering, and wherein each honeycomb slat comprises: a lath core forming a honeycomb structure having opposing first and second sides extending between opposing first and second edges of the lath core; and a light shielding layer disposed in association with only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure of the slat core; in: the light shielding layer only partially extends across the one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure such that a light permeable slit is defined between the light shielding layer and one of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the honeycomb slat; The light-permeable slit defines a slit distance between the light-shielding layer and the one of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the honeycomb slat; and The slit distance is less than an overlap distance defined between adjacent ones of the plurality of honeycomb slats when the plurality of honeycomb slats are moved to a closed position.

43. The covering of claim 42, in: The closed position comprises at least one of a downward closed position or an upward closed position; and The shading layer is positioned along the front side of the covering when the plurality of honeycomb slats are tilted to one of the downward closed position or the upward closed position, and the shading layer is positioned along the rear side of the covering when the plurality of honeycomb slats are tilted to the other of the downward closed position or the upward closed position.

44. The covering of claim 43, in: allowing an amount of light to pass from the rear side of the covering and into the interior of each of the plurality of honeycomb slats at a slat-to-slat interface defined between adjacent ones of the plurality of honeycomb slats when the plurality of honeycomb slats are tilted to the downward closed position such that the other of the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure is partially illuminated along the front side of the covering; and The light blocking layer of the plurality of honeycomb slats blocks light from passing through the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure along the front side of the covering when the plurality of honeycomb slats are tilted to the upward closed position.

45. The covering of claim 42, in: The closed position includes at least one of a downward closed position or an upward closed position; and The plurality of honeycomb slats provide different lighting effects depending on whether the plurality of honeycomb slats are positioned in the downward closed position or in the upward closed position.

46. ​​A covering as described in claim 42, wherein the shading layer of a first honeycomb slat among the plurality of honeycomb slats is configured to vertically overlap with the shading layer of a second honeycomb slat among the plurality of honeycomb slats when the plurality of honeycomb slats are moved to a closed position, so that the overlapping retracted layer extends vertically across the light-permeable gap defined by the first honeycomb slat or the second honeycomb slat.

47. The covering of claim 42, wherein the light permeable slits allow light to pass through the slat core and into the interior of the slat core along the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure.

48. The covering of claim 42, wherein the slat core is formed from one of a clear film material or a translucent film material.

49. The covering of claim 42 wherein the light blocking layer is positioned on an exterior of the slat core along the only one of the first side or the second side of the honeycomb structure.

50. The covering of claim 42 wherein the light blocking layer is positioned within the interior of the slat core along the only one of the first side or the second side of the slat honeycomb structure.

51. The covering of claim 42, in: The first edge and the second edge of the plank core include a first folded edge and a second folded edge; The lath core includes a first end and a second end, the first fold edge and the second fold edge being formed between the first end and the second end, such that the lath core includes a plurality of wall segments; and The multiple wall segments include a base wall segment extending between the first folded edge and the second folded edge of the slat core, a first wall segment extending between the first folded edge of the slat core and the first end of the slat core, and a second wall segment extending between the second folded edge of the slat core and the second end of the slat core.

52. The covering of claim 51 wherein the first wall segment and the second wall segment at least partially overlap one another along the second side of the honeycomb structure.

53. The covering of claim 52, wherein the light blocking layer is disposed along the second side of the honeycomb structure.

54. The covering of claim 52, wherein the light blocking layer is disposed along the first side of the honeycomb structure.

55. The covering of claim 51, in: the base wall segment extends across the first side of the honeycomb structure between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the slat, and the first wall segment extends across the second side of the honeycomb structure between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the slat; the first wall segment defines a segment length between the first folded edge and the first end of the strip core; and The base wall segment defines a segment length between the first and second folded edges of the strip core.

56. The covering of claim 55 wherein the light blocking layer extends partially across the first wall segment such that the light blocking layer defines a length that is less than the segment length of the first wall segment.

57. The covering of claim 55 wherein the light shielding layer extends partially across the base wall segment such that the light shielding layer defines a length that is less than the segment length of the base wall segment.

58. The covering of claim 42 further comprising an outer sheath forming an outer honeycomb structure of the slats, the slat core being positioned within the outer sheath.

59. The covering of claim 42, wherein the slat core is in an at least partially disengaged condition relative to the outer jacket along at least a portion of an interface defined between the slat core and the outer jacket.

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