Operating system and rail assembly for covering of building structure and related covering

Abstract

Various embodiments of operating systems and rail assemblies configured for use with coverings for architectural structures are described herein. In addition, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a cover containing one or more embodiments of the operating system and / or track component described herein.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 411,780, filed on September 30, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter of the present invention generally relates to coverings for building structures, and more particularly to operating systems (e.g., tilting systems and / or lifting systems) for coverings and rail assemblies (e.g., top rail assemblies, bottom rail assemblies, and / or related sub - assemblies) and related coverings including the same. Background Art

[0004] Coverings (such as horizontal / blind and other similar slat - based coverings) typically include a top rail, a bottom rail, and a plurality of horizontally - oriented slats configured to be supported between the top rail and the bottom rail via two or more ladder tape assemblies. A tilting system is provided to allow the slats to tilt between an open position and a closed position. Additionally, one or more lift cords of an associated lifting system typically extend between the top rail and the bottom rail for adjusting the position of the bottom rail relative to the top rail.

[0005] Although various improvements have been made to slat - based coverings in the past to achieve their efficient and effective operation, there is still a need for further improvements and advancements, such as to facilitate more efficient and / or effective operation of slat - based coverings. Additionally, there is a need for further improvements and advancements, such as to provide enhanced configurations and / or arrangements for one or more components of slat - based coverings. In this regard, improved operating systems and / or rail assemblies configured for slat - based coverings would be welcomed in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the subject matter of the present invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the subject matter of the present invention.

[0007] In one aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a covering for a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0008] In another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an operating system (e.g., tilting system and / or lifting system) for a covering for a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0009] In another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a top rail assembly for a covering of a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a bottom rail assembly for a covering of a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0011] In another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a rail support assembly for a covering of a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0012] In another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a tilt drive assembly for a covering of a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a tilt bar for a covering of a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0014] In another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a braking assembly for a covering of a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0015] Additionally, in one aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an operating system for tilting a plurality of slats of a covering for a building structure. The operating system includes a tilt drive assembly that includes a drive pulley supported for rotation about a pulley axis and a first tilt rope and a second tilt rope coupled to the drive pulley. The operating system further includes a tilt bar supported relative to the tilt drive assembly. The tilt bar includes a first bar portion and a second bar portion. The first tilt rope and the second tilt rope are coupled to the tilt bar such that movement of the second bar portion relative to the first bar portion in a first direction causes the drive pulley to rotate about the pulley axis in a first rotational direction, and movement of the second bar portion relative to the first bar portion in an opposite second direction causes the drive pulley to rotate about the pulley axis in an opposite second rotational direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the drive pulley rotates in the first rotational direction, the first tilt rope winds onto the drive pulley as the second tilt rope unwinds from the drive pulley, and when the drive pulley rotates in the second rotational direction, the second tilt rope winds onto the drive pulley as the first tilt rope unwinds from the drive pulley.

[0017] In one embodiment, the tilt drive assembly is configured such that rotation of the drive pulley in the first rotational direction causes the plurality of slats to tilt toward one of an upward closed position or a downward closed position, and rotation of the drive pulley in the second rotational direction causes the plurality of slats to tilt toward the other of the upward closed position or the downward closed position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first rod portion and the second rod portion are arranged in a telescopic arrangement. Additionally, in one embodiment, the first lifting rope and the second lifting rope extend through the first rod portion and are coupled to a portion of the second rod portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, one end of the first tilt rope is coupled to the second rod portion at a first position, and one end of the second tilt rope is coupled to the second rod portion at a second position spaced from the first position.

[0020] Additionally, in one embodiment, the first position is adjacent to the bottom end of the second rod portion, and the second position is adjacent to the top end of the second rod portion. In one embodiment, the tilt rod further includes a bottom cover coupled to the bottom end of the second rod portion, and the end of the first tilt rope is coupled to the second rod portion via the bottom cover of the tilt rod. In one embodiment, the end of the first tilt rope is directly coupled to the bottom cover of the tilt rod. In one embodiment, the end of the first tilt rope is coupled to the bottom cover of the tilt rod via an elongate connecting band.

[0021] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the tilt rod further includes a top cover coupled to the top end of the second rod portion, and the end of the second tilt rope is coupled to the second rod portion via the top cover of the tilt rod.

[0022] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second tilt rope is routed through the second rod portion such that an overlapping rope segment is formed within the second rod portion, and the second tilt rope vertically overlaps itself on the overlapping rope segment. In one embodiment, the second tilt rope is routed downward through the second rod portion and wound around a portion of the tilt rod located within the second rod portion, and then extends upward to the second position to form an overlapping rope segment. In one embodiment, the second tilt rope is wound around a rod bushing located within the second rod portion. In one embodiment, the rod bushing is coupled to the bottom end of the first rod portion.

[0023] In one embodiment, the tilt rail is coupled to a tilt drive assembly such that the tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis that is radially spaced from the pulley axis.

[0024] In one embodiment, the tilt drive assembly further includes a tilt drive member coupled between the drive pulley and the tilt rail such that rotation of the drive pulley about the pulley axis causes the tilt rail cover and the tilt rail to rotate together about the tilt axis.

[0025] In one embodiment, the drive pulley includes a pulley portion around which the first tilt rope and the second tilt rope are wound and unwound; and a gear post configured to engage a corresponding gear portion of the tilt drive member.

[0026] In one embodiment, the tilt drive assembly further includes an end plate, and the drive pulley is rotatably coupled to the end plate such that the drive pulley is configured to rotate relative to the end plate about a pulley axis. Additionally, in one embodiment, the drive pulley extends through the end plate such that a pulley portion is located on a first side of the end plate and a gear post is located on a second side of the end plate, and the tilt drive member is supported adjacent the second side of the end plate for rotation about a tilt axis.

[0027] In one embodiment, the tilt drive assembly further includes a stub shaft extending outwardly from the end plate along the tilt axis, wherein the tilt drive member cover is supported on the stub shaft for rotation relative to the end plate about the tilt axis.

[0028] In one embodiment, the tilt drive assembly further includes a brake spring configured to apply a radially inwardly directed force to a portion of the tilt drive member that engages the stub shaft to create a friction interface between the tilt drive member and the stub shaft.

[0029] In one embodiment, the tilt drive member defines a gear cavity extending radially outward from a gear portion of the tilt drive member, the gear cavity being configured to receive the gear post of the drive pulley.

[0030] In one embodiment, the gear cavity defines an arc length between opposite first and second ends of the gear cavity, wherein the arc length defines an angular pivot range within which the tilt drive member is pivotable about the tilt axis.

[0031] In one embodiment, the tilt drive member includes a tilt rail cover configured to be coupled to one end of a tilt rail.

[0032] In another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a covering for a building structure, wherein the covering includes a top rail assembly, a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the top rail assembly, a plurality of slats supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, and one or more embodiments of the disclosed operating system.

[0033] In one embodiment, the operating system is disposed in operative association with the top rail assembly.

[0034] In one embodiment, the operating system includes a tilt rail coupled to the tilt drive assembly such that the tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis that is radially spaced from the pulley axis. Additionally, in one embodiment, the covering further includes a lift system configured to raise and lower the bottom rail assembly relative to the top rail assembly, wherein one or more lift system components of the lift system are disposed in operative association with the tilt rail such that the one or more lift system components rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis.

[0035] In one aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an operating system for tilting a plurality of slats of a covering for a building structure. The operating system includes a tilt drive assembly and a tilt rail, the tilt rail being coupled to the tilt drive assembly such that the tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis. The tilt drive assembly includes a drive pulley that is supported for rotation about a pulley axis, wherein the pulley axis is radially spaced from the tilt axis. The tilt drive assembly further includes a tilt drive member that is coupled between the drive pulley and the tilt rail such that rotation of the drive pulley about the pulley axis causes the tilt drive member and the tilt rail to rotate together about the tilt axis. A first tilt rope and a second tilt rope are coupled to the drive pulley such that: (1) when the drive pulley rotates about the pulley axis in a first rotational direction, the first tilt rope winds onto the drive pulley as the second tilt rope unwinds from the drive pulley; and (2) when the drive pulley rotates about the pulley axis in an opposite second rotational direction, the second tilt rope winds onto the drive pulley as the first tilt rope unwinds from the drive pulley.

[0036] In one embodiment, the tilt drive assembly is configured such that rotation of the drive pulley in the first rotational direction causes the plurality of slats to tilt toward one of an upward closed position or a downward closed position, and rotation of the drive pulley in the second rotational direction causes the plurality of slats to tilt toward the other of the upward closed position or the downward closed position.

[0037] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes a tilt rod that is supported relative to the tilt drive assembly. In one embodiment, the tilt rod includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion, wherein the first tilt rope and the second tilt rope are coupled to the tilt rod such that movement of the second rod portion relative to the first rod portion in a first direction causes the drive pulley to rotate about the first rotational direction axis, and movement of the second rod portion relative to the first rod portion in an opposite second direction causes the drive pulley to rotate in the second rotational direction.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first rod portion and the second rod portion are arranged in a telescoping arrangement. In one embodiment, a first lift rope and a second lift rope extend through the first rod portion and are coupled to a portion of the second rod portion.

[0039] In one embodiment, one end of the first tilt rope is coupled to the second rod portion at a first position, and one end of the second tilt rope is coupled to the second rod portion at a second position spaced from the first position.

[0040] In one embodiment, the drive pulley includes a pulley portion about which the first tilt rope and the second tilt rope wind and unwind; and a gear post that is configured to engage a corresponding gear portion of the tilt drive member.

[0041] Additionally, in one embodiment, the tilt drive assembly further includes an end plate, and the drive pulley is rotatably coupled to the end plate such that the drive pulley is configured to rotate relative to the end plate about a pulley axis. In one embodiment, the drive pulley extends through the end plate such that a pulley portion is located on a first side of the end plate and the gear post is located on a second side of the end plate, and the tilt drive member is supported adjacent the second side of the end plate for rotation about a tilt axis.

[0042] In one embodiment, the tilt drive assembly further includes a stub shaft extending outwardly from the end plate along the tilt axis, wherein the tilt drive member cover is supported on the stub shaft for rotation relative to the end plate about the tilt axis.

[0043] In one embodiment, the tilt drive assembly further includes a brake spring configured to apply a radially inwardly directed force to a portion of the tilt drive member that engages the stub shaft to create a friction interface between the tilt drive member and the stub shaft.

[0044] In one embodiment, the tilt drive member defines a gear cavity extending radially outwardly from a gear portion of the tilt drive member, the gear cavity being configured to receive the gear post of the drive pulley. In one embodiment, the gear cavity defines an arc length between opposite first and second ends of the gear cavity, wherein the arc length defines an angular pivot range within which the tilt drive member is pivotable about the tilt axis.

[0045] In one embodiment, the tilt drive member includes a tilt rail cover configured to be coupled to one end of a tilt rail.

[0046] In a further aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an operating system for use with a covering for a building structure. The operating system includes a tilt bar. The tilt bar includes a first bar portion extending longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end, and a second bar portion extending longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end. The second bar portion is disposed in a telescoping arrangement with the first bar portion such that the second bar portion is movable relative to the first bar portion in a first direction and an opposite second direction. The operating system further includes a first tilt rope and a second tilt rope operatively associated with the tilt rope such that portions of the first tilt rope and the second tilt rope are encapsulated within the first bar portion and the second bar portion. A first lift rope and a second lift rope are routed from the top end of the first bar portion through the first bar portion to the bottom end of the first bar portion and into the second bar portion. Additionally, one end of the first tilt rope is coupled to the second bar portion at a first location, and one end of the second tilt rope is coupled to the second bar portion at a second location spaced from the first location.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first location is adjacent the bottom end of the second bar portion, and the second location is adjacent the top end of the second bar portion.

[0048] In one embodiment, the tilting rod further includes a bottom cover that is coupled to the bottom end of the second rod portion, wherein the end of the first tilting rope is coupled to the second rod portion via the bottom cover of the tilting rod. In one embodiment, the end of the first tilting rope is directly coupled to the bottom cover of the tilting rod. In one embodiment, the end of the first tilting rope is coupled to the bottom cover of the tilting rod via an elongate connecting strap. In one embodiment, the elongate connecting strap is configured to engage the bottom cover of the tilting rod in a manner that prevents the connecting strap from moving relative to the bottom cover in the direction inside the tilting rod. In one embodiment, the connecting strap defines a ridged surface that is configured to engage a corresponding pawl of the bottom cover to prevent the connecting strap from moving relative to the bottom cover in the direction inside the tilting rod.

[0049] In one embodiment, the tilting rod further includes a top cover that is coupled to the top end of the second rod portion, and the end of the second tilting rope is coupled to the second rod portion via the top cover of the tilting rod.

[0050] In one embodiment, the second tilting rope is routed through the second rod portion such that an overlapping rope segment is formed within the second rod portion, and the second tilting rope vertically overlaps itself on the overlapping rope segment. In one embodiment, the second tilting rope is routed downward from the top end of the second rod portion through the second rod portion and wound around the bottom end of the first rod portion that is located within the second rod portion, and then extends upward to a second position to form an overlapping rope segment. In one embodiment, the second tilting rope is wound around a rod bushing coupled to the bottom end of the first rod portion.

[0051] In another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an operating system configured for use with a covering for a building structure. The operating system includes a tilting drive assembly and a tilting rail that is coupled to the tilting drive assembly such that the tilting drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilting rail about a tilting axis. The operating system further includes a ladder belt assembly coupled to the tilting rail, wherein the ladder belt assembly is configured to support a plurality of slats of the covering. The tilting drive assembly includes an outer end plate, an inner end plate rotatable about the tilting axis relative to the outer end plate, and a drive pulley rotatably coupled to the inner end plate such that the drive pulley is configured to rotate about a pulley axis relative to the inner end plate while rotating about the tilting axis relative to the outer end plate with the inner end plate, wherein the pulley axis is radially spaced from the tilting axis. A tilting rope is coupled to the drive pulley such that the tilting rope winds onto and unwinds from the drive pulley as the drive pulley rotates about the pulley axis.

[0052] In one embodiment, the outer end plate includes a fixed gear portion, and the drive pulley includes a corresponding gear portion configured to engage with the fixed gear portion of the outer end plate such that rotation of the drive pulley about the pulley axis causes the inner end plate and the drive pulley to rotate relative to the fixed gear portion about the tilt axis.

[0053] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes a winch assembly disposed operatively associated with the outer end plate. In one embodiment, the winch assembly includes a winch pulley around which a portion of the tilt rope is wound as the tilt rope extends along a rope path defined within the tilt drive assembly, wherein the winch pulley is rotatable in only one direction such that the winch pulley rotates when the tilt rope moves along the rope path in a first direction and allows the tilt rope to slide relative to the winch pulley when the tilt rope moves along the rope path in an opposite second direction.

[0054] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes an auxiliary rope pulley supported by the inner end plate, wherein the tilt rope extends from the winch assembly along the rope path and is at least partially wound around the auxiliary rope pulley and then extends from the auxiliary rope pulley along the rope path to the drive pulley.

[0055] In one embodiment, a portion of the inner end plate defines a rope guiding surface through which the tilt rope moves as the tilt rope extends along the rope path defined between the winch assembly and the auxiliary rope pulley.

[0056] In one embodiment, when the plurality of slats are in the fully open horizontal position, the winch assembly is positioned on the front side along the tilt axis and the auxiliary rope pulley is positioned on the rear side along the tilt axis.

[0057] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes a drive spring disposed operatively associated with the drive pulley, wherein the drive pulley is rotatable about the pulley axis in a first rotational direction to cause the tilt rope to move along the rope path in a first direction. In one embodiment, the drive spring is configured to bias the drive pulley to rotate in an opposite second rotational direction to cause the tilt rope to move along the rope path in a second direction.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first rotational direction corresponds to one of the downward closing direction or the upward closing direction of the plurality of slats, and the second rotational direction corresponds to the other of the downward closing direction or the upward closing direction of the plurality of slats.

[0059] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes a spring cup configured to at least partially receive a drive spring. In one embodiment, a first portion of the drive spring is coupled to a drive pulley, and a second portion of the drive spring is coupled to the spring cup, wherein rotation of the drive pulley about a pulley axis relative to the spring cup in a first rotational direction causes the drive spring to store energy, and wherein the drive spring is configured to release the stored energy to rotationally drive the drive pulley about the pulley axis in a second rotational direction.

[0060] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes a locking mechanism configured to engage a portion of the spring cup to prevent the spring cup from rotating about the pulley axis relative to the drive pulley. In one embodiment, when the locking mechanism is moved to an unlocked position relative to the spring cup, the spring cup is configured to rotate about the pulley axis relative to the drive pulley to pre-wind the drive spring.

[0061] In one embodiment, the frictional force provided by the winch assembly on the inclined rope is configured to prevent the drive pulley from rotating in the second rotational direction by the drive spring. In one embodiment, when the frictional force provided by the winch assembly on the inclined rope decreases, the return force provided by the drive spring is sufficient to cause the drive pulley to rotate in the second rotational direction.

[0062] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes at least one lift system component supported by an inclined rail such that the at least one lift system component rotates about an inclined axis together with the inclined rail.

[0063] In one embodiment, the center of mass of the inclined rail is offset relative to the inclined axis in a radial direction defined relative to the inclined axis.

[0064] In yet another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to an operating system configured for use with a covering for a building structure. The operating system includes a tilt drive assembly; a tilt rail coupled to the tilt drive assembly such that the tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis; and a ladder belt assembly coupled to the tilt rail, wherein the ladder belt assembly is configured to support a plurality of slats of the covering. The tilt drive assembly includes an end plate and a winch assembly operatively associated with the end plate. The winch assembly includes a one-way winch pulley around which a portion of a tilt rope is wound as the tilt rope extends along a rope path defined within the tilt drive assembly, wherein the winch pulley is rotatable in only one direction such that the winch pulley rotates as the tilt rope moves along the rope path in a first direction and allows the tilt rope to slide relative to the winch pulley as the tilt rope moves along the rope path in an opposite second direction. The tilt drive assembly further includes a drive pulley supported for rotation relative to the end plate about the tilt axis, wherein the tilt rope is coupled to the drive pulley such that the tilt rope is wound onto and unwound from the drive pulley as the axis of the drive pulley rotates.

[0065] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes a drive spring operatively associated with the drive pulley, wherein the drive pulley is rotatable in a first rotational direction to cause the tilt rope to move along the rope path in a first direction, and the drive spring is configured to bias the drive pulley to rotate in an opposite second rotational direction to cause the tilt rope to move along the rope path in a second direction.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first rotational direction corresponds to one of a downward closing direction or an upward closing direction of the plurality of slats, and the second rotational direction corresponds to the other of the downward closing direction or the upward closing direction of the plurality of slats.

[0067] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes a spring cup configured to at least partially receive the drive spring. In one embodiment, a first portion of the drive spring is coupled to the drive pulley and a second portion of the drive spring is coupled to the spring cup, wherein rotation of the drive pulley relative to the spring cup in the first rotational direction causes the drive spring to store energy, and wherein the drive spring is configured to release the stored energy to rotationally drive the drive pulley in the second rotational direction.

[0068] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes a locking mechanism configured to engage a portion of the spring cup to prevent rotation of the spring cup relative to the drive pulley. In one embodiment, when the locking mechanism is moved to an unlocked position relative to the spring cup, the spring cup is configured to rotate relative to the drive pulley to pre-wind the drive spring.

[0069] In one embodiment, the frictional force provided by the winch assembly on the angled rope is configured to prevent the drive pulley from rotating in the second rotational direction by the drive spring. In one embodiment, when the frictional force provided by the winch assembly on the angled rope decreases, the return force provided by the drive spring is sufficient to cause the drive pulley to rotate in the second rotational direction.

[0070] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes an inner end plate rotatable relative to the outer end plate about an angled axis, wherein the drive pulley is rotatably coupled to the inner end plate such that the drive pulley is configured to rotate relative to the inner end plate about a pulley axis while rotating with the inner end plate about the angled axis relative to the outer end plate.

[0071] In one embodiment, the pulley axis is radially spaced from the angled axis.

[0072] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes an auxiliary rope pulley supported by the inner end plate, wherein the angled rope extends from the winch assembly along a rope path and at least partially wraps around the auxiliary rope pulley and then extends from the auxiliary rope pulley along the rope path to the drive pulley.

[0073] In one embodiment, a portion of the inner end plate defines a rope guiding surface through which the angled rope moves as the angled rope extends along the rope path defined between the winch assembly and the auxiliary rope pulley.

[0074] In one embodiment, when the plurality of slats are in the fully open horizontal position, the winch assembly is positioned on the front side along the angled axis and the auxiliary rope pulley is positioned on the rear side along the angled axis.

[0075] In one embodiment, the operating system further includes at least one lifting system component supported by the angled rail such that the at least one lifting system component rotates with the angled rail about the angled axis.

[0076] In one embodiment, the centroid of the angled rail is offset relative to the angled axis in a radial direction defined relative to the angled axis.

[0077] In another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a covering for a building structure, wherein the covering includes a top rail assembly, a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the top rail assembly, a plurality of slats supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, and one or more embodiments of the disclosed operating system.

[0078] In one embodiment, the operating system is operatively associated with the top rail assembly.

[0079] In one embodiment, the operating system includes a tilt rail that is coupled to a tilt drive assembly such that the tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis that is radially spaced from the pulley axis. Additionally, in one embodiment, the covering further includes a lifting system that is configured to raise and lower a bottom rail assembly relative to a top rail assembly, wherein one or more lifting system components of the lifting system are disposed operatively associated with the tilt rail such that the one or more lifting system components rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis.

[0080] In another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a top rail assembly configured for use with a covering for a building structure. The top rail assembly includes a mounting rail and a tilt system supported relative to the mounting rail. The tilt system includes a tilt drive assembly and a tilt rail. The tilt rail extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis to effect tilting of a plurality of slats. The top rail assembly further includes a rail support assembly configured to support the tilt rail relative to the mounting rail for rotation about the tilt axis. The rail support assembly supports the tilt rail at a location between the first end and the second end of the tilt rail. The rail support assembly includes a rail support bracket that includes a first bracket portion coupled to the mounting rail and a second bracket portion extending outwardly from the first bracket portion. The rail support assembly further includes a pivot pin fixed to the second bracket portion and extending longitudinally along the tilt axis. The tilt rail is pivotally coupled to the rail support bracket via the pivot pin such that the tilt rail pivots relative to the rail support bracket about the pivot pin.

[0081] In one embodiment, the top rail assembly further includes a lifting system configured to raise and lower the covering between a raised position and a lowered position. In one embodiment, the lifting system includes a plurality of components disposed operatively associated with the tilt rail such that the plurality of components rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis, wherein the tilt rail is pivotally coupled to the pivot pin via a first one of the plurality of components for rotation relative to the pivot pin. In one embodiment, the first component includes a lift station of the lifting system, wherein the lift station includes a housing coupled to the tilt rail and the housing is configured to support a lift reel about which a lift rope of the lifting system is wound and unwound as the covering is raised and lowered between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0082] In one embodiment, the rail support assembly further includes a first support member and a second support member coupled to the tilt rail, wherein the first support member defines a first bearing surface and the second support member defines a second bearing surface, and the pivot pin is captured between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first support member defines a first elongate slot, and the second support member defines a second elongate slot, wherein the first elongate slot and the second elongate slot are configured to receive the rail support bracket as the tilt rail rotates about the tilt axis relative to the rail support bracket.

[0084] In one embodiment, the tilt rail defines an elongate slot that is configured to receive the rail support bracket as the tilt rail rotates about the tilt axis relative to the rail support bracket. In one embodiment, the first support member includes a slot cover that is coupled to the tilt rail such that at least a portion of the slot cover extends within the elongate slot defined by the tilt rail. Additionally, in one embodiment, the top rail assembly further includes a lift system that is configured to raise and lower a covering between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein the lift system includes a plurality of components that are disposed in operative association with the tilt rail such that the plurality of components rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis. In one embodiment, the second support member includes a first lift system component of the plurality of components of the lift system such that a pivot pin is directly captured between the slot cover and the first lift station component.

[0085] In another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a top rail assembly configured for use with a covering for a building structure. The top rail assembly includes a mounting rail and a tilt system supported relative to the mounting rail. The tilt system includes a tilt drive assembly and a tilt rail that extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis to effect tilting of a plurality of slats. The top rail assembly further includes a rail support assembly that is configured to support the tilt rail relative to the mounting rail for rotation about the tilt axis. The rail support assembly supports the tilt rail at a location between the first end and the second end of the tilt rail. The rail support assembly includes a rail support bracket that includes a first bracket portion coupled to the mounting rail and a second bracket portion extending outwardly from the first bracket portion. The rail support assembly further includes a first support member and a second support member coupled between the tilt rail and the second bracket portion, wherein the first support member and the second support member are configured to rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis relative to the rail support bracket.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first support member defines a first elongate slot, and the second support member defines a second elongate slot, wherein the first elongate slot and the second elongate slot are configured to receive the rail support bracket as the tilt rail rotates about the tilt axis relative to the rail support bracket.

[0087] In one embodiment, the tilt rail defines an elongate slot configured to receive the rail support bracket as the tilt rail rotates about a tilt axis relative to the rail support bracket. In one embodiment, the first support member includes a slot cover coupled to the tilt rail such that at least a portion of the slot cover extends within the elongate slot defined by the tilt rail. Additionally, in one embodiment, the top rail assembly further includes a lift system configured to raise and lower the cover between a raised position and a lowered position. In one embodiment, the lift system includes a plurality of components disposed in operative association with the tilt rail such that the plurality of components rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis. In one embodiment, the second support member includes a first lift system component of the plurality of components of the lift system such that the pivot pin is directly captured between the slot cover and the first lift station component.

[0088] In one embodiment, the first lift system component includes a lift station of the lift system, where the lift station includes a housing coupled to the tilt rail and the housing is configured to support a lift reel about which a lift rope of the lift system is wound and unwound as the cover is raised and lowered between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0089] In one embodiment, the rail support assembly further includes a pivot pin fixed to the second bracket portion and longitudinally extending along the tilt axis, wherein the first support member and the second support member are pivotally coupled to the rail support bracket via the pivot pin such that the first support member and the second support member pivot relative to the pivot pin as the tilt rail pivots about the tilt axis.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first support member defines a first bearing surface and the second support member defines a second bearing surface, wherein the pivot pin is captured between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface.

[0091] In one embodiment, the first support member and the second support member include a first rail slider and a second rail slider configured to engage the second bracket portion such that a sliding interface is defined between the second bracket portion and the first rail slider and the second rail slider.

[0092] In one embodiment, the second bracket portion includes a sliding arm that defines a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface configured to engage the first rail slider and the second rail slider across the sliding interface, respectively, as the tilt rail rotates about the tilt axis.

[0093] In one embodiment, the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface correspond to arcuate surfaces having a radius of curvature centered on the tilt axis.

[0094] In yet another aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a top rail assembly configured for use with a covering for a building structure. The top rail assembly includes a tilting system that includes a tilting drive assembly and a tilting rail, wherein the tilting drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilting rail about a tilting axis to effect tilting of a plurality of slats. The top rail assembly further includes a lifting system configured to raise and lower the covering between a raised position and a lowered position. The lifting system includes: a lifting rod configured to rotate as the covering moves between the raised position and the lowered position; and a braking assembly configured to apply a braking force to the lifting rod. The braking assembly includes: a housing operatively associated with the tilting rail such that the braking assembly rotates with the tilting rail about the tilting axis; and a drum coupled to the lifting rod and extending within the housing, the drum including a braking gear. The braking assembly further includes a first planetary gear and a second planetary gear supported within the housing relative to the drum such that the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear are configured to engage the braking gear. The first planetary gear and the second planetary gear are configured to rotate relative to the housing with the braking gear when the drum rotates in a first direction. Additionally, rotation of the drum in an opposite second direction causes at least one of the planetary gears to be locked against rotation relative to the housing, thereby preventing further rotation of the drum in the second rotational direction.

[0095] In one embodiment, the housing defines a first gear cavity and a second gear cavity configured to receive the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear, respectively, and a first stop tooth extends within the first gear cavity and a second stop tooth extends within the second gear cavity.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first gear cavity and the second gear cavity are defined within the housing at spaced positions such that when the drum rotates in the second direction, the gravitational forces acting on the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear will tend to cause at least one of the first planetary gear or the second planetary gear to shift towards its respective first stop tooth or second stop tooth, regardless of the orientation of the tilting rail about the tilting axis.

[0097] In one embodiment, the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear are supported within the housing at spaced positions relative to the braking gear such that the first planetary gear is configured to be locked against rotation relative to the housing when the tilting rail is in a first orientation about the tilting axis, and the second planetary gear is configured to be locked against rotation relative to the housing when the tilting rail is in a second orientation about the tilting axis, wherein the second orientation is different from the first orientation.

[0098] In one embodiment, the braking assembly further includes: a hub configured to directly engage the lifting rod to rotate therewith; and a braking spring that couples the hub to the cylinder. In one embodiment, the braking spring is captured between the outer radial surface of the hub and the inner radial surface of the cylinder. In one embodiment, when at least one of the planetary gears is locked against rotation relative to the housing to prevent further rotation of the cylinder in the second rotational direction, the cylinder and the braking spring provide a braking force applied through the hub to resist rotation of the lifting rod.

[0099] In a further aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a covering that includes one or more embodiments of the disclosed top rail top rail assembly, a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the top rail assembly, and a plurality of slats supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly.

[0100] In one aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a covering for a building structure. The covering includes a top rail assembly and a plurality of slats supported relative to the top rail assembly by at least one ladder belt assembly. The covering further includes a tilt system that forms part of the top rail assembly. The tilt system includes a tilt drive assembly and a tilt rail coupled to at least one ladder belt assembly, wherein the tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis to effect tilting of the plurality of slats. Additionally, the covering includes a lift system that forms part of the top rail assembly and is configured to raise and lower the plurality of slats relative to the top rail assembly. One or more lift system components of the lift system are disposed operatively associated with the tilt rail such that the one or more lift system components rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis.

[0101] In one embodiment, one or more lift system components include a lift station and a motor operatively coupled to the lift station.

[0102] In one embodiment, the covering further includes a bottom rail assembly positioned relative to the top rail assembly such that the plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly. In one embodiment, the lift system includes at least one lift rope extending between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly. In one embodiment, the at least one lift rope is coupled to at least one lift reel of the lift station.

[0103] In one embodiment, the tilt rail defines an end - opening mounting channel within which one or more lift system components are supported.

[0104] In one embodiment, the covering further includes a rail cover configured to be mounted relative to the tilting rail such that the rail cover and the tilting rail at least partially define a closed cavity within which one or more lift system components are located. In one embodiment, a front rope gap and a rear rope gap are defined at corresponding interfaces between the rail cover and the tilting rail, and the front belt body and the rear belt body of at least one ladder belt assembly extend through the front rope gap and the rear rope gap, respectively. Additionally, in one embodiment, the covering further includes a bottom rail assembly positioned relative to the top rail assembly such that a plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, wherein the lift system includes a front lift rope and a rear lift rope extending between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, and the front lift rope and the rear lift rope extend through the front rope gap and the rear rope gap, respectively.

[0105] In one embodiment, the front belt body and the rear belt body of at least one ladder belt assembly hang from opposite front and rear sides of the tilting rail, respectively, such that rotation of the tilting rail about the tilt axis in a first direction causes the front belt body to be raised and the rear belt body to be lowered.

[0106] In one embodiment, the covering further includes a bottom rail assembly positioned relative to the top rail assembly such that a plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly. In one embodiment, the lift system includes a front lift rope and a rear lift rope extending between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, wherein the front lift rope and the rear lift rope hang from opposite front and rear sides of the tilting rail, respectively, such that rotation of the tilting rail in a first direction causes the front lift rope to be raised by the same amount as the front belt body and the rear lift rope to be lowered by the same amount as the rear belt body.

[0107] In one embodiment, the center of mass of the tilting rail is offset relative to the tilt axis in a radial direction defined relative to the tilt axis. In one embodiment, when the plurality of slats are in a fully open horizontal position, the tilt axis is located below the center of mass of the tilting rail.

[0108] In one aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a bottom rail assembly for a covering of a building structure. The bottom rail assembly includes a bottom rail that includes a rail portion and a separate cover portion. The rail portion includes an upper rail wall and front and rear edge walls extending from the upper rail wall along corresponding front and rear sides of the rail portion. The rail portion defines an open bottom end configured to be at least partially covered by the cover portion. The bottom rail assembly further includes a connector insert received within the rail portion and configured to couple the cover portion to the rail portion of the bottom rail. The connector insert includes at least one connection member configured to engage at least one corresponding connection member of the cover portion to support the cover portion relative to the open bottom end of the rail portion.

[0109] In one embodiment, the rail portion further includes a front engagement flange and a rear engagement flange that extend inwardly relative to the front edge wall and the rear edge wall of the rail portion, respectively, wherein the front engagement flange is spaced apart from the rear engagement flange such that an open bottom end of the rail portion is defined between the front engagement flange and the rear engagement flange.

[0110] In one embodiment, an inner surface of the cover portion is configured to contact the front engagement flange and the rear engagement flange when the cover portion is coupled to the connector insert.

[0111] In one embodiment, at least one cord groove is defined in each of the front engagement flange and the rear engagement flange for receiving at least one cord of the covering.

[0112] In one embodiment, the cover portion is configured to cover at least a portion of at least one cord groove when the cover portion is supported by the connector insert relative to the open bottom end of the rail portion.

[0113] In one embodiment, at least one connecting member of the connector insert includes a pair of hook-shaped members, and wherein at least one connecting member of the cover portion compresses a corresponding pair of hook-shaped members that are configured to engage the pair of hook-shaped members of the connector insert.

[0114] In one embodiment, a snap connection is provided between the cover portion and the connector insert.

[0115] In a further aspect, the subject matter of the present invention relates to a covering that includes a top rail assembly, one or more embodiments of the disclosed bottom rail assembly, and a plurality of slats configured to be supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly.

[0116] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter of the present invention 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 subject matter of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the subject matter of the present invention.

[0117] This brief description is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be a aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0119] The complete and enabling disclosure of the subject matter of the present invention for a person of ordinary skill in the art, including its best mode, is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0120] Figure 1Shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a covering according to an aspect of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0121] Figure 2 Shows a perspective assembled view of an embodiment of a top rail assembly according to an aspect of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0122] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A perspective partial exploded view of the top rail assembly shown in (the tilt bar of the assembly is removed for ease of illustration);

[0123] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the top rail assembly shown in , specifically showing an embodiment of the tilt bar of the assembly according to an aspect of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0124] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 Another perspective view of the portion of the top rail assembly shown in , specifically showing the tilt bar of the assembly extending to pull down the associated tilt rope of the tilt system;

[0125] Figure 6 Shows a perspective assembled view of various components of a tilt system according to an aspect of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0126] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A perspective partial exploded view of the various tilt system components shown in to allow viewing of the various lifting system components of the associated covering according to an aspect of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0127] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 Another perspective partial exploded view of the various tilt and lifting system components shown in ;

[0128] Figure 9 Shows Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of the tilt rail and rail cover of the tilt system shown in ;

[0129] Figures 10A to 10C Shows according to an aspect of the subject matter of the present invention Figure 9 Various end views of the tilt rail and rail cover shown in , the tilt rail and rail cover being oriented at different positions corresponding to different tilt positions of the slats of the associated covering;

[0130] Figure 11 Shows a perspective assembled view of an embodiment of a tilt drive assembly according to an aspect of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0131] Figure 12 Shows Figure 11Perspective assembled view of the tilt drive assembly shown in;

[0132] Figure 13 Shows Figure 11 and 12 Perspective exploded view of the tilt drive assembly shown in;

[0133] Figure 14 Shows Figure 13 Relative perspective exploded view of the tilt drive assembly shown in;

[0134] Figure 15 Shows Figure 11 Cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV of the tilt drive assembly shown in;

[0135] Figure 16 Shows according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention Figure 11 Perspective view of the outer end plate of the tilt drive assembly shown in;

[0136] Figure 17 Shows Figure 16 Relative perspective view of the outer end plate shown in;

[0137] Figure 18 Shows Figure 16 Perspective assembled view of the associated winch assembly and rod pivot member of the outer end plate and tilt drive assembly shown in;

[0138] Figure 19 Shows Figure 18 Perspective exploded view of the various tilt system components shown in;

[0139] Figure 20 Shows according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention Figure 11 Perspective view of the inner end plate of the tilt drive assembly shown in;

[0140] Figure 21 Shows Figure 20 Relative perspective view of the inner end plate shown in;

[0141] Figure 22 Shows Figure 20 Perspective view of the inner end plate shown, with various other tilt system components disassembled therefrom;

[0142] Figure 23 Shows Figure 22 Perspective assembled view of the individual components shown in;

[0143] Figure 24 Shows according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention Figure 11 Perspective view of the drive pulley of the tilt drive assembly shown in;

[0144] Figure 25 shows Figure 20 a relative perspective view of the drive pulley shown in

[0145] Figure 26 shows Figure 24 a perspective view of the drive pulley shown in

[0146] Figures 27A to 27C a different perspective view of the drive pulley, inner end plate, and outer end plate of the tilting drive assembly assembled together, specifically showing various exemplary positions of the drive pulley and inner end plate relative to the outer end plate that can be achieved by rotation of the drive pulley about its pulley axis according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0147] Figure 28 shows an exploded perspective view of the spring assembly and drive pulley of the tilting drive assembly;

[0148] Figure 29 shows Figure 28 another exploded perspective view of the components shown in

[0149] Figure 30 shows Figure 28 and Figure 29 a perspective assembly view of the components shown in

[0150] Figure 31 shows Figure 30 a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXI - XXXI of the assembled components shown in

[0151] Figure 32 shows according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention Figure 11 a perspective view of the end plate cover of the tilting drive assembly shown in

[0152] Figure 33 shows Figure 32 a relative perspective view of the end plate cover shown in

[0153] Figure 34 shows Figure 32 the end plate cover shown in Figure 11 exploded from the remaining tilting system components (after assembly) shown in

[0154] Figure 35 shows Figure 34 a bottom perspective assembly view of the components shown in

[0155] Figure 36 shows a perspective assembly view of an embodiment of the bottom rail assembly according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0156] Figure 37shows Figure 36 a perspective exploded view of the bottom rail assembly shown in

[0157] Figure 38 shows Figure 36 a cross-sectional view taken along line XXXVIII - XXXVIII of the bottom rail of the bottom rail assembly shown in

[0158] Figure 39 shows Figure 37 a bottom perspective partial exploded view of a part of the bottom rail assembly shown in

[0159] Figure 40 shows Figure 39 an assembled bottom view of a part of the bottom rail assembly shown in

[0160] Figure 41 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cellular slat according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0161] Figure 42 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cellular slat according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0162] Figure 43 shows Figure 42 a perspective partial exploded view of the top rail assembly shown in (the angled rods of the assembly are removed for ease of illustration);

[0163] Figure 44 shows Figure 42 a perspective view of a part of the top rail assembly shown in , specifically showing an embodiment of the angled rod of the assembly according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0164] Figure 45 shows Figure 4 another perspective view of a part of the top rail assembly shown in , specifically showing the angled rod of the assembly extending to adjust the tilt of the slats of the covering;

[0165] Figure 46 shows Figure 44 a cross-sectional view taken along line XLVI - XLVI of the angled rod shown in ;

[0166] Figure 47 shows a perspective assembled view of various components of a tilt system according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0167] Figure 48 shows Figure 47 a perspective partial exploded view of various tilt system components shown in to allow viewing of various lift system components of the associated covering according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0168] Figure 49 shows Figure 48 Another perspective partial exploded view of the various tilt and lift system components shown in

[0169] Figure 50 shows Figure 47 A cross-sectional view taken along line LL of the tilt rail and rail cover of the tilt system shown in , where for ease of illustration, all the various other tilt / lift system components have been removed;

[0170] Figure 51 A perspective view of an embodiment of a tilt drive assembly according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0171] Figure 52 shows Figure 51 Another perspective view of the tilt drive assembly shown in ;

[0172] Figure 53 shows Figure 51 An exploded perspective view of the tilt drive assembly shown in ;

[0173] Figure 54 shows Figure 51 Another exploded perspective view of the tilt drive assembly shown in ;

[0174] Figure 55 shows Figure 51 A cross-sectional view taken along line LV - LV of the tilt drive assembly shown in .

[0175] Figures 56A to 56C shows Figure 51 Various end views of the tilt drive assembly shown in , where the tilt bar is mounted relative thereto, specifically showing the tilt rail cover and the tilt bar of the tilt drive assembly in different positions corresponding to different tilt positions of the slats of the associated cover;

[0176] Figure 57 A perspective assembled view of an embodiment of an end plate assembly and a rod pivot member according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0177] Figure 58 shows Figure 57 Another perspective assembled view of the end plate assembly and the rod pivot member shown in ;

[0178] Figure 59 shows Figure 57 A perspective exploded view of the end plate assembly and the rod pivot member shown in ;

[0179] Figure 60 shows Figure 57 A perspective exploded view of the end plate assembly and the rod pivot member shown in ;

[0180] Figure 61 shows Figure 58 a cross-sectional view taken along line LXI-LXI of the end plate assembly and rod pivot member shown in

[0181] Figure 62 a perspective view of an embodiment of an inclined drive pulley according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0182] Figure 63 shows Figure 62 another perspective view of the drive pulley shown in

[0183] Figure 64 shows Figure 62 the drive pulley shown in Figure 57 assembled relative to the end plate assembly and rod pivot member shown in

[0184] Figure 65 shows Figure 63 an end view of the assembled components shown in , specifically showing the rope path of the inclined rope extending through such assembled components;

[0185] Figure 66 a perspective view of an embodiment of an inclined rail cover according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention;

[0186] Figure 67 shows Figure 66 another perspective view of the inclined rail cover shown in

[0187] Figure 68 a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an inclined rod according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention, specifically showing a portion of the inclined rod similar to a portion of the inclined rod contained within the frame LXVIII shown in Figure 46

[0188] Figure 69 shows Figure 68 a cross-sectional view taken along line LXIX-LXIX at the bottom end of the second rod portion of the inclined rod shown in

[0189] Figure 70 a perspective view of an embodiment of a rail support assembly according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention, specifically showing the rail support assembly assembled within the central portion of the inclined rail;

[0190] Figure 71 shows Figure 70 an exploded perspective view of the rail support assembly shown in , wherein the individual components of the rail support assembly are disassembled from the inclined rail;

[0191] Figures 72A to 72C shows Figure 70An end view of the rail support assembly and the tilt rail shown in the figure installed relative to the mounting rail of the top rail assembly, specifically showing the different positions of the tilt rail and various components supported therein relative to the rail support bracket of the mounting rail and the rail support assembly when the tilt rail is tilted about the tilt axis to adjust the tilt position of the slats of the associated covering;

[0192] Figure 73 A perspective view of an embodiment of a slot cover according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention is shown;

[0193] Figure 74 Shows Figure 73 Another perspective view of the slot cover shown in the figure;

[0194] Figure 75 Shows Figure 73 A perspective view of the slot cover shown in the figure disassembled from a portion of the tilt rail;

[0195] Figure 76 Shows Figure 75 An assembled perspective view of the slot cover and the tilt rail shown in the figure;

[0196] Figure 77 Shows Figure 76 Another assembled perspective view of the slot cover and the tilt rail shown in the figure, wherein the rail support bracket and the associated pivot pin are assembled relative thereto;

[0197] Figure 78 A perspective view of a lift station according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention is shown;

[0198] Figure 79 Shows Figure 78 Another perspective view of the lift station shown in the figure;

[0199] Figure 80 Shows associated with Figure 78 A perspective view of a lift station similar to the lift station shown in the figure, wherein the upper or first housing member of the lift station is disassembled from the remainder thereof;

[0200] Figure 81 Shows Figure 78 A top view of the lift station shown in the figure, wherein the tilt support bracket installed relative thereto is shown;

[0201] Figure 82 Shows associated with Figure 79 A perspective view of a lift station similar to the lift station shown in the figure, wherein the tilt support bracket shown in the figure is installed relative thereto; Figure 81 Shown in the figure;

[0202] Figure 83 Shows Figure 70Cross-sectional view taken along line LXXXIII-LXXXIII of the angled rail and rail support assembly shown therein, where the rail support bracket is shown as transparent (e.g., shown in dashed lines) and an associated mounting rail is added for illustrative purposes;

[0203] Figure 84 An assembled perspective view of another embodiment of a rail support assembly according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention is shown;

[0204] Figure 85 Shows Figure 84 The exploded perspective view of the rail support assembly shown in

[0205] Figure 86 Shows Figure 84 Another exploded perspective view of the rail support assembly shown in

[0206] Figure 87 Shows Figure 84 The cross-sectional view taken along line LXXXVII-LXXXVII of the rail support assembly shown in

[0207] Figures 88A to 88C Shows according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention Figure 84 The end view of the rail support assembly shown in

[0208] Figure 89 installed relative to the angled rail and the associated mounting rail, specifically showing that when the angled rail is tilted about the tilt axis to adjust the tilt position of the slats of the associated covering, the angled rail is in different positions relative to the mounting rail and the rail support bracket of the rail support assembly;

[0209] Figure 90 Shows Figure 89 Another perspective view of the brake assembly shown in

[0210] Figure 91 Shows Figure 89 The exploded perspective view of the brake assembly shown in

[0211] Figure 92 Shows Figure 89 Another exploded perspective view of the brake assembly shown in

[0212] Figure 93 Shows Figure 89 The cross-sectional view taken along line XCIII-XCIII of the brake assembly shown in

[0213] Figure 94 Shows according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention Figure 89End view of the brake assembly mounted relative to the inclined rail as shown;

[0214] Figures 95A to 95C Shows in connection with Figure 93 A cross-sectional view similar to the brake assembly shown in, the brake assembly being mounted relative to the inclined rail (but the view is mirrored to show the front and back sides of the inclined rail in the same orientation as the similar views provided herein), specifically showing the inclined rail in various different rail position orientations. Detailed Description

[0215] Generally, the subject matter of the present invention relates to operating systems, rail assemblies, and associated components and sub-components for slat-based coverings for building features or structures (referred to herein simply as building "structures" for convenience and not by way of limitation). As will be described hereinafter, the disclosed operating systems, rail assemblies, and other components and / or sub-components generally provide enhanced operation of slat-based coverings and / or improved configuration / arrangement of slat-based coverings, such as by allowing improved opening and closing of the slats of the covering, by providing a tilting system that can be easily and effectively manipulated by a user to tilt the slats as needed, by reconfiguring the manner in which rail assembly components are joined together and / or arranged relative to one another, and / or the like.

[0216] Now referring to the drawings, Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of a covering 50 for a building structure (not shown) in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention is shown. Generally, the covering 50 is configured to be mounted relative to a window, door, or any other suitable building structure as may be desired. In one embodiment, the covering 50 may be configured to be mounted relative to the building structure to allow the covering 50 to be suspended or supported relative to the building structure. It should be understood that the covering 50 is not limited to its specific use as a window or door curtain and may be used as a covering, partition, light blocker, etc. relative to any type of building structure and / or within any type of building structure in any application.

[0217] In a plurality of embodiments, the covering 50 may be configured as a slatted blind, such as a "privacy" blind type extendable / retractable covering. For example, in Figure 1 the embodiment shown, the covering 50 includes a top rail assembly 52, a bottom rail assembly 54, and a plurality of horizontally disposed parallel slats 56 configured to be supported between the top rail assembly 52 and the bottom rail assembly 54 via two or more ladder tape assemblies 58 (e.g., a pair of ladder tape assemblies 58). In a plurality of embodiments, the slats 56 may be rotated or tilted about their longitudinal axes by manipulating the ladder tape assemblies 58 to allow the slats 56 to be in a horizontal or open position allowing light to pass between the slats 56 (e.g., as Figure 1tilted between an open position (shown) and a closed position (not shown - a downward closed position or an upward closed position, depending on whether the front edge of the slat 56 slopes downward or upward), in the closed position, the slat 56 is substantially vertically oriented in an overlapping manner to block or impede light passing through the covering 50.

[0218] In some embodiments, the slats 56 may be configured as cellular slats. For example, in one embodiment, each slat 56 may include an outer sheath (not shown) forming the outer cellular structure of the slat 56 and an inner core (not shown) located within the outer sheath, the inner core forming the inner cellular structure of the slat 56. For example, the outer sheath of each slat 56 may be formed of a flexible material (e.g., a fabric material) and may have a tubular or annular configuration that generally forms a closed perimeter unit that serves to constrain and / or enclose the inner core located therein. The inner core of each slat 56 may be formed of a thin-walled material (e.g., a film material) that is arranged (e.g., folded) to form an inner cellular structure within the interior of the sheath, the inner cellular structure providing stiffness and rigidity to the otherwise flexible sheath. Examples of suitable cellular slats that may be used within the disclosed covering 50 are disclosed in WO 2022 / 086834, filed Oct. 18, 2021, and titled "Cellular Slats for a Covering for an Architectural Structure", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Alternatively, the slats 56 may be configured as conventional, non-cellular slats.

[0219] It should be understood that the ladder belt assembly 58 may be manipulated to allow the slats 56 to tilt between an open position and a closed position using, for example, a suitable tilt bar 110 or any other suitable control device forming part of antilt system 100 ([[]] Figure 3 ) operatively associated with the covering 50. For example, as will be described below with reference to [[[]] Figure 3 the covering 50 may include one or more components of the tilt system 100 operatively associated with the top rail assembly 52, such as the tilt drive assembly 170 and associated tilt rail 130 of system 100. In such an embodiment, the tilt bar 110 may be manipulated by a user (e.g., by pulling down on a portion of the bar 110 or by raising that portion of the bar 110) to pull down an associated tilt cord 112 extending within the bar 110 ([[[]] Figure 4 and [[[]] 5)Or eliminate the tension from the associated tilt rope, which in turn may allow the tilt drive assembly 170 to rotationally drive the tilt rail 130. This rotation of the tilt rail 130 may cause the front ladder belt body 60 and the rear ladder belt body 62 of each ladder belt assembly 58 suspended from the tilt rail 130 ( Figures 6 - 8 )to rise or fall relative to each other to adjust the tilt angle of the slats 56.

[0220] In addition, as Figure 1 shown, the covering 50 also includes two or more pairs of lifting ropes 64, 66, which form part of the lifting system 200 ( Figure 3 )for moving the covering 50 between a lowered or extended position (e.g., as Figure 1 shown) and a raised or retracted position (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the covering 50 includes two pairs of lifting ropes 64, 66 extending between the top rail assembly 52 and the bottom rail assembly 54. Figure 1 Each pair of lifting ropes in includes a front lifting rope 64 extending along the front side 68F of the covering 50 and a rear lifting rope 66 extending along the rear side 68R of the covering 50. Specifically, each front lifting rope 64 is configured to extend between the top rail assembly 52 and the bottom rail assembly 54 along the front edge of each slat 56, while each rear lifting rope 66 is configured to extend between the top rail assembly 52 and the bottom rail assembly 54 along the opposite rear edge of each slat 56. As will be described below, each pair of lifting ropes 64, 66 can be configured to extend to corresponding lifting system components operatively associated with the top rail assembly 52.

[0221] It should be understood that the configuration of the covering 50 described above and shown in Figure 1 is only for placing the subject matter of the present invention in an exemplary field of use. Thus, it is apparent that the subject matter of the present invention can be readily adapted to any suitable covering configuration.

[0222] Now refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a perspective view of an embodiment of a top rail assembly (e.g., top rail assembly 52) is shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 2 a perspective assembled view of the top rail assembly 52 is shown, while Figure 3 shows Figure 2 a perspective partial exploded view of the top rail assembly 52 shown in

[0223] Generally, the top rail assembly 52 is configured to extend in a lateral direction (indicated by the arrow L in Figure 2 )and the second component end 72 ( Figure 2 )between the first component end 70 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). AsFigure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in Figure 3 , the top rail assembly 52 includes a first end cap 74 at the first assembly end 70, a second end cap 76 at the second assembly end 72, and a curtain 78 extending in the lateral direction L between the first end cap 74 and the second end cap 76. Generally, the curtain 78 can be configured to extend between the end caps 74, 76 to at least partially cover or hide one or more of the internal components (e.g., one or more components of the tilt system 100 and / or the lift system 200) of the top rail assembly 52 when viewing the associated assembly from the front of the associated assembly. In one embodiment, the curtain 78 can be designed or configured to have the same shape, profile, dimensions, etc. as the slats 56 used in the associated covering 50. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the curtain 78 corresponds to Figure 1 one of the slats 56 shown in Figure 1 , such that the curtain 78 can be interchanged with each of the slats 56, and vice versa.

[0224] As indicated above, in several embodiments, the top rail assembly 52 can be configured to include or be associated with various components of both the tilt system 100 and the lift system 200. For example, as Figure 3 specifically shown in Figure 3 , various tilt-related components of the tilt system 100 can be positioned or supported between the first end cap 74 and the second end cap 76. Specifically, as Figure 3 shown in Figure 3 , the tilt system 100 includes a tilt rail 130 that extends laterally between a first end or drive end 132 of the tilt rail 130 positioned adjacent the first assembly end 70 ( Figure 2 ) of the top rail assembly 52 and a second end or idler end 134 of the tilt rail 130 positioned adjacent the second assembly end 72 ( Figure 2 ) of the top rail assembly 52. Additionally, the tilt system 100 includes a tilt drive assembly 170 coupled to the drive end 132 of the tilt rail 130 and an idler end plate 180 coupled to the idler end 134 of the tilt rail 130. For example, as Figure 3 shown in Figure 3 , the tilt drive assembly 170 is configured to be coupled between the first end cap 74 and the drive end 132 of the tilt rail 130 adjacent the first assembly end 70 ( Figure 2 ) of the top rail assembly 52, and the idler end plate 180 is configured to be coupled between the second end cap 76 and the idler end 134 of the tilt rail 130 adjacent the second assembly end 72 ( Figure 2 ) of the top rail assembly 52. As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 11 to 14 , the tilt drive assembly 170 can be configured to rotationally drive the tilt rail 130 such that the rail rotates about a tilt axis 102 ( Figure 3)Rotate through a certain angle within an inclination range (e.g., approximately 180 degrees) to allow the slats 56 of the associated covering 50 to tilt from a first closed position (e.g., a downward closed position) through a fully open position (e.g., as Figure 1 shown) to a second closed position (e.g., an upward closed position).

[0225] Additionally, according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention, one or more components of the lifting system 200 (indicated by Figure 3 in dashed lines) can be supported by the tilt rail 130. Thus, the various lifting system components supported by the tilt rail 130 can be configured to rotate about the tilt axis 102 with the tilt rail 130 as the slats 56 tilt. As will be described below with reference to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , this rotation of the lifting system components as the slats 56 tilt can allow the front lifting rope 64 and the rear lifting rope 66 ( Figure 1 ) to be slightly displaced in opposite directions together with the front belt body 60 and the rear belt body 62 ( Figure 1 ) of the ladder belt assembly 58, thereby assisting the slats 56 to move to one of the closed positions while maintaining the bottom rail assembly 54 in a desired orientation.

[0226] It should be understood that the top rail assembly 52 may also include one or more components for mounting relative to an adjacent building structure mounting assembly 52. For example, as Figure 3 specifically shown, the top rail assembly 52 includes a mounting rail 80 and two or more mounting brackets 82, where the mounting brackets 82 are configured to be coupled between the mounting rail 80 and an adjacent building structure (e.g., using suitable fasteners). Further, the mounting rail 80 can be configured to be coupled to one or more components of the top rail assembly 52 to support such an assembly 52 relative to the brackets 82 and the adjacent building structure. For example, in one embodiment, the opposite first lateral end 80A and second lateral end 80B of the mounting rail 80 can be configured to be coupled to corresponding fixed or stationary components of the tilt system 100, such as by coupling the first lateral end 80A of the mounting rail 80 to a fixed end plate 300 ( Figure 13 ) positioned adjacent to the first component end 70 of the tilt drive assembly 170 and adjacent to the top rail assembly 52, and by coupling the second lateral end 80B of the mounting rail 80 to the opposite idler end plate 180 positioned adjacent to the second component end 72 of the top rail assembly 52. By coupling the mounting rail 80 to the tilt system components in this way, the mounting rail 80 can be configured to not only support the tilt system components (and the associated lifting system components) relative to the adjacent building structure, but also support various other component parts coupled to the tilt system components (e.g., end caps 74, 76, curtain 78, etc.).

[0227] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5, aspects of the subject matter of the present invention are shown Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the top rail assembly 52 shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , specifically showing a more detailed view of one embodiment of the tilt bar 110 of the tilt system 100. As specifically shown in Figure 3 and Figure 13 , in several embodiments, the tilt bar 110 may be configured as a telescoping bar including both an upper or first bar portion 114 and a lower or second bar portion 116, where the first bar portion 114 is configured to be received telescopically within the second bar portion 116 (or vice versa) to allow the effective length 118 of the tilt bar 110 to increase or decrease with relative movement between the bar portions 114, 116. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first bar portion 114 extends between a top end 114A and a bottom end 114B, where the bottom end 114B is received within the second bar portion 116. As will be described below, the top end 114A of the first bar portion 114 may be configured to be coupled to a corresponding portion of the tilt drive assembly 170 (

[0228] In addition, a portion of the tilt cord 112 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) may be configured to extend through the bar portions such that this portion of the tilt cord 112 is encapsulated or enveloped by the tilt bar 110. For example, in one embodiment, the tilt cord 112 may extend from the top end 114A of the first bar portion 114 through the tilt bar 110 to the bottom end 116B of the second bar portion 116. Additionally, in several embodiments, the end 112A of the tilt cord 112 may be configured to be coupled to the second bar portion 116, such as by coupling the end 112A of the cord to the second bar portion 116 at or near the bottom end 116B of the bar portion. For example, in one embodiment, the end 112 of the tilt cord 112 may be tied or secured to the second bar portion 116 inside the second bar portion 116 at a location adjacent to the bottom end 116B. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the end 112 of the tilt cord 112 can be fixed to a coupling mechanism 120 that is configured to engage or couple with a corresponding coupling mechanism 122 located within the second rod portion 116. For example, in one embodiment, the coupling mechanisms 120, 122 can correspond to magnets configured to magnetically engage with each other to couple the tilt cord 112 to the second rod portion 116. In such an embodiment, if necessary, the magnets can allow the tilt cord to separate from the second rod portion 116 when an excessive force is applied.

[0229] It should be understood that by coupling the end 112 of the tilt cord 112 to the second rod portion 116, the tilt cord 112 can be pulled downward as the second rod portion 116 moves downward relative to the first rod portion 114. As will be described below, this downward pull or extension of the tilt cord 112 can generally cause the tilt rail 130 of the tilt system 100 to rotate in a downward closing direction, causing the slats to tilt toward the downward closed position. Additionally, as will be described below, the tilt drive assembly 170 of the tilt system 100 can be configured as a balanced spring return drive assembly. Thus, when the tilt rod 110 is suspended from the tilt drive assembly 170, the downward force exerted on the tilt cord 112 via the weight of the rod 110 combined with the frictional force exerted on the cord 112 via one or more other components of the tilt drive assembly 170 (e.g., the winch assembly) can be approximately equal to the spring-based return force of the tilt drive assembly 170, allowing the slats 56 to be maintained in any suitable tilted position based on the position of the second rod portion 116 selected by the operator. However, when the weight of the tilt rod 110 is removed from the tilt cord 112 (e.g., by the user raising or lowering the second rod portion 116 relative to the first rod portion 114), the spring-based return force of the tilt drive assembly 170 can cause the tilt rail 130 to be rotationally driven in an upward closing direction as the tilt cord 112 is wound up or retracted by the tilt drive assembly 170, causing the slats to tilt toward the upward closed position.

[0230] Now referring Figures 6 to 9 , various views of one embodiment of the various components of the tilt and lift systems 100, 220 according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention are shown. Specifically, Figure 6 a perspective assembled view of the various components of the tilt system 100 is shown, while Figure 7 and Figure 8 show Figure 6 different perspective views of the tilt system components shown in Figure 9 where the idler end plate 180 and the rail cover 131 of the tilt rail 130 are disassembled to allow the various components of the lift system 200 supported by the rail 130 to be visible. Figure 6Cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of the tilt rail 130 and associated rail shroud 131 shown in the figure, and for ease of illustration, all other respective tilt / lift system components have been removed. Additionally, Figures 6 to 8 Shown are various rope / strap bodies that are suspended or extend from the tilt rail 130, such as lift ropes 64, 66 (shown in dashed lines for ease of illustration), and front ladder strap body 60 and rear ladder strap body 62 of the ladder strap assembly 58.

[0231] As indicated above, the tilt rail 130 can be configured to extend laterally between a drive end 132 configured to be coupled to a tilt drive assembly 170 and an idler end 134 configured to be coupled to an opposing idler end plate 180 of the tilt system 100, where the tilt drive assembly 170 is configured to cause the tilt rail 130 to rotate about the tilt axis 102 of the tilt system 100. As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the idler end 134 of the tilt rail 130 can be configured to be coupled to the idler end plate 180 via an idler end shroud 136, which supports the tilt rail 130 to rotate relative to the idler end plate 180 about the tilt axis 102. Specifically, in several embodiments, the idler end plate 180 can correspond to a fixed or non-rotating component of the tilt system 100. For example, in one embodiment, the idler end plate 180 can be configured to be rigidly mounted to the mounting rail 80 of the top rail assembly 52 ( Figure 3 ), to allow various tilt system components to be supported by the mounting rail 80 relative to an adjacent building structure, such as by coupling the idler end plate 180 to the mounting rail via suitable fasteners (not shown) that extend through corresponding fastener openings 182 defined by the idler end plate 180. In such embodiments, to rotatably support the idler end 134 of the tilt rail 130 relative to the fixed plate 180, the idler end plate 180 and associated end shroud 136 can include or define complementary rotational connection features. For example, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the idler end shroud 136 defines an axle opening 138 ( Figure 7 ), which is configured to receive a short axle 184 that extends laterally from the idler end plate 180 along the tilt axis 102 ( Figure 8 ). In such an embodiment, the short axle 184 can be configured to define a support surface about which the tilt rail 130 (and shroud 136) rotates relative to the idler end plate 180 about the tilt axis 102.

[0232] As Figure 9 specifically shown, the tilt rail 130 generally can include a bottom wall 140 (e.g., a curved or arcuate bottom wall), which extends in a front-to-back or lateral direction between a front edge wall 142 and a rear edge wall 144 (by Figure 9as indicated by arrow CW. In some embodiments, each edge wall 142, 144 may be configured as a rounded or curved wall having a first wall portion 146 extending between the bottom wall 140 and the apex 148 of the rounded edge walls 142, 144 and a second wall portion 150 extending from the apex 148 to the distal end 152 of the edge walls 142, 144. In one embodiment, the centroid of the tilt rail (indicated by point 154) may generally be equidistantly positioned from the apexes 148 along a reference line (indicated by dashed line 155) extending directly between the apexes 148. As will be described below with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10A it is described that in one embodiment, the centroid 154 of the tilt rail 130 may be offset a given distance 156 relative to the tilt axis 102 of the tilt system 100.

[0233] Additionally, as Figure 9 shown, the tilt rail 130 further includes opposing inner sidewalls 158 that extend between the distal ends 152 of each rounded edge wall 142, 144 and the bottom wall 140 of the tilt rail 130. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the inner sidewalls 158 and the bottom wall 140 generally define a mounting channel 160 with an upward-facing end opening. As will be described below, various components of the lifting system 200 may be mounted within the end-opening mounting channel 160 to allow such lifting system components to be supported by the tilt rail 130 for rotation therewith about the tilt axis 102. Additionally, as Figure 9 specifically shown in, the inner sidewalls 158 of the tilt rail 130 may be configured to define mounting slots 162 along each side of the mounting channel 160. Such mounting slots 162 may allow various lifting system components to be coupled to the tilt rail 130, such as by configuring such components to include corresponding mounting tabs or similar structures extending outward therefrom, the mounting tabs or similar structures being configured to be received within the opposing mounting slots 162. In addition, the mounting slots 162 may also facilitate coupling the drive end 132 and the idler end 134 of the tilt rail 130 to the tilt drive assembly 170 and the idler end plate 180, respectively.

[0234] Additionally, as Figures 6 to 9 shown, the tilt system may further include a rail cover 131 that is configured to be positioned above and cover the upward-facing end-opening mounting channel 160 of the rail 130. In some embodiments, the tilt rail 130 and the rail cover 131 (along with the tilt drive assembly 170 and the idler end plate 180 at the opposite ends 132, 134 of the rail 130) generally may define a tubular housing or chamber 164 ( Figure 9 ) for receiving components of the lifting system 200. For example, as indicated above and as Figure 7 and 8As shown, various lift system components can be installed within an installation channel 160 having an upward-facing end opening defined by the inclined rail 130. In such an embodiment, when the rail cover 131 is positioned relative to the inclined rail 130 to cover the upward-facing open end of the installation channel 160 (and the tilt drive assembly 170 and idler end plate 180 are installed relative to respective ends 132, 134 of the inclined rail 130), a tubular housing 164 ( Figure 9 ) is formed, and the lift system components are encapsulated or contained within the tubular housing.

[0235] As Figure 9 specifically shown, the rail cover 131 generally includes an arcuate or curved cover wall 133 that extends circumferentially between a front edge portion 135 and a rear edge portion 137 of the rail cover 131. Additionally, as Figure 9 shown, the rail cover 131 includes opposing support flanges 139 that extend inwardly from the cover wall 133 adjacent the front edge portion 135 and the rear edge portion 137 of the rail cover 131. In several embodiments, the rail cover 131 can generally be configured to be installed relative to the inclined rail 130 such that the support flanges 139 generally extend adjacent the top portions (e.g., the second wall portions 150 of the edge walls 142, 144) of the edge walls 142, 144 of the inclined rail 130 at respective support interfaces defined between the rail / cover, wherein the front edge portion 135 and the rear edge portion 137 of the cover wall 133 extend downwardly from such interfaces toward the vertices 148 of the front edge wall 142 and the rear edge wall 144 of the inclined rail 130. Further, as Figure 9 shown, the inclined rail 130 and the rail cover 131 can be configured such that when the rail cover 131 is installed relative to the inclined rail 130, front and rear rope exposure portions or “rope gaps” 143F, 143R are defined at the support interface between such components. As Figure 6 shown, in one embodiment, the rope gaps 143F, 143R (only one of which is shown) can extend along the length of the front and rear sides of the inclined rail 130. Generally, the rope gaps 143F, 143R can allow the front and rear belt bodies 60, 62 and the lift ropes 64, 66 of each ladder belt assembly 58 to pass through between the inclined rail 130 and the rail cover 131 at the support interface from the interior of the housing or chamber 164 ( Figure 9 ) defined by such components, and then extend downwardly or hang below the front edge wall 142 and the rear edge wall 144 of the inclined rail 130. For example, as Figure 6 shown, the front belt body 60 and the front lift rope 64 of each ladder belt assembly 58 can extend through the front rope gap 143F and then suspend or hang below the front edge wall 142 of the inclined rail 130. Similarly, the rear belt body 62 and the rear lift rope 66 of each ladder belt assembly 58 can extend through the rear rope gap 143R and then suspend or hang below the rear edge wall 144 of the inclined rail 130.

[0236] Still referring to Figures 6 to 9 , the lift system 200 can generally include any suitable components operatively associated with the tilt track 130 such that such components can raise and lower the bottom rail assembly 54 relative to the top rail assembly 52 of the associated cover 50. For example, in several embodiments, the lift system 200 can include two or more lift stations 202 mounted within the mounting channels 160 of the tilt track 130. Specifically, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the lift system 200 includes corresponding lift stations 202 for each pair of lift ropes 64, 66 of the associated cover 50 (e.g., a first lift station and a second lift station 202 when the cover 50 includes a first pair of lift ropes 64 and a second pair of lift ropes 66), where each lift station 202 includes a pair of lift reels 204 for winding and unwinding the respective front lift rope 64 and rear lift rope 66 of the corresponding pair of ropes. Thus, as the bottom rail assembly 54 is raised relative to the top rail assembly 52, each lift rope 64, 66 can be wound onto its respective lift reel 204. Similarly, as the bottom rail assembly 54 is lowered relative to the top rail assembly 52, each lift rope 64, 66 unwinds from its respective lift reel 204. Additionally, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the lift system 200 can also include a motor / brake assembly 206 and a lift rod 208 mounted relative to the mounting channels 160 of the tilt track 130. Generally, it can be understood that the lift rod 208 can be configured to operatively couple the lift stations 202 to the motor / brake assembly 206. Thus, the motor 210 of the motor / brake assembly 206 can be configured to store energy as the bottom rail assembly 54 is lowered relative to the top rail assembly 52 by rotation of the lift reels 204 (and the lift rod 208) in the lowering direction, and to release this energy to rotationally drive the lift rod 208 (and the lift reels 204) in the opposite raising direction to assist in moving the cover 50 to its retracted position when the bottom rail assembly 54 is raised relative to the top rail assembly 52. Additionally, the brake 212 of the motor / brake assembly 206 can be configured to prevent accidental rotation of the lift rod 208. In one embodiment, the brake 212 can be configured to provide a holding force to the lift system 200 to assist in maintaining the shade in a desired position.

[0237] Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the ladder belt assembly 58 can be suspended from the tilt rail 130 such that rotation of the tilt rail 130 about the tilt axis 102 causes the front ladder belt body 60 and the rear ladder belt body 62 of the ladder belt assembly 58 to rise / fall in opposite directions to effect tilting of the slats 56. Specifically, in several embodiments, one end (e.g., the looped or knotted end) of each ladder belt body 60, 62 can be coupled to an interior portion of the tilt rail 130 or to a component (e.g., the housing of an adjacent tilt station 202) mounted within the tilt rail 130 to secure the ladder belt assembly 58 relative to the tilt rail 130. Additionally, as indicated above, each ladder belt body 60, 62 can extend from such an interior connection point through cord gaps 143F, 143R ( Figure 9 ) defined between the tilt rail 130 and the rail cover 131, and at least partially wrap around adjacent rounded corner edge walls 142, 144 of the tilt rail 130 before extending downward from the tilt rail 130 toward the bottom rail assembly 54 of the associated cover 50. In this regard, as the tilt rail 130 rotates about the tilt axis 102 in a first or downward closing rotational direction (e.g., as indicated by the arrow CD in Figure 9 ) to tilt the front edge of the slat 56 downward toward the downward closing position, the front ladder belt body 60 will shift downward as the front edge wall 142 of the tilt rail 130 pivots downward, and the rear ladder belt body 62 will shift upward as the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130 pivots upward. Similarly, as the tilt rail 130 rotates about the tilt axis 102 in the opposite second or upward closing rotational direction (e.g., as indicated by the arrow CU in Figure 9 ) to tilt the front edge of the slat 56 upward toward the upward closing position, the front ladder belt body 60 will shift upward as the front edge wall 142 of the tilt rail 130 pivots upward, and the rear ladder belt body 62 will shift upward as the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130 pivots upward.

[0238] For example, Figures 10A to 10C shows various end views of the tilt rail 130 and the rail cover 131 (after assembly), with the tilt rail and rail cover oriented at different tilt positions of the slat 56 corresponding to the associated cover 50. Figures 10A to 10C Also shown is a pair of front ladder belt bodies 60 and rear ladder belt bodies 62 of the ladder belt assembly 58 suspended from the tilt rail 130 and a pair of front lift cords 64 and rear lift cords 66 (where, for ease of illustration, the front belt / cord is shown as a single line 60, 64 and the rear belt / cord is shown as a single line 62, 66), specifically showing how such cords / belt bodies 60, 62, 64, 66 wrap around or engage the tilt rail to adjust the tilt position of the slat 56 when the tilt rail 130 is tilted.

[0239] As Figure 10AAs shown, when the slat 56 of the associated cover 50 is in the fully open position (e.g., Figure 1 the position shown), the tilt rail 130 is set in a substantially horizontal orientation. In this orientation, the ladder belt bodies 60, 62 and the lifting ropes 64, 66 typically hang from the tilt rail 130 at the apex 148 ( Figure 9 ) of the front edge wall 142 and the rear edge wall 144 of the rail 130. To convert the slat 56 from the fully open position to the downward closed position, the tilt rail 130 rotates about the tilt axis 102 in the downward closing direction (indicated by the arrow CD in Figure 10A ) from the Figure 10A substantially horizontal orientation shown in Figure 10B to the substantially vertical orientation shown in Figure 10B , at which time the front edge wall 142 of the tilt rail 130 faces generally downward, while the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130 faces generally upward. As the front ladder belt body 60 is lowered and at the same time the rear ladder belt body 62 is raised, this rotation of the tilt rail 130 causes the slat 56 to tilt to the downward closed position. For example, as shown in Figure 10B , in addition to the height difference between the front edge wall 142 and the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130, rotating the tilt rail 130 to the position shown in Figure 10A also causes the front ladder belt body 60 to hang directly in the rope gap 143F defined between the tilt rail 130 and the rail cover 131 (instead of the apex of the front edge wall 142 shown in

[0240] ), and the rear ladder belt body 62 partially wraps around the tilt rail 130 (e.g., wraps around the rear edge wall 144 and possibly a portion of the bottom wall 140 of the tilt rail 130), thereby effectively lowering the front ladder belt body 60 and raising the rear ladder belt body 62. Figure 10A Similarly, to convert the slat 56 from the fully open position to the upward closed position, the tilt rail 130 rotates about the tilt axis 102 in the upward closing direction (indicated by the arrow CU in Figure 10A ) from the Figure 10C substantially horizontal orientation shown in Figure 10C to the substantially vertical orientation shown in Figure 10C , at which time the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130 faces generally downward, while the front edge wall 142 of the tilt rail 130 faces generally upward. As the rear ladder belt body 62 is lowered and at the same time the front ladder belt body 60 is raised, this rotation of the tilt rail 130 causes the slat 56 to tilt to the upward closed position. For example, as shown in ​the vertex of the rear edge wall 144 shown therein), and the front ladder belt body 60 partially wraps around the inclined rail 130 (e.g., wraps around the front edge wall 142 and may wrap around a portion of the bottom wall 140 of the inclined rail 130), thereby effectively lowering the rear ladder belt body 62 and raising the front ladder belt body 60.

[0241] As indicated above, the tilt axis 102 of the tilt system 100 may be offset a given distance relative to the centroid 154 of the inclined rail 130. Specifically, in several embodiments, the tilt axis 102 may be located below the centroid 154 of the inclined rail 130. For example, as ​ specifically shown therein, when the inclined rail 130 is set in its substantially horizontal position, the tilt axis 102 is located directly below the centroid 154 of the inclined rail 130 and is spaced therefrom by a given radial distance 156, such as the distance 156 ranges from about 0.05 inches to about 0.5 inches, or from about 0.05 inches to about 0.25 inches, or from about 0.10 inches to about 0.20 inches. By placing the tilt axis 102 below the centroid 154 of the inclined rail 130, the inclined rail 130 itself provides an additional moment arm about the tilt axis 102, and the additional moment arm pulls the rail 130 downward in the downward closing or upward closing direction CD, CU (depending on the tilt direction), thereby facilitating the correct closing of the slats 56 in the corresponding downward closing or upward closing positions.

[0242] In addition, it should be understood that by configuring the front lifting rope 64 and the rear lifting rope 66 to be suspended on the inclined rail 130 in the same manner as the front ladder belt body 60 and the rear ladder belt body 62, the above-described rotation of the inclined rail 130 similarly results in the same effective relative "raising" and "lowering" of the lifting ropes 64 and 66. Specifically, as the inclined rail 130 rotates from ​ the position shown therein in the downward closing direction CD to ​ the position shown therein, the front lifting rope 64 may be lowered by the same amount or amplitude as the front ladder belt body 60, and the rear lifting rope 66 may be raised by the same amount or amplitude as the rear ladder belt body 62. Similarly, as the inclined rail 130 rotates from ​ the position shown therein in the upward closing direction CU to ​ the position shown therein, the rear lifting rope 66 may be lowered by the same amount or amplitude as the rear ladder belt body 62, and the front lifting rope 64 may be raised by the same amount or amplitude as the front ladder belt body 60. Due to this simultaneous raising / lowering of the lifting ropes 64, 66 and the ladder belt bodies 60, 63, the vertical positioning of the centroid of the bottom rail assembly 54 of the covering 50 may remain relatively stationary as the slats 56 are tilted. In other words, the bottom rail assembly 54 generally does not move vertically up and down as the slats 56 are tilted.

[0243] Now refer to ​, Aspects of the subject matter of the present invention are shown in various perspective views of an embodiment of a tilt drive assembly (e.g., tilt drive assembly 170) suitable for use within one or more embodiments of a tilt system (e.g., the disclosed tilt system 100). Specifically, ​ and ​ show relatively perspective assembled views of the tilt drive assembly 170, while ​ and ​ show relatively perspective exploded views of the tilt drive assembly 170 shown in ​ and ​ respectively. Additionally, ​ shows a cross-sectional view of the tilt drive assembly 170 taken along line XV-XV in ​ .

[0244] As specifically shown in ​ and ​ , the tilt drive assembly 170 includes both an outer end plate 300 and an inner end plate 400. The outer end plate 300 generally corresponds to the fixed component of the tilt drive assembly 170. For example, as will be described below, the outer end plate 300 may be configured to be fixedly coupled to the mounting rail 80 of the top rail assembly 52 to support the remainder of the top rail assembly 52 relative to the mounting rail 80. The outer end plate 300 may also be configured to be coupled to an adjacent end cap of the top rail assembly 52 (e.g., the first end cap 74 ( ​ ))). In contrast, the inner end plate 400 generally corresponds to the rotatable or pivotable component of the tilt drive assembly 170. Specifically, in several embodiments, the inner end plate 400 may be configured to be coupled to the outer end plate 300 (e.g., via suitable fasteners 302) to rotate about the tilt axis 102 of the tilt system 100. Thus, the inner end plate 400 (and any other tilt system components coupled to or supported by it) may be configured to rotate or pivot relative to the fixed outer end plate 300 of the tilt drive assembly 170.

[0245] Additionally, the tilt drive assembly 170 includes various rope-related components supported by the end plates 300, 400 that are configured to engage or interact with the tilt rope 112. For example, as ​ and ​As specifically shown, the tilt drive assembly 170 includes a rod pivot member 340 configured to be coupled to or supported by the outer end plate 300 and a winch assembly 380, and further includes a drive pulley 440 and an auxiliary rope pulley 480 configured to be coupled to or supported by the inner end plate 400 (e.g., via a pulley bearing 490). A rope path is defined within the tilt drive assembly 170 to allow the tilt rope 112 to engage or interact with each of these various rope-related components. For example, as will be described in more detail below, the tilt rope 112 can enter the tilt drive assembly 170 via the rod pivot member 340 and extend upward through a portion of the outer end plate 300 to the winch assembly 380, where the tilt rope 112 can be wound around a portion of the winch assembly 380 a suitable number of times. Then, the tilt rope 112 can pass through a rope opening 338 defined in the outer end plate 300 ( ​ ) to allow the rope 112 to extend along the rope guide surface 428 of the inner end plate 400 ( ​ ). Then, the rope 112 can be at least partially wound around the auxiliary pulley 480 before extending to the drive pulley 440, at which point one end of the tilt rope 112 is coupled to the drive pulley 440 to allow the rope 112 to be wound around and unwound from such pulley while the rope rotates about a separate pulley axis 442 that is radially spaced from the tilt axis 102 ( ​ ).

[0246] In addition, as shown in ​ and ​ , the tilt drive assembly 170 includes a drive spring assembly 500 operatively associated with the drive pulley 440. Generally, the role of the drive spring assembly 500 is to provide spring return for the tilt drive assembly 170 to bias the drive pulley 440 to rotate in the upward closing direction CU. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the drive spring assembly 500 includes a drive spring 520 (e.g., a clock spring), a spring holder 540, and an associated bearing 590. As will be described in more detail below, the spring 520 can be directly coupled between the drive pulley 440 and the spring holder 540 such that when the tilt rope 112 is pulled downward (e.g., via the tilt bar 110) to cause the slat 56 to tilt toward the downward closing position, the drive pulley 440 (along with the tilt rail 130 and any other tilt components of the tilt system 100) rotates about the tilt axis 102 in the downward closing direction CD, thereby causing the spring 520 to wind up and store energy within the spring holder 540. However, when the tension is released from the tilt rope 112 (e.g., by raising the second bar portion 116 of the tilt bar 110 relative to the first bar portion 114 of the tilt bar 110), the spring 520 can be configured to unwind or release its stored energy to rotationally drive the drive pulley 440 in the opposite upward closing direction CU, thereby causing the slat 56 to tilt toward the upward closing position.

[0247] In addition, as shown in ​ and ​ , the tilt drive assembly 170 may further include an end plate cover 600 configured to be coupled to the inner end plate 400 (e.g., via suitable fasteners 602). When coupled together, the end plate cover 600 and the inner end plate 400 may generally be configured to capture the drive spring assembly 500 therebetween, thereby maintaining such assembled components in place laterally or axially. Additionally, as will be described below, the end plate cover 600 may include a locking mechanism 620 ( ​ ) to allow the spring carrier 540 to selectively rotate and disengage or separate from the end plate cover 600 to "pre-wind" the drive spring 520, and may also serve as a rope protection device to laterally maintain the tilt rope 112 in place along the outer rope guiding surface 428 ( ​ ) of the inner end plate 400 when the rope 112 slides relative to the inner end plate 400 and the tilt slats 56.

[0248] The various components and sub-components of the tilt drive assembly 170 described above will now be described in more detail with reference to ​ .

[0249] Specifically referring to ​ , various views of the outer end plate 300 and the associated components of the tilt drive assembly 170 are shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, ​ and ​ show opposite perspective views of the outer end plate 300. Additionally, ​ and ​ show perspective views of the outer end plate 300 with the winch assembly 380 and the rod pivot member 340 respectively assembled and disassembled relative to the outer end plate.

[0250] As specifically shown in ​ and ​ , the outer end plate 300 generally includes a planar wall portion 304 that at least partially defines an outer side 306 ( ​ ) of the end plate 300, the outer side being configured to face an adjacent end cap of the top rail assembly 52 (e.g., the first end cap 74 ( ​ )); and an inner side 308 ( ​ ) of the end plate 300, the inner side being configured to face the inner end plate 400 ( ​ and ​ ). A tilt axis opening 310 is defined through the wall portion 304 and extends coaxially from the outer side 306 to the inner side 308 of the end plate 300 along the tilt axis 102 of the tilt system 100. As will be described below with reference to ​ and ​As described, a portion of the inner end plate 400 (e.g., the short axis or journal 412 of the inner end plate 400) may be configured to extend through the inclined axis opening 310 to allow the inner end plate 400 to be rotatably coupled to the outer end plate 300 in a manner that allows the inner end plate 400 to rotate about the inclined axis 102 relative to the outer end plate 300 (e.g., via ​ and ​ the fasteners 302 shown in).

[0251] The outer end plate 300 may also be configured to include or define suitable mounting features for coupling an adjacent end cap 74 ( ​ ) to the end plate 300 and for securing the end plate 300 to the mounting rail 80 of the top rail assembly 52 ( ​ ). For example, as shown in ​ and ​ , a wall portion 304 of the end plate 300 defines a notch 312 that is configured to receive a corresponding mounting hook or tab of the end cap 74 to couple such end cap 74 to the outer end plate 300. Additionally, as shown in ​ , a plurality of fastener openings 314 (e.g., countersunk fastener openings) may be defined through the wall portion 304 for receiving suitable fasteners to rigidly couple the outer end plate 300 to the mounting rail 80.

[0252] Additionally, as shown in ​ , the outer end plate 300 includes a fixed gear or "gear portion" 316 positioned along the inner side 308 of the end plate 300 and centered about the inclined axis 102. Generally, the gear portion 316 of the outer end plate 300 may be configured to engage a corresponding gear portion 466 ( ​ ) of the drive pulley 440 of the inclined drive assembly 170 such that rotation of the drive pulley 440 about its individual pulley axis 442 causes the pulley 440 to travel along an arcuate path around the gear portion 316 of the outer end plate 300. For example, as schematically shown in ​ , the pulley axis 442 defined by the drive pulley 440 may travel along an arcuate path (indicated by the dashed line 318) centered about the inclined axis 102 around the gear portion 316 such that the radius of curvature 320 of the arcuate path 318 generally corresponds to the radial distance defined between the inclined axis 102 and the pulley axis 442 of the drive pulley 440. As shown in Figure 16As shown, in one embodiment, the outer end plate 300 may further include a stop flange 322 or similar protrusion along the bottom end of the gear portion 316 to serve as a mechanical stop for the drive pulley 440, thereby restricting the maximum arc length of the drive pulley 440 relative to the arcuate travel path 318 of the gear portion 316. It should be understood that in the illustrated embodiment, the gear portion 316 of the outer end plate 300 is integrally formed with the wall portion 304 of the end plate 300. However, in other embodiments, the gear portion 316 of the outer end plate 300 may be formed by a gear or gear component that is separately coupled to the wall portion 304 of the end plate 300.

[0253] As Figure 16 and Figure 17 shown, the outer end plate 300 further includes a side wall portion 324 that defines an elongated cavity 326 along the outer side 306 of the end plate 300 ( Figure 17 ). Generally, the cavity 326 may be configured to receive one or more rope-related components of the tilt drive assembly 170, such as the winch assembly 380 and the rod pivot member 340. For example, as Figure 18 specifically shown in, the cavity 326 includes a lower cavity portion 328 configured to receive a corresponding portion of the rod pivot member 340 and an upper cavity portion 330 configured to receive one or more components of the winch assembly 380. Additionally, an intermediate cavity portion 332 ( Figure 18 ) extending between the upper cavity portion 330 and the lower cavity portion 328 generally serves as an open rope cavity for receiving a portion of the tilt rope 112 that extends between the rod pivot member 340 and the winch assembly 380. It should be understood that when an adjacent end cap 74 ( Figure 2 ) is mounted against the outer side 306 of the outer end plate 300, the end cap 74 may serve to enclose or cover the cavity 326 and retain various rope-related components therein.

[0254] As Figure 18 and Figure 19 specifically shown in, the rod pivot member 340 includes a lower connector portion 342 that is configured to be coupled to a corresponding portion of the tilt rod 110. For example, in one embodiment, the lower connector portion 342 may be configured to be press-fitted into the upper end 114A ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) of the first rod portion 114 of the tilt rod 110. The rod pivot member 340 further includes an upper ball portion 344 that is configured to form a pivot or ball-and-socket joint for pivoting the tilt rod 110 relative to the outer end plate 300. To mount the rod pivot member 340 relative to the outer end plate 300, the lower connector portion 342 may be inserted into the lower cavity portion 328 ( Figure 18 ) of the cavity 326 defined by the end plate 300 and passed through the rope inlet opening 334 ( Figure 16 and Figure 17), the rope inlet opening is defined through the side wall portion 324 of the outer end plate 300 adjacent to the lower cavity portion 328. Then, the upper ball portion 344 (having a diameter larger than the rope inlet opening 334) can be held within the lower cavity portion 328 to form a pivot or ball-and-socket joint about which the tilt rod 110 can pivot relative to the outer end plate 300. Additionally, as Figure 18 shown, a longitudinal through-hole (indicated by the dashed line 346) can be defined along the length of the rod pivot member 340 (e.g., through both the lower connector portion 342 and the upper ball portion 344) to allow the tilt rope 112 to pass through the rod pivot member 340. Thus, with the rod pivot member 340 mounted relative to the outer end plate 300 (as Figure 19 shown), the tilt rope 112 can extend through the rod pivot member 340 and into the cavity 326 defined by the outer end plate 300.

[0255] Furthermore, as Figure 18 shown, the winch assembly 380 generally includes a fixed shaft 382, a winch pulley 384, and a one-way brake or bearing 386 that is configured to be mounted relative to both the upper cavity portion 330 of the cavity 326 defined by the end plate 300 and the associated mounting journal 336 extending within the upper cavity portion 330. Specifically, to mount the winch assembly 380 relative to the outer end plate 300, the shaft 382 can be pressed into a journal opening 337 ( Figure 17 ) defined by the mounting journal 336 such that the shaft 382 is rotationally fixed relative to the outer end plate 300. For example, as Figure 18 shown, the shaft 382 can include a knurled portion 388 and a cylindrical portion 390, where the knurled portion 388 is configured to be inserted into the journal opening 337 to prevent rotation of the shaft 382 within the journal 336. Additionally, the one-way bearing 386 can be configured to be pressed into a central bearing opening 391 ( Figure 18) such that the outer race of bearing 386 is coupled to pulley 384 for rotation therewith. Then, before installing the pulley / bearing assembly within upper cavity portion 330 of cavity 326 relative to shaft 382, the angled cord 112 can be wrapped around pulley 384 a suitable number of times according to the desired amount of friction. For example, in one embodiment, bearing 386 can be pressed onto cylindrical portion 390 of shaft 382 such that the inner race of bearing 386 is rotationally fixed to shaft 382. This assembly generally creates a one-way winch within upper cavity portion 330 that serves to provide a holding force (e.g., via friction between winch pulley 384 and angled cord 112) to balance the return force provided by drive spring 520 of angled drive assembly 170. For example, in one embodiment, winch pulley 384 can be configured to rotate only in the downward closing direction CD when angled cord 112 is pulled downward to rotate slat 56 to the downward closed position. In such an embodiment, when the user releases angled rod 110, the weight of angled rod 110 combined with the multiplying effect of the one-way winch will hold slat 56 in a stable position. When it is desired to tilt slat 56 to the upward closed position, weight can be removed from angled cord 112 (e.g., by raising second rod portion 116 of angled rod 110) to reduce the friction between the cord / pulley and allow angled cord 112 to slide around winch pulley 384 as drive spring 520 rotationally drives drive pulley 440 in the upward closing direction to wind cord 112 around drive pulley 440.

[0256] Figure 16 and Figure 17 The dashed line 112C therein schematically shows the cord path followed by angled cord 112 through cavity 326 defined by end plate 300 (e.g., when winch assembly 380 and rod pivot member 340 are installed relative to outer end plate 300). Specifically, as Figure 17 shown, angled cord 112 passes through rod pivot member 340 ( Figure 19 ) and extends upward through cavity 326 to winch assembly 380 ( Figure 19 ), at which point cord 112 is wrapped around pulley 384 a given number of times. Then, angled cord 112 exits cavity 326 through upper cord exit opening 338 ( Figure 16 and 17 ) and extends through arcuate cord path 112C defined along inner side 308 of outer end plate 300 (see Figure 16 ), where arcuate cord flange 339 of end plate 300 ( Figure 16 ) generally defines the radially outer boundary of arcuate cord path 112C. As will be referred to below with reference to Figure 20 , Figure 21 and Figure 23More specifically, when the inner end plate 400 is installed relative to the outer end plate 300, the adjacent rope guiding surface 428 of the inner end plate 400 can generally define the radially inner boundary of the arcuate rope path 112C of the inclined rope 112.

[0257] Reference is now made Figures 20 to 23 , which shows various views of the associated components of the inner end plate 400 and the inclined drive assembly 170 in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 20 and Figure 21 show opposite perspective views of the inner end plate 400. Additionally, Figure 22 shows a perspective view of the inner end plate 400 in which the drive pulley bearing 490, the auxiliary pulley 480 (and associated pulley shaft 482), and the outer end plate 300 (including the winch assembly 380 and the rod pivot member 340 mounted relative to the plate 300) are disassembled from the inner end plate 400, while Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the various components shown in Figure 22 in an assembled state.

[0258] As specifically shown in Figure 20 and Figure 21 , the inner end plate generally includes a planar wall portion 402 that at least partially defines the outer side 404 of the end plate 400 ( Figure 21 ), which is configured to face the outer end plate 300; and the inner side 406 of the end plate 400 ( Figure 20 ), which is configured to face the end plate cover 600 of the inclined drive assembly 170. A drive pulley opening 408 is defined through the wall portion 402 and is configured to coaxially extend from the outer side 404 to the inner side 406 of the end plate 400 along the pulley axis 442 of the drive pulley 440 ( Figure 21 ). As shown in Figure 22 and Figure 23 , the drive pulley bearing 490 is generally configured to be pressed into the drive pulley opening 408. For example, in one embodiment, the drive pulley bearing 490 can be pressed into the opening 408 such that the outer ring of the bearing 490 is rotationally fixed relative to the inner end plate 400. As will be described below with reference to Figures 28 to 31 , a portion of the drive pulley 440 (e.g., the bearing post portion of the drive pulley) can be configured to be pressed through the bearing 490, thereby providing a low-friction rotational interface for the drive pulley 440 to rotate about its pulley axis 442 relative to the inner end plate 400.

[0259] As shown in Figure 21As specifically shown, the inner end plate 400 also defines a recessed cavity 410 along the outer side 404 of the plate 400 and further includes a short shaft or journal 412 extending outward from the center of the cavity 410 along the tilt axis 102 of the tilt system 100. As indicated above, the journal 412 can be configured to be received within and extend through the tilt axis opening 310 defined by the outer end plate 300 ([[]] Figure 22 ) to allow the inner end plate 400 to be rotatably coupled to the outer end plate 300 in a manner that allows the inner end plate 400 to rotate about the tilt axis 102 relative to the outer end plate 300. As Figure 21 shown, the journal 412 defines a central fastener opening 414 to allow a suitable fastener (e.g., Figure 22 the fastener 302 shown) to be inserted into the opening 414 from the outer side 404 of the outer end plate 400 to maintain the journal 412 within the tilt axis opening 310. For example, the fastener 302 may not be fully tightened against the outer side 306 of the outer end plate 300 to allow the inner end plate 400 to rotate relatively unhindered about the tilt axis 102 relative to the outer end plate 300.

[0260] Additionally, as Figure 20 shown, the inner end plate 400 includes various structural walls or ribs extending outward from the planar wall portion 402 along the inner side 406 of the inner end plate 400 to define or form various cavities, surfaces, or other features of the end plate 400. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the various structural walls or ribs are arranged or configured to define a pair of pulley cavities 416, 418 for receiving the auxiliary rope pulley 480 of the tilt drive assembly 170. Specifically, as Figure 20 shown, a first or rear pulley cavity 416 is defined along the rear side of the drive pulley opening 408, while a second pulley cavity 418 is defined along the front side of the drive pulley opening 408. The dual cavity arrangement provides a symmetric configuration for the inner end plate 400, thereby allowing the inner end plate 400 to be used with an outer end plate having a mirror image geometry for installation along opposite lateral ends of the top rail assembly 52 when desired. Generally, the pulley cavities are located on the opposite side of the tilt drive assembly 170 relative to the location of the winch assembly 380. Thus, in Figure 22 and Figure 23 the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary rope pulley 480 is configured to be mounted within the first pulley cavity 416 such that the auxiliary rope pulley 480 is located on the rear side of the tilt drive assembly 170 relative to the tilt axis 102, while the winch assembly is located on the front side of the tilt drive assembly 170 relative to the tilt axis 102. As Figure 20As specifically shown, the inner end plate 400 may further include a short shaft or mounting journal 420 located within the center of each pulley cavity 416, 418. Thus, in order to mount the auxiliary rope pulley 480 relative to the inner end plate 400, the associated pulley shaft 482 may first be pressed into the mounting journal 420 before inserting the pulley 480 along the shaft 482 into the cavity 416 to allow the pulley 480 to be supported relative to the inner end plate 400 for rotation about the shaft 482.

[0261] In addition, various structural walls or ribs extending outwardly along the inner side 406 of the inner end plate 400 may also be arranged or configured to define or form mounting features for mounting the end plate cover 600 of the tilting drive assembly to the inner end plate 400. For example, as Figure 20 shown, the inner end plate 400 includes a pair of upper mounting openings 422 and a pair of lower mounting openings 424. As will be described below with reference to Figure 32 and Figure 33 In one embodiment, the upper mounting openings 422 may be configured to receive corresponding features of the end plate cover 600 (e.g., the mounting pins 642 of the end plate cover 600 ( Figure 33 )), and the lower mounting openings 424 may be configured to align with corresponding fastener openings 640 defined through the end plate cover 600 to receive a suitable fastener (e.g., Figure 34 the fastener 602 shown in

[0262] Additionally, various structural walls or ribs extending outwardly along the inner side 406 of the inner end plate 400 may also be arranged or configured to define or form a rope guiding surface for the tilting rope 112. Specifically, as Figure 20 shown, the inner end plate 400 includes an arcuate wall or rib 426 extending outwardly along the top side of the inner side 406 of the inner end plate 400, and the arcuate wall or rib defines an arcuate rope guiding surface 428. In such an embodiment, the portion of the tilting rope 112 located between the winch assembly 380 and the auxiliary rope pulley 480 may extend along the rope guiding surface 428. For example, the arcuate rope path 112C described above with reference to Figure 16 is also shown in Figure 23 As Figure 23 shown, the tilting rope 112 is configured to be radially positioned between the rope guiding surface 428 and the arcuate rope flange 322 of the outer end plate 300 when it extends between the winch assembly 380 and the auxiliary rope pulley 480. Thus, when the tilting rope 112 leaves the winch assembly 380 and passes through the rope exit opening 338 defined by the outer end plate 300 ( Figure 16 ), the rope extends along the arcuate rope guiding surface 428 until it reaches the auxiliary pulley 480, at which time the rope 112 is partially wound around the auxiliary pulley 480. As will be described below with reference to Figure 24As described above, after being wound around the auxiliary pulley 480, the tilt rope 112 may extend radially inwardly and be connected to a portion of the drive pulley 440. It should be understood that when the tilt rope 112 is pulled downward to tilt the slat 56 toward the downward closed position, the above-described rope routing generally provides an advantageous lever arm.

[0263] With particular reference Figure 20 , various structural walls or ribs extending outwardly along the inner side 406 of the inner end plate 400 may also be arranged or configured to define or form a rail cavity for receiving a portion of the drive end 132 of the tilt rail 130 ( Figure 6 ). Specifically, as Figure 20 shown, adjacent to the front and rear sides of the inner end plate 400 define a pair of rail cavities (e.g., a front rail cavity 430 and a rear rail cavity 432) for receiving the front edge wall 142 and the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130 ( Figure 9 ) and the adjacent inner side wall 158 ( Figure 9 ), wherein the bottom wall 140 of the tilt rail 130 ( Figure 9 ) is configured to wind on or extend adjacent to a corresponding shaped lower wall or surface 434 extending between the rail cavities 430, 432. Additionally, as Figure 20 shown, the inner end plate 400 further includes mounting tabs 436 extending outwardly into each of the rail cavities 430, 433, wherein each mounting tab 436 is configured to be received within one of the corresponding mounting slots 162 ( Figure 9 ) of the tilt rail 130. In this way, with the drive end 132 of the tilt rail 130 mounted relative to the inner end plate 400 such that the front edge wall 142 and the rear edge wall 144 of the rail 130 and the corresponding inner side wall 158 are received within the respective rail cavities 430, 432 (wherein the mounting tabs 436 extend within the adjacent mounting slots 162), and the bottom curved wall 140 of the rail 130 winds on the lower curved wall or surface 434 of the inner end plate 400, the tilt rail 130 may be configured to rotate with the inner end plate 400 about the tilt axis 102 of the tilt system 100.

[0264] Now referring Figure 24 and Figure 25 , a relative perspective view of one embodiment of the above-described drive pulley 440 is shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. As shown, the drive pulley 440 generally includes a central pulley portion 444 (around which the tilt rope 112 is configured to wind and unwind), an inner spring post 446 extending outwardly along the pulley axis 442 of the drive pulley 440 from the inner side 444A of the pulley portion 444 ( Figure 24 ), and an outer gear post 448 extending outwardly along the pulley axis 442 of the drive pulley 440 from the outer side 444A of the pulley portion 444 ( Figure 25)。Generally, the pulley portion 444 can be configured to be similar to a conventional pulley and can include, for example, a recessed pulley surface 450 extending between opposing pulley flanges 452. In this way, the angled rope 112 can be configured to wind around and unwind from the recessed pulley surface 450, with the angled rope 112 remaining on such surface 450 between the opposing flanges 452. Additionally, as Figure 24 shown, a portion of the recessed pulley surface 450 defines a rope opening 454 to allow the angled rope 112 to be secured to the drive pulley 440. For example, in one embodiment, one end of the angled rope 112 can be inserted through the rope opening 454 and then knotted such that the knotted end cannot be pulled back through the rope opening 454, thereby securing the angled rope 112 to the drive pulley 440.

[0265] Furthermore, as Figure 24 shown, the inner spring post 446 of the drive pulley 440 is generally configured as a slotted post, including a first or spring post portion 456 and a second or bearing post portion 458 extending axially along the pulley axis 442, where a central slot 460 is defined through the inner spring post 446 to divide the post portions 456, 4568 into opposing halves. As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 28 and 29 , the drive spring 520 of the spring assembly 500 can be configured to be mounted on the spring post portion 456 of the inner spring post 446. In such an embodiment, the inner shank 524 of the drive spring 520 ( Figure 28 ) can be configured to be received within the central slot 560 to rotatably couple this portion of the drive spring 520 to the drive pulley 440. Additionally, as will be described below with reference to Figure 28 and Figure 29 , the roller bearing 590 of the spring assembly 500 can be configured to be mounted on the bearing post portion 458 of the inner spring post 446. As specifically shown in Figure 24 , a shoulder 462 can be defined at the interface between the spring and bearing post portions 456, 458, which serves as a mechanical stop for the roller bearing 590 when such components are mounted relative to the inner spring post 446.

[0266] Specifically referring to Figure 25 , the outer gear post 448 of the drive pulley 440 generally includes a bearing post portion 464 and a gear portion 466 extending axially along the pulley axis 442. As referred to above with reference to Figure 24As indicated, the bearing post portion 464 of the drive pulley 440 can be configured to be press-fitted into the drive pulley bearing 490 to provide a low-friction rotational interface for the drive pulley 440 to rotate relative to the inner end plate 400 about the pulley axis 442. Additionally, the gear portion 466 of the drive pulley 440 can generally be configured to engage with the corresponding gear portion 316 of the outer end plate 300. Specifically, in the case where the drive pulley 440 is installed relative to the inner end plate 400 and the associated drive pulley bearing 490 such that the drive pulley bearing 490 is pressed onto the bearing post portion 464 of the drive pulley 440, the gear portion 466 of the drive pulley 440 can be exposed along the outer side 404 of the inner end plate 400, thereby allowing the gear portion 466 to engage with the corresponding gear portion 316 of the outer end plate 300. For example, Figure 26 A perspective view of the drive pulley 440 installed relative to the inner end plate 400 and the drive pulley bearing 490 is shown, wherein the gear portion 466 of the drive pulley 440 extends through the drive pulley opening 408 defined by the inner end plate 400 to allow the gear portion 466 to engage with the gear portion 316 of the outer end plate 300 received within the gear cavity 410 of the inner end plate 400. Due to this gear engagement, when the drive pulley 440 follows the arcuate travel path 318 described above with reference to Figure 18 the rotation of the drive pulley 440 about its pulley axis 442 will cause the inner end plate 400 (and various components coupled to the end plate 400 to rotate therewith) to rotate or pivot about the tilt axis 102 relative to the outer end plate 300.

[0267] For example, Figures 27A to 27C Different perspective views of the drive pulley 440, the inner end plate 400, and the outer end plate 300 assembled together are shown, specifically showing various exemplary positions of the drive pulley 440 and the inner end plate 400 relative to the outer end plate 300 that can be achieved by rotating the drive pulley 440 about its pulley axis 442. Specifically, Figure 27A A view is shown of the relative positioning of the drive pulley 440, the inner end plate 400, and the outer end plate 300 when the slats 56 of the associated cover 50 are in the fully open position (e.g., Figure 1 the position shown). In this orientation, the tilt rail 130 installed relative to the inner end plate 400 will have the Figure 10A shown orientation. To transition the slats 56 from the fully open position to the downward closed position, by pulling the tilt cord 112 downward via the tilt rod 110, the drive pulley 440 rotates in the downward closed direction CD ( Figure 27A ), which causes the respective tilt components of the top rail assembly 52 (including the tilt rail 130) to pivot about the tilt axis 102 relative to the outer end plate 300 in the downward closed direction CD. For example, Figure 27BShows the relative positioning of the drive pulley 440, the inner end plate 400, and the outer end plate 300 when the slat 56 of the associated cover 50 is moved to the downward closed position. In this orientation, the tilt rail 130 will have Figure 10B the orientation shown. Similarly, to transition the slat 56 from the fully open position to the upward closed position, the weight on the tilt cord 112 can be temporarily removed to allow the spring assembly 500 to rotationally drive the drive pulley 440 in the upward closed direction CU ( Figure 27A ), which causes the respective tilt members of the top rail assembly 52, including the tilt rail 130, to pivot about the tilt axis 102 relative to the outer end plate 300 in the upward closed direction CU. Figure 27C Shows the relative positioning of the drive pulley 440, the inner end plate 400, and the outer end plate 300 when the slat 56 of the associated cover 50 is moved to the downward closed position. In this orientation, the tilt rail 130 will have Figure 10C the orientation shown.

[0268] Now referring to Figures 28 to 31 , several views of one embodiment of the above-described spring assembly 500 are shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 28 and Figure 29 show exploded perspective views of both the spring assembly 500 and the drive pulley 440. Additionally, Figure 30 shows the Figure 28 and Figure 29 assembled views of the individual components shown in Figure 31 , while Figure 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled components shown in

[0269] taken along line XXXI-XXXI. Figure 24 ), as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the drive spring 520 of the spring assembly 500 is generally configured as a clock spring, which includes a flat spring band 522 that is helically wound between the inner shank 524 and the outer shank 526 of the drive spring 520. As indicated above, the inner shank 524 of the drive spring 520 can be configured to be received within a central slot 460 ( Figure 29)An outer shank foot 526 for receiving a drive spring 520 to couple this portion of the spring 520 to a spring bracket 540. It should be understood that, as an alternative to a clockwork spring, various other types of springs may be used as the drive spring 520, such as a coil spring, a B-shaped spring, etc. Additionally, the spring assembly 500 may generally have any other suitable arrangement that allows the assembly to operate in the manner described herein.

[0270] With the arrangement shown in the illustrated embodiment, since the drive pulley 440 is configured to rotate relative to the spring bracket 540 about a pulley axis 442 (even though these components tilt together about an inclined axis 102 as the drive pulley 440 rotates), the inner shank foot 524 can rotate relative to the outer shank foot 526 as the drive pulley 440 rotates, thereby allowing the drive spring 520 to store energy as the drive pulley 440 rotates to tilt the slat 56 of the associated cover 50 in one direction and release this energy to rotationally drive the drive pulley 440 when it is desired to tilt the slat 56 in the opposite direction. For example, as described above, the drive spring 520 may be configured to wind up (and thus store energy) when the tilt cord 112 is pulled downward to rotate the drive pulley 440 in a closing direction CD, thereby tilting the slat 56 toward a downward closed position. However, when the weight or tension is removed from the tilt cord 112 (e.g., by raising the tilt bar 110), the drive spring 520 may be configured to release the stored energy and rotationally drive the drive pulley 440 in an upward closing direction CU, thereby allowing the slat 56 to tilt toward an upward closed position.

[0271] The roller bearing 590 of the spring assembly 500 may generally be configured to provide a low-friction rotational interface to facilitate the rotation of the drive pulley 440 relative to the spring bracket 540. In this regard, the bearing 590 may generally be configured to be coupled between the drive pulley 440 and the spring bracket 540. For example, as indicated above, the roller bearing 590 may be configured to be coupled to a bearing post portion 458 of an inner spring post 446 of the drive pulley 440 to rotate therewith, such as by pressing an inner race of the roller bearing 590 onto the bearing post portion 458. Additionally, an outer race of the roller bearing 590 may be configured to be fixed to a portion of the spring bracket 540, such as by pressing the roller bearing 590 into a bearing cavity 544 ( Figure 29 and 31 ) defined by the spring bracket 540. In this way, the rotational interface provided by the roller bearing 590 may allow the drive pulley 440 to freely rotate about the pulley axis 442 relative to the spring bracket 540.

[0272] Still referring to Figures 28 to 31, the spring seat 540 of the spring assembly 500 can generally be used as a housing or retaining element for driving the spring 520, thereby allowing the seat 540 to radially limit the outward expansion of the spring when the spring 520 stores energy (e.g., when the drive pulley 440 rotates relative to the seat 540 in the downward closing direction CD). In this regard, the spring seat 540 can be configured to define a spring cavity or chamber 546 ( Figure 29 and 31 ), and when these components are assembled, the drive spring 520 is received within the spring cavity or chamber. For example, as specifically shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 31 , the dimensions of the spring cavity or chamber 546 can be designed such that the spring 520 is radially encapsulated or surrounded by the spring seat 540. Additionally, as shown in Figure 31 , the spring 520 can also be axially restricted between the pulley portion 444 of the drive pulley 440 and a retaining wall or shoulder 548 that radially extends between the spring cavity 546 and a smaller diameter bearing cavity 544 defined by the spring seat 540. Further, the spring seat 540 can also function to fixedly hold the outer leg 526 of the drive spring 520 in orientation, thereby allowing the inner leg 524 to rotate relative thereto as the drive pulley 440 rotates. Specifically, as indicated above, the spring seat 540 can define a leg slot 542 that is configured to receive the outer leg 526 of the drive spring 520. As specifically shown in Figure 29 , the spring seat 540 can be configured to define a pair of leg slots 542, and the outer leg 526 is inserted into one of such slots 542, depending on the installation orientation of the spring 520 within the spring seat 540. For example, the mirror image geometry of the leg slot 542 can allow the spring seat 540 to be installed within an angled drive assembly 170 that is configured to be located at either lateral end of the top rail assembly 52.

[0273] Moreover, in several embodiments, the spring seat 540 can also include features that allow the seat 540 to selectively couple and decouple from the end plate cover 600 of the angled drive assembly 170, which can assist in the "pre-winding" of the drive spring 520. For example, as specifically shown in Figure 28 , the spring seat includes locking ribs 550 that are positioned along its outer perimeter. As will be described below with reference to Figures 32 to 35 , such ribs 550 can be configured to engage a corresponding locking mechanism 620 ( Figure 32 ) of the end plate cover 600 to fixedly hold the spring seat 540 in orientation to the end plate cover 600. However, when pre-winding or otherwise adjusting the spring load on the drive spring 520 is desired, the locking mechanism 620 can be disengaged to allow the spring seat 540 to rotate relative to the end plate cover 600. In this regard, as shown in Figure 28 and Figure 30As specifically shown, the spring carrier 540 may also be configured to define or include a given profile (e.g., hexagonal head profile 552) to allow the carrier 540 to be rotated quickly and easily via a corresponding tool.

[0274] Reference is now made Figures 32 to 35 , to several views of one embodiment of the above end plate cover 600 in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 32 and Figure 33 show opposite perspective views of the end plate cover 600. Additionally, Figure 34 shows a perspective view of the end plate cover disassembled from the remaining components of the tilt drive assembly 170 (after assembly), while Figure 35 shows a bottom perspective view of the end plate cover 600 assembled relative to the remainder of the tilt drive assembly 170.

[0275] As Figure 32 and Figure 33 specifically shown, the end plate cover generally includes a planar wall portion 604 that at least partially defines an outer side 606 of the cover 600 ( Figure 32 ), which is configured to face the opposite lateral ends of the top rail assembly 52; and an inner side 608 of the cover 600 ( Figure 33 ), which is configured to face the inner end plate 300 and the outer end plate 400 of the tilt drive assembly 170. A central carrier opening 610 is defined through the wall portion 604 and is configured to extend coaxially from the outer side 606 of the cover 600 to the inner side 608 of the cover 600 along the pulley axis 442 of the drive pulley 440. Generally, the central carrier opening 610 is sized to allow a portion of the spring carrier 540 to be received therein when the cover 600 is assembled relative to the remainder of the tilt drive assembly 170. In one embodiment, the diameter of the carrier opening 610 may be greater than the diameter of the outer housing portion 554 of the spring carrier 540 (see Figure 34 and Figures 28 to 31 ) (i.e., the portion of the carrier 540 that defines the bearing and spring cavities 544, 546), but less than the diameter of the outer peripheral flange 556 of the spring carrier 540 that extends radially outward from the outer housing portion 554 (see Figure 34 and Figures 28 to 31 ), thereby allowing the flange 556 to engage the inner side 508 of the cover 600 during assembly of the components. For example, as Figure 35 specifically shown, during assembly of the various tilt drive components, the outer housing portion 554 of the spring carrier 540 extends through the carrier opening 610 to allow access to the carrier 540 along the outer side 606 of the cover 600.

[0276] Additionally, as Figure 32 and Figure 33As specifically shown, the end plate cover 600 further includes a locking mechanism 620 positioned relative to the central bracket opening 610 (e.g., at the bottom of the opening 610) to allow the cover 600 to be selectively coupled to and decoupled from the spring bracket 540. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 620 includes a first spring arm 622 and a second spring arm 624 and a connecting arm 626 extending between the spring arms 622, 624, wherein each spring arm 622, 624 extends from a proximal end integrally formed with or coupled to a wall portion 604 of the cover 600 to a distal end forming a locking flange 628 of the locking mechanism 620. In such an embodiment, opposing locking flanges 628 formed at the distal ends of the spring arms 622, 624 may be configured to define a locking channel 630 therebetween, and a locking rib 550 of the spring bracket 540 is configured to be received within the locking channel. For example, as Figure 35 specifically shown in the assembled view of, in the case where the outer housing portion 554 of the spring bracket 540 extends through the bracket opening 610 defined by the end plate cover 600, the spring arms 622, 624 may be configured to bias the locking flanges 628 along both sides of the locking rib 550 onto the outer surface of the spring bracket 540, thereby retaining the locking rib 550 within the channel 630 defined between the flanges 628 and preventing the spring bracket 540 from rotating relative to the end plate cover 600.

[0277] To unlock the spring carrier 540 and allow pre-winding of the drive spring 520, the spring arms 622, 624 can be configured to pull downward relative to the spring carrier 540 to an unlocked position where the locking ribs 550 of the carrier 540 can clear the locking flanges 628 of the locking mechanism 620. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting arm 626 of the locking mechanism 620 can include a push tab 632 that allows a user of the tilt drive assembly 170 to press the push tab to move the spring arms 622, 624 downward relative to the spring carrier 540 to the unlocked position. Then, the spring carrier 540 can be rotated relative to the end plate cover 600 and, more importantly, relative to the drive pulley 440 (e.g., using a suitable tool configured to engage the hexagonal profile 552 of the carrier 540) to pre-wind the drive spring 520. For example, as described above, the outer shank 526 of the drive spring 520 can be coupled to the spring carrier 540 while the inner shank 524 of the drive spring 520 can be coupled to the drive pulley 440. Thus, by rotating the spring carrier 540 relative to the drive pulley 440, the spring 520 can be pre-wound or pre-tensioned as desired, such as by pre-winding the spring 520 a given amount to enter the available range of the spring power curve. Once the spring carrier 540 has been rotated the desired number of revolutions relative to the drive pulley 440 to pre-wind the spring 520, the connecting arm 626 of the locking mechanism 620 can be released, at which time the spring force within the spring arms 622, 624 can bias the locking flanges 628 back into engagement with the spring carrier 540 to rotationally capture the locking ribs 550 between the flanges 628 and prevent further relative rotation of the spring carrier 540.

[0278] Still referring to Figure 32 and Figure 33 , the end plate cover 600 can also include suitable features for mounting the end plate cover 600 to the inner end plate 400. For example, as Figures 32 to 34 shown, fastener openings 640 can be defined through a wall portion 604 of the cover 600 and are configured to align with a pair of lower mounting openings 424 defined by the inner end plate 400, thereby allowing the use of suitable fasteners 602 ( Figure 34 and 35 ) to couple these components together. Additionally, as specifically shown in Figure 33 , the end plate cover 600 can include mounting posts 642 that extend outward from the wall portion 604 along the inner side of the cover. As described above, such mounting posts 642 can be configured to be received within a pair of upper mounting openings 422 defined by the inner end plate 400 to couple the end plate cover 600 and the inner end plate 400 to each other.

[0279] Furthermore, the end plate cover 600 can also include component retention features for axially or laterally retaining one or more components of the tilt system 100 between the cover 600 and the inner end plate 400. For example, asFigure 33 As specifically shown, a pair of pulley retaining walls or surfaces 644 are defined along the inner side 608 of the shroud 600, and the pair of pulley retaining walls or surfaces are configured to align with the pulley cavities 416, 418 defined by the plate 400 when the end shroud 600 is installed relative to the inner end plate 400, thereby allowing the auxiliary rope pulley 480 to be retained within the particular pulley cavity 416, 418 in which it is installed. Additionally, as Figure 33 shown, the end plate shroud 600 further includes a rope guiding wall or surface 646 extending from the pulley retaining wall or surface 646 to provide means for axially or laterally retaining the angled rope 112 between the shroud 600 and the inner end plate 400 when the rope 112 extends radially inward along its travel path between the auxiliary pulley 480 and the drive pulley 440.

[0280] Still referring to Figures 32 to 35 , the end plate shroud 600 further includes or defines rail mounting features for coupling the angled rail 130 (and associated rail shroud 131) to the angled drive assembly 170. Specifically, in several embodiments, the end plate shroud 600 may include or define features for receiving or engaging the drive end 132 of the angled rail 130. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, similar to the inner end plate 400, the end plate shroud 600 defines a pair of rail cavities (e.g., a front rail cavity 650 and a rear rail cavity 652) adjacent the front and rear sides of the shroud 600 for receiving the front edge wall 142 and the rear edge wall 144 of the angled rail 130 ( Figure 9 ) and the adjacent side walls 158 ( Figure 9 ), wherein the bottom wall 140 of the angled rail 130 ( Figure 9 ) is configured to wrap around or extend adjacent to the correspondingly shaped lower wall or surface 654 of the shroud 600 extending between the rail cavities 650, 652. Additionally, the end plate shroud 600 further includes mounting tabs 656 extending outwardly into each rail cavity 650, 652, wherein each mounting tab 656 is configured to be received within one of the corresponding mounting slots 162 ( Figure 9 ) in the angled rail 130. As Figure 35 specifically shown, in the case where the end plate shroud 600 is installed relative to the inner end plate 400, the rail cavities 650, 652 and the mounting tabs 656 of the end plate shroud 600 may be generally aligned with the corresponding rail cavities 430, 432 and the mounting tabs 436 of the inner end plate 400, thereby allowing the drive end 132 of the angled rail 130 to be mounted relative to the plate / shroud such that the front edge wall 142 and the rear edge wall 144 of the rail 130 and the corresponding side walls 158 are received within the correspondingly aligned rail cavities 430, 432, 650, 652 (where the aligned mounting tabs 435, 656 extend within the adjacent mounting slots 162 of the rail 130), and the bottom wall 140 of the rail 130 wraps around the corresponding lower wall or surface 434, 654 of the aligned shroud / plate. Further, asFigure 32 As shown, the end plate cover 600 may also include additional mounting flanges 660 extending outwardly from the outer side 606 of the cover 600 for engaging a portion of the rail cover 131. For example, in one embodiment, the cover 600 may include a pair of inner mounting flanges 660 configured to engage against and contact the upper curved wall 133 of the rail cover 131 when the rail / cover is mounted relative to the end plate cover 600( Figure 9 ). Additionally, as Figure 32 shown, the cover 600 may include an outer peripheral flange 662 that generally matches the curvature of the upper curved wall 133 of the rail cover 131 to allow the wall 133 to be held between the outer peripheral flange 662 and the inner mounting flanges 660 when the rail / cover is mounted relative to the end plate cover 600.

[0281] Now referring Figures 36 to 40 , various views of one embodiment of a bottom rail assembly (e.g., bottom rail assembly 54) suitable for use within one or more embodiments of the disclosed coverings are shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 36 and Figure 37 show an assembled perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the bottom rail assembly 54, respectively, while Figure 38 shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom rail assembly shown in Figure 36 , taken along line XXXVIII-XXXVIII, and with the end caps of the assembly removed for ease of illustration. Figure 39 shows a bottom perspective partial exploded view of a portion of the bottom rail assembly shown in Figure 37 (e.g., the portion extending to the left of the section line XXXVIII-XXXVIII shown in Figure 37 ), while Figure 40 shows an assembled bottom view of the portion of the bottom rail assembly shown in Figure 39 .

[0282] Generally, the bottom rail assembly 54 is configured to extend in a lateral direction (represented by the arrows L in Figure 36 and Figure 36 ) between a first assembly end 700( Figure 36 and Figure 37 ). As Figure 36 and Figure 37 shown, the bottom rail assembly 54 includes a first end cap 704 located at the first assembly end 700 and a second end cap 706 located at the second assembly end 702. Additionally, the bottom rail assembly 54 includes a bottom rail 710 extending in the lateral direction L between the first end cap 704 and the second end cap 706. For example, as specifically shown in FIG. #, the bottom rail 710 includes a first lateral end 712 configured to be coupled to the first end cap 704 and a second lateral end 714 configured to be coupled to the second end cap 706.

[0283] In some embodiments, the bottom rail 710 may be configured as a two-piece assembly. For example, as specifically shown in Figure 37 , the bottom rail 710 includes an upper rail portion 716 and a lower cover portion 718 configured to be coupled to the rail portion 716, wherein both the rail portion 716 and the cover portion 718 are configured to extend in the lateral direction L between a first end 712 and a lateral end 174 of the bottom rail 710. As will be described below, in one embodiment, the rail portion 716 and the cover portion 178 may be configured to be coupled to each other via one or more internal rail connectors or connector inserts 720 of the bottom rail assembly 54. For example, as shown in Figure 37 , the bottom rail assembly 54 may include a plurality of connector inserts 720 for coupling the cover portion 718 to the rail portion 718, wherein each insert 720 is configured to be received within an internal chamber or cavity 722 ( Figure 38 ) defined by the bottom rail 710 when the rail portion 716 and the cover portion 718 (and associated end caps 704, 706) are assembled together. Such connector inserts 720 may be particularly advantageous for use within the disclosed bottom rail assembly 54 when the rail portion 716 and the cover portion 718 of the bottom rail 710 are formed from material extrusions (e.g., metal-based extrusions such as aluminum extrusions) that require a relatively large tolerance allowance, making it difficult to form an interface between them without excessive clearance. In such cases, the connector inserts 720 can be used to provide an effective connection means between the rail portion 716 and the cover portion 718 of the bottom rail 710. For example, the connector inserts 720 may be formed from a non-metallic material (e.g., plastic), which allows the inserts 720 to be manufactured with relatively tight tolerances to provide a firm and tight connection between the rail portion 716 and the cover portion 718. In alternative embodiments, the rail portion 716 and the cover portion 718 may be configured to be coupled together without the use of connector inserts, such as by snapping the cover portion 718 onto the rail portion 718.

[0284] As specifically shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 38 , the rail portion 716 of the bottom rail 710 generally includes an upper wall 724 (e.g., a slightly curved or arcuate upper wall) that extends in the front-to-back or lateral direction (indicated by the arrow CW in Figure 38 ) between a front edge wall 726 and a rear edge wall 728. In some embodiments, each edge wall 726, 728 may be configured as a rounded or curved wall having a first wall portion 730 that extends between the upper wall 724 and the vertex 732 of the rounded edge wall 726, 728 and a second wall portion 734 that extends from the vertex 732 to the distal end 736 of the edge wall 726, 728. Additionally, as shown in Figure 38As shown, the rail portion 716 includes recessed engagement flanges (e.g., a front engagement flange 738 and a rear engagement flange 740) extending inwardly from the distal ends 736 of the rounded walls 726, 728, where the engagement flanges 738, 740 are spaced from each other in the transverse direction CW to form an open, face-down bottom end 742 of the rail portion 716( Figure 39 ). For example, as shown in the partial view of Figure 39 , the flanges 738, 740 may be configured to extend in the transverse direction L in a spaced relationship along the front and rear sides of the rail portion 716 such that the open end 742 of the rail portion 716 extends generally along the entire transverse length of the rail portion 716 defined between the opposite transverse ends 712, 714 of the bottom rail 710. In such an embodiment, the cover portion 718 may be configured to be mounted relative to the rail portion 716 to cover its open bottom end 742. For example, as shown in Figure 38 , the cover portion 718 may be configured to be mounted relative to the rail portion 716 such that the cover portion 718 extends in the transverse direction CW between the distal ends 736 of the front edge wall 726 and the rear edge wall 728, where the inner surface 744 of the cover portion 718 contacts or engages against the opposing engagement flanges 738, 740 of the rail portion 716.

[0285] In addition, as shown in Figure 37 and Figure 38 , the cover portion 718 of the bottom rail 710 generally includes a lower cover wall 746 (e.g., a slightly curved or arcuate wall) extending in the front-to-rear or transverse direction (indicated by the arrow CW in Figure 38 ) between a front edge 748 and a rear edge 750. As specifically shown in Figure 38 , in one embodiment, when the cover portion 718 is mounted relative to the rail portion 716, the front edge 748 of the cover portion 716 may generally be configured to be positioned adjacent to the distal end 736 of the front edge wall 726 of the rail portion 716, while the rear edge 750 of the cover portion 716 may generally be configured to be positioned adjacent to the distal end 736 of the rear edge wall 728 of the rail portion 716. In addition, as shown in Figure 38 , the engagement flanges 738, 740 of the rail portion 716 may generally be configured to be recessed relative to the distal ends 736 of the front edge wall and the rear edge walls 726, 728 such that when the inner surface 744 of the cover portion 718 engages against the engagement flanges 738, 740, the bottom rail 710 may generally define a substantially continuous profile. For example, the curved profile of the wall 746 of the cover portion 718 may generally match the curved profile of the edge walls 726, 728 extending toward their distal ends 736 such that a substantially continuous profile is defined at the interface between the cover portion 718 and the rail portion 716.

[0286] Additionally, in several embodiments, the cover portion 718 of the bottom rail 710 may also be configured to include mounting or coupling features for coupling the cover portion 718 to the rail portion 716 via the connector inserts 720. For example, as Figure 37 and Figure 38 shown, the cover portion 718 includes a pair of connecting members 752 (e.g., hook-shaped members) extending outwardly from the inner surface 744 of the cover portion 718, where the connecting members 752 extend generally along the transverse length of the cover portion 718. As will be described below, the connecting members 752 of the cover portion 718 may be configured to engage or otherwise couple to corresponding connecting members of the connector inserts 720 to provide a secure connection between the cover portion 718 and each insert 720 (and, thus, a secure connection between the cover portion 718 and the rail portion 716).

[0287] Still referring to Figures 36 to 40 , each internal connector or connector insert 720 of the bottom rail assembly 54 may generally be configured to be received within the rail portion 716 of the bottom rail 710. For example, as Figure 38 specifically shown, each connector insert 720 includes a base connector wall 754 extending in the transverse direction CW between opposite front end portions 756 and rear end portions 758 of the insert 720. In such an embodiment, each insert 720 may be configured to be received within the rail portion 716 such that the bottom connector wall 754 extends through the interior of the rail portion 716 between the front edge wall 726 and the rear edge wall 728 of the rail portion 716, where the front end portion 756 of the insert 720 is configured to be positioned adjacent to and / or in contact with the inner surface of the front edge wall 726, and the rear edge portion 758 of the insert 720 is configured to be positioned adjacent to and / or in contact with the inner surface of the rear edge wall 728. As Figure 38 shown, in one embodiment, the end portions 756, 758 of each insert 720 may have a rounded or curved profile that generally matches the inner rounded or curved profile of the edge walls 726, 728 of the rail portion 716. Additionally, in one embodiment, the end portions 756, 758 of each insert 720 may be slightly tapered in the transverse direction CW to define a cam surface or profile, thereby allowing the insert 720 to be fixed in place within the rail portion 716. For example, when a given connector insert 720 is being installed within the rail portion 716, the insert 720 may be rotated slightly about its central axis 760 ( Figure 38 ) to lock the end portions 756, 756 of the insert 720 against the opposing inner surfaces of the edge walls 726, 728 of the rail portion 716.

[0288] In addition, each connector insert 720 can include mounting or coupling features that are configured to match or otherwise complement corresponding mounting or coupling features of the rail portion 716 of the bottom rail 710. For example, as Figure 38 shown, each insert 720 can include a pair of connecting members 762 (e.g., hook-shaped members) that extend outwardly from the base connecting wall 754 of the insert 720. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connecting members 762 of each insert 720 can be configured to engage the connecting members 752 of the cover portion 718 to lock or fix the cover portion 718 in place relative to the rail portion 716. In one embodiment, each of the connecting members 752, 762 includes a tapered or hooked end 764 that allows for a snap connection between the cover portion 716 and the corresponding connector insert 720. For example, as Figure 38 shown, the cover portion 718 can be mounted relative to the rail portion 716 and the associated connector insert 720 by pushing the cover portion 718 toward the bottom end of the rail portion 718 (e.g., in the mounting direction indicated by the arrow 766 in Figure 38 ) until the hooked end 764 of the connecting member 752 of the cover portion 718 has been pushed past the corresponding hooked end 764 of the connecting member 762 of each connector insert 720 in the mounting direction 766, thereby allowing adjacent pairs of hooked ends 764 to snap into an interlocking engagement to secure the cover portion 718 to the rail portion 718. Alternatively, instead of snapping the cover portion 718 onto the connector insert 720, the cover portion 718 can be slid laterally into place relative to the rail portion 716 and the associated insert 720.

[0289] In addition, in several embodiments, each connector insert 720 can include, in one implementation, one or more retention features for retaining one or more weight members (rods) to increase the total weight of the bottom rail assembly 54 when necessary. For example, as Figure 38 shown, each insert 720 includes a pair of retention arms 768 that extend outwardly from the base connector wall 754 at a location between the connecting members 762 of the insert 720. In such an embodiment, the retention arms 768 can be configured to define a retention channel 770 therebetween for optionally receiving a weight member. For example, an elongated rod can be snapped into the retention channel 770 to increase the weight of the bottom rail assembly 54.

[0290] In several embodiments, the front and rear straps / cords 60, 62, 64, 66 of the associated cover 50 can be configured to extend from the top rail assembly 52 and wrap around the respective front and rear edge walls 726, 728 of the rail portion 716 of the bottom rail 710 to allow these cords / straps 60, 62, 64, 66 to be coupled to the bottom rail 710 along its bottom side. For example, Figure 36Shows the front lift ropes 64 and rear lift ropes 66 (indicated by dashed lines for clarity) of each ladder belt assembly 58 mounted relative to the bottom rail assembly 54, as well as the front belt body 60 and rear belt body 62. Additionally, Figure 38 A simplified view of the various ropes / tape bodies 60, 62, 64, 66 extending relative to the bottom rail 710 is shown, where each pair of front ropes / tape bodies 60, 64 and each pair of rear ropes / tape bodies 62, 66 are shown as single lines to show that such front and rear ropes / tape bodies are respectively wound around the front and rear sides of the bottom rail 710. As Figure 38 Specifically shown in, in one embodiment, the ropes / tape bodies 60, 62, 64, 66 may be configured to wind around adjacent edge walls 726, 728 of the rail portion 716 and extend into an internal cavity 722 defined at an interface defined between the bottom rail 710 at the rail portion 716 and the cover portion 718.

[0291] To accommodate such rope / tape body routing, the bottom rail 710 may include suitable rope-related features for receiving the various ropes / tape bodies 60, 62, 64, 66. For example, as Figure 39 Specifically shown in, the engaging flanges 738, 740 of the rail portion 716 may define rope / tape body slots 772 for receiving the ends (e.g., knotted or looped ends 67) of the front and rear ropes / tape bodies 60, 62, 64, 66. In such an embodiment, when the cover portion 718 of the bottom rail 710 is mounted relative to the bottom end of the rail portion 716, the cover portion 718 may cover or extend through most of the rope / tape body slots 772 to hold the rope / tape bodies 60, 62, 64, 66 relative thereto. For example, as Figure 40 Shown in the bottom partial view of, in the case where the cover portion 718 is mounted relative to the rail portion 718, only a small portion of each rope / tape body slot 772 may remain uncovered by the cover portion 716 along the bottom end of the rail portion 718 (e.g., enough of the slot portion to only allow the rope / tape body to pass through). Thus, the knotted or looped ends 67 of the ropes / tape bodies 60, 62, 64, 66 may be trapped inside the bottom rail 710 and held relative thereto.

[0292] Now referring to the appended Figure 41 , a perspective view of another embodiment of a covering 50* of a building structure (not shown) according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention is shown. Figure 41 The configuration of the covering 50* shown in is generally the same as that referred to above with reference to Figure 1The described cover 50 is similar. Accordingly, components, features, and / or structures of cover 50* that are the same as or similar to the corresponding components, features, and / or structures of the above-described cover 50 will be denoted with the same reference numeral with an asterisk (*). Additionally, when a given component, feature, and / or structure of cover 50* is configured to generally perform the same function as the corresponding component, feature, and / or structure of the above-described cover 50, a less detailed description of such component / feature / structure will be provided below for the sake of brevity.

[0293] As Figure 41 shown, cover 50* is configured as a slatted blind (e.g., a "privacy" blind type extendable / retractable cover), and generally includes a top rail assembly 52*, a bottom rail assembly 54*, and a plurality of horizontally disposed parallel slats 56*, the slats being configured to be supported between the top rail assembly 52 and the bottom rail assembly 54* via two or more ladder tape assemblies 58* (e.g., three ladder tape assemblies 58*). The slats 56* can be rotated or tilted about their longitudinal axes by manipulating the ladder tape assemblies 58* to allow the slats 56* to be in a horizontal or open position that allows light to pass between the slats 56* (e.g., as Figure 41 shown) and a closed position (not shown - a downward closed position or an upward closed position, depending on whether the front edge of the slats 56* is tilted downward or upward), in the closed position, the slats 56* are substantially vertically oriented in an overlapping manner to block or obstruct light from passing through cover 50*. Similar to the embodiments of the above-described cover 50, in one embodiment, the slats 56* can be configured as cellular slats. Alternatively, the slats 56* can be configured as conventional, non-cellular slats.

[0294] Additionally, similar to the above-described embodiments, the ladder tape assemblies 58* can be manipulated to allow the slats 56* to be tilted between an open position and a closed position using, for example, a suitable tilt bar 110* or any other suitable control device that is part of an tilt system 100* ([[]] Figure 43 ) that is operatively associated with cover 50*. For example, as will be described below with reference to [[[]] Figure 43 , cover 50* can include one or more components of tilt system 100* that are operatively associated with the top rail assembly 52*, such as a tilt drive assembly 170* of system 100* and an associated tilt rail 130*. In such an embodiment, the tilt bar 110* can be manipulated by a user (e.g., by pulling down a portion of the bar 110* or by raising this portion of the bar 110*) to actuate an associated tilt cord (e.g., a first tilt cord 113* and a second tilt cord 115* (see [[[]] Figures 44 to 46), which in turn may allow the tilt drive assembly 170* to rotationally drive the tilt rail 130*. This rotation of the tilt rail 130* may cause the front ladder belt body 60* and the rear ladder belt body 62* of each ladder belt assembly 58* suspended from the tilt rail 130* ( Figures 47 to 49 ) to be raised or lowered relative to each other to adjust the tilt angle of the slats 56*.

[0295] In addition, the cover 50* is also configured to include two or more pairs of lifting ropes 64*, 66*, which form part of the lifting system 200* ( Figure 43 ) for moving the cover 50 between a lowered or extended position (e.g., as Figure 41 shown) and a raised or retracted position (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 50* includes three pairs of lifting ropes 64*, 66* extending between the top rail assembly 52* and the bottom rail assembly 54*. Figure 41 Each pair of lifting ropes includes a front lifting rope 64* extending along the front side 68F* of the cover 50* and a rear lifting rope 66* extending along the rear side 68R* of the cover 50*. Specifically, each front lifting rope 64* is configured to extend between the top rail assembly 52* and the bottom rail assembly 54* along the front edge of each slat 56*, while each rear lifting rope 66* is configured to extend between the top rail assembly 52* and the bottom rail assembly 54* along the opposite rear edge of each slat 56*. As will be described below, each pair of lifting ropes 64*, 66* may be configured to extend to corresponding lifting system components operatively associated with the top rail assembly 52*.

[0296] It should be understood that the configuration of the cover 50* described above and shown in Figure 41 is only for placing the subject matter of the present invention in an exemplary field of use. Thus, it is apparent that the subject matter of the present invention can be readily adapted to any suitable cover configuration. For example, Figure 41 the cover 50* shown in Figure 1 is configured as a wider cover than the cover 50 shown in Figure 1 , and thus includes three ladder belt assemblies 58* and three pairs of lifting ropes 64*, 66*. However, in an alternative embodiment, the cover 50* may be configured as a narrower cover and thus may include a configuration similar to the configuration shown in Figure 41 (e.g., including only two ladder belt assemblies 58* and two pairs of lifting ropes 64*, 66*). As another example, the cover 50* may be configured as an even wider cover than the cover shown in

[0297] Now referring to Figure 42 andFigure 43 , A perspective view of one embodiment of a top rail assembly (e.g., top rail assembly 52*) is shown in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 42 , A perspective assembled view of the top rail assembly 52* is shown, while Figure 43 shows Figure 42 A perspective partial exploded view of the top rail assembly 52* shown in (the tilt bar 110* is removed for ease of illustration). Figure 42 And Figure 43 The configuration of the top rail assembly 52* shown in is generally similar to the top rail assembly 52 referred to above with reference to Figure 2 And Figure 3 . Accordingly, components, features, and / or structures of the assembly 52* that are the same as or similar to the corresponding components, features, and / or structures of the above-described assembly 52 will be denoted with the same reference numeral plus an asterisk (*). Additionally, when a given component, feature, and / or structure of the assembly 52* is configured to generally perform the same function as the corresponding component, feature, and / or structure of the above-described assembly 52, a less detailed description of such component / feature / structure will be provided below for the sake of brevity.

[0298] Generally, the top rail assembly 52 is configured to extend in a lateral direction (denoted by the arrows L in Figure 42 ) between a first assembly end 70* ( Figure 42 ) and a second assembly end 72* ( Figure 42 and Figure 43 ). As shown in Figure 42 and Figure 43 , the top rail assembly 52* includes a first end cap 74* located at the first assembly end 70*, a second end cap 76* located at the second assembly end 72*, and a valance 78 that extends in the lateral direction L between the first end cap 74* and the second end cap 76*. Generally, the configuration of the valance 78* may be similar to the above-described valance 78. For example, in one embodiment, the valance 78* may be designed or configured to have the same shape, profile, dimensions, etc. as the slats 56* used in the associated covering 50*. Additionally, as shown in Figure 43 , the top rail assembly 52* may also include one or more valance clips 79*, which are configured to support the valance at a position between its opposite ends relative to the remainder of the assembly 52*.

[0299] As indicated above, in several embodiments, the top rail assembly 52* may be configured to include or be associated with various components of both a tilt system 100* and a lift system 200*. For example, as specifically shown in 43, various tilt-related components of the tilt system 100* may be positioned or supported between the first end cap 74* and the second end cap 76*. Specifically, as shown in Figure 43As shown, the tilt system 100* includes a tilt rail 130*, which extends laterally between a first end or drive end 132* of the tilt rail 130* positioned adjacent a first component end 70* ( Figure 42 ) of the top rail assembly 52* and a second end or idler end 134* of the tilt rail 130* positioned adjacent a second component end 72* ( Figure 42 ) of the top rail assembly 52*. Additionally, the tilt system 100* includes a tilt drive assembly 170* coupled to the drive end 132* of the tilt rail 130* and an idler end plate 180* coupled to the idler end 134* of the tilt rail 130*. For example, as Figure 43 shown, the tilt drive assembly 170* is configured to be coupled between a first end cap 74* and the drive end 132* of the tilt rail 130* adjacent the first component end 70* ( Figure 42 ) of the top rail assembly 52*, and the idler end plate 180* is configured to be coupled between a second end cap 76* and the idler end 134* of the tilt rail 130* adjacent the second component end 72* ( Figure 42 ) of the top rail assembly 52*. Similar to the above-described embodiments, the tilt drive assembly 170* can be configured to rotationally drive the tilt rail 130* such that the rail 130* rotates about a tilt axis 102* ( Figure 3 ) through a certain angular tilt range (e.g., approximately 180 degrees) to allow the slats 56* of the associated cover 50* to tilt from a first closed position (e.g., a downward closed position) through a fully open position (e.g., as Figure 41 shown) to a second closed position (e.g., an upward closed position).

[0300] Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention, one or more components of the lift system 200* (indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 43 ) can be supported by the tilt rail 130*. Thus, the various lift system components supported by the tilt rail 130* can be configured to rotate about the tilt axis 102* with the tilt rail 130* as the slats 56* tilt. As will be described below with reference to Figures 47 to 49 , this rotation of the lift system components as the slats 56* tilt can allow the front lift rope 64* and the rear lift rope 66* ( Figure 41 ) to shift slightly in opposite directions along with the front belt body 60* and the rear belt body 62* ( Figure 41 ) of the ladder belt assembly 58*, thereby assisting the slats 56* in moving to one of the closed positions while maintaining the bottom rail assembly 54* in a desired orientation.

[0301] Similar to the above-described embodiments, the top rail assembly 52* can also include one or more components for mounting the assembly 52* relative to an adjacent building structure. For example, as Figure 43As specifically shown, the top rail assembly 52* includes a mounting rail 80* and two or more mounting brackets (e.g., three mounting brackets 82*), where the mounting brackets 82* are configured to be coupled between the mounting rail 80* and an adjacent building structure (e.g., using suitable fasteners). Further, the mounting rail 80* can be configured to be coupled to one or more components of the top rail assembly 52* to support such an assembly 52* relative to the brackets 82* and the adjacent building structure. For example, in one embodiment, opposite first and second lateral ends 80A* and 80B* of the mounting rail 80* ( Figure 43 ) can be configured to be coupled to corresponding fixed or stationary components of the tilt system 100*, such as by coupling the first lateral end 80A* of the mounting rail 80* to a fixed end plate assembly positioned adjacent the first component end 70* of the tilt drive assembly 170* proximate the top rail assembly 52*, and by coupling the second lateral end 80B* of the mounting rail 80* to an opposite idler end plate 180* positioned adjacent the second component end 72* of the top rail assembly 52*.

[0302] Additionally, according to aspects of the subject matter of the present invention, the top rail assembly 52* may further include one or more components for pivotally supporting the tilt rail 130* (and associated lift system components) so as to rotate or pivot about a tilt axis 102* relative to the mounting rail 80* (and the adjacent building structure). For example, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 70 to 83 In several embodiments, the top rail assembly 52* may include a rail support assembly 501* ( Figure 43 ), which is coupled between the mounting rail 80* and the tilt rail 130* at a location between opposite component ends 52A* and 52B* of the top rail assembly 52* so as to provide vertical support for the rail 130* (and associated lift system components). Specifically, as Figure 43 shown, the rail support member 503* of the rail support assembly 501* is configured to be coupled between the mounting rail 80* and the tilt rail 130* at a more central location along the rail 130* in a lateral direction L so as to provide vertical support for the tilt rail 130*, and thus prevent the rail 130* from sagging between opposite component ends 52A* and 52B* of the top rail assembly 52*.

[0303] In certain embodiments, the rail support assembly 501* may be advantageous for use with wider covers having a wider top rail assembly 52* (and thus a longer tilt rail 130*), which spans between opposite component ends 52A* and 52B* of the top rail assembly 52*. For example, in Figure 43In the illustrated embodiment of the top rail assembly 52*, a single rail support assembly 501 can be used to support the inclined rail 130 between the opposite component ends 52A, 52B of the top rail assembly 52. For increasingly wider top rail assemblies 52, two or more rail support assemblies 501 can be used to support the inclined rail 130 (and the lift system components associated therewith) relative to the mounting rail 80 (and the adjacent building structure). However, it should be understood that generally, one or more rail support members 501 can be provided in association with a top rail assembly of any suitable width, including the narrow top rail assembly 52 (and associated cover 50) described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 .

[0304] Now referring to Figures 44 to 46 , various views of an embodiment of the tilt bar 110 of the tilt system 100 are shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 44 and Figure 45 show a perspective view of a portion of the top rail assembly 52 shown in Figure 42 (e.g., a portion extending adjacent the first component end 70 of the component 52), specifically showing a more detailed view of the tilt bar 110. Figure 46 shows a cross-sectional view of the tilt bar 110 taken along line XLVI-XLVI in Figure 44 .

[0305] As specifically shown in Figures 44 to 46 , in several embodiments, the tilt bar 110 can be configured as a telescoping bar including both an upper or first bar portion 117 and a lower or second bar portion 119, where the first bar portion 117 is configured to be received telescopically within the second bar portion 119 (or vice versa) to allow the effective length 121 of the tilt bar 110 ( Figure 44 and Figure 45 ) to increase or decrease with relative movement between the bar portions 117, 119. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first bar portion 117 extends between a top end 117A and a bottom end 117B, where the bottom end 117B is received within the second bar portion 119. The top end 117A of the first bar portion 117 can be configured to be coupled to the bar pivot member 125. As will be described below, the bar pivot member 125 can in turn be configured to be pivotally coupled to the tilt drive assembly 170 ( Figure 3) corresponding portion to allow the tilting bar 110* to pivot relative to the tilting drive assembly 170*. Additionally, the second bar portion 119* extends between a top end 119A* and a bottom end 119B*, where the top end 119A* is configured to slide telescopically over a portion of the first bar portion 117* as the second bar portion 119* moves up and down relative to the first bar portion 117*.

[0306] Additionally, a portion of each tilting cord 113*, 115* (schematically shown as a single dashed line in Figure 44 and Figure 45 and shown in more detail as separate dashed lines in a cross-sectional view of Figure 46 ) may be configured to extend through the bar portions 117*, 119* such that these portions of the tilting cords 113*, 115* are encapsulated or enveloped by the tilting bar 110*. For example, in one embodiment, each tilting cord 113*, 115* may extend from a bar pivot member 125* located at the top end 117A* of the first bar portion 117* through the tilting bar 110* to a location within the second bar portion 118*. Specifically, as Figure 46 shown, the first tilting cord 113* may extend from the bar pivot member 125* through the tilting bar 110* to the bottom end 119B* of the second bar portion 119*, where the end 113A* of the tilting cord 113* is coupled to the second bar portion 119* at or near its bottom end 119B*. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the end 113A* of the tilting cord 113* is configured to be coupled to a bottom cover 127* that is mounted or fixed to the bottom end 119B* of the second bar portion 119*, such as by tying the end 113A* of the tilting cord 113* to the bottom cover 127*. Additionally, as Figure 46As shown, the second tilt rope 115 may extend downward from the rod pivot member 125 through the tilt rod 110, wrap around the bottom end 117B of the first rod portion 117, and extend upward therefrom to the top end 119A of the second rod portion 119, where the end 115A of the tilt rope 115 is coupled to the second rod portion 119 at or near its top end 119A. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the end 115A of the second tilt rope 115 is configured to be coupled to a top cover 129 that is mounted or secured to the top end 119B of the second rod portion 119, such as by tying the end 115A of the tilt rope 115 to the top cover 129. Additionally, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a rod bushing 131 is coupled to the bottom end 117B of the first rod portion 117 to provide a support surface for the second tilt rope as the second tilt rope 115 wraps around the bottom end 117B of the first rod portion 117 and extends upward therefrom toward the top end 119A of the second rod portion 119. This routing of the second tilt rope 115 creates an overlapping rope segment (e.g., as indicated by the bracket 133) within the tilt rod 110, where the second tilt rope 115 vertically overlaps itself. As the second rod portion 119 moves relative to the first rod portion 117, the vertical height 135 of this overlapping rope segment 133 ( Figure 46 ) can typically vary.

[0307] As will be described below with reference to Figures 63 to 65As described, opposite ends of each of the tilt cords 113*, 115* can be configured to couple to the tilt cylinder of the tilt drive assembly 170*. In this regard, by coupling the ends 113A*, 115A* of the tilt cords 113*, 115* to the second rod portion 119* in the manner described above, the cords 113*, 115* can be used to rotationally drive the tilt cylinder as the second rod portion 119* moves relative to the first rod portion 117*. For example, a downward movement of the second rod portion 119* relative to the first rod portion 117* can cause the first tilt cord 113* to pay out or unwind from the tilt cylinder while the second tilt cord 115* winds onto the tilt cylinder to rotationally drive the cylinder in a first rotational direction, which in turn causes the slat 56* to tilt toward its downward closed position. In doing so, as the second rod portion 119* moves downward relative to the first rod portion 117*, the vertical height 135* of the overlapping cord segment 133* of the second tilt cord 115* can decrease by an amount proportional to the amount that the second tilt cord 115* winds onto the tilt cylinder. Similarly, an upward movement of the second rod portion 119* relative to the first rod portion 117* can cause the second tilt cord 115* to pay out or unwind from the tilt cylinder while the first tilt cord 113* winds onto the tilt cylinder to rotationally drive the cylinder in an opposite second rotational direction, which in turn causes the slat 56* to tilt toward its upward closed position. In doing so, as the second rod portion 119* moves downward relative to the first rod portion 117*, the vertical height 135* of the overlapping cord segment 133* of the second tilt cord 115* can increase by an amount proportional to the amount that the second tilt cord 115* unwinds from the tilt cylinder. Thus, by moving the second rod portion 119* relative to the first rod portion 117*, a user of the tilt rod 110* can tilt the slat 56* between its upward closed position and its downward closed position in either direction.

[0308] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the tilt ropes 113*, 115* can be configured to be in a "tensioned" state in their installed state. Specifically, during the installation of the tilt ropes 113*, 115* relative to the tilt bar 110* and the tilt drive assembly 170*, as the ends of the ropes 113*, 115* are tied or otherwise coupled to the corresponding components of the tilt bar 110* and / or the tilt drive assembly 170*, a given amount of tension (such as a nominal tension, such as a tension of one pound) can be applied through the ropes 113*, 115*. This "pre-tensioned state" of the tilt ropes 113*, 115* can allow the ropes 113*, 115* to provide a compressive force on the tilt bar 110*. Specifically, the "pre-tensioned" first tilt rope 113* applies an upward force at the bottom end 119B* of the second bar portion 119*, while the "pre-tensioned" second tilt rope 115* applies a downward force at the top end 119A* of the second bar portion 119*. Additionally, the "pre-tensioned" tilt ropes 113*, 115* together apply an upwardly directed force on the first bar portion 117* of the tilt bar 110* (and the bar pivot member 125*). As will be described below, this upwardly directed force causes the tilt bar 110* to remain in place relative to the tilt drive assembly 170* without the need for any mechanical retention structure.

[0309] Generally, it should be understood that the tilt ropes 113*, 115* can correspond to any suitable ropes formed of any suitable material. However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to form the tilt ropes 113*, 115* from a chemical fiber that can maintain a set amount of pre-tension within the ropes 113*, 115* during the operation of the tilt system 100*, such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers (also known as high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) fibers). UHMWPE or HMPE fibers are a type of polyolefin fiber formed from very long, highly oriented polyethylene chains. This microstructure generally has many mechanical advantages, including high strength and high modulus along the longitudinal direction of the chains. Thus, the fibers will stretch under tension but will slowly retract to their nominal or default state once the tensile load is removed. Accordingly, in the present application, such fibers can be used within the tilt ropes 113*, 115* to provide a "slack-free" tilt system 100* without the use of springs. For example, unlike many conventional ropes that will stretch or elongate over time and create slack within the tilt system, ropes formed from UHMWPE or HMPE fibers will return to their initial or nominal state, thereby maintaining the "pre-tensioned" state of the ropes and preventing the ropes from slackening within the tilt system. Such fibers are commercially available, for example, sold under the trade names DYNEEMA and SPECTRA.

[0310] Now refer to Figures 47 to 50, aspects of the subject matter of the present invention are shown in various views of an embodiment of the various components of the tilt and lift systems 100, 200 described above. Specifically, Figure 47 A perspective assembly view of the various components of the tilt system 100* is shown, while Figure 48 and Figure 49 show Figure 47 different perspective views of the tilt system components shown in Figure 50 wherein the idler end plate 180* and the rail cover 131* of the tilt rail 130* are disassembled to allow the various components of the lift system 200* supported by the rail 130* to be visible. Figure 47 A cross-sectional view taken along line XXL-XXL of the tilt rail 130* and the associated rail cover 131* shown in Figures 47 to 49 is shown, and for ease of illustration, all other individual tilt / lift system components have been removed. Additionally,

[0311] As indicated above, the tilt rail 130* can be configured to extend laterally between a drive end 132* configured to be coupled to a tilt drive assembly 170* and an idler end 134* configured to be coupled to an opposite idler end plate 180* of the tilt system 100*, wherein the tilt drive assembly 170* is configured to cause the tilt rail 130* to rotate about the tilt axis 102* of the tilt system 100*. As Figure 48 and ​ shown, the idler end 134* of the tilt rail 130* can be configured to be coupled to the idler end plate 180* via an idler end cover 136*, which supports the tilt rail 130* to rotate relative to the idler end plate 180* about the tilt axis 102*. Specifically, in several embodiments, the idler end plate 180* can correspond to a fixed or non-rotating component of the tilt system 100*. In such embodiments, in order to rotatably support the idler end 134* of the tilt rail 130* relative to the fixed plate 180*, the idler end plate 180* and the associated end cover 136* can include or define complementary rotational connection features. For example, as ​ and ​ shown, the idler end cover 136* defines an axial opening 138* ( ​ ) that is configured to receive a short shaft 184* ( ​ ) that extends laterally from the idler end plate 180* along the tilt axis 102*. In such an embodiment, the short shaft 184* can be configured to define a support surface about which the tilt rail 130* (and cover 136*) rotates relative to the idler end plate 180* about the tilt axis 102*.

[0312] As ​ specifically shown in, the inclined rail 130* generally may include a bottom wall 140* (e.g., a curved or arcuate bottom wall), the bottom wall extending in a front-to-back or transverse direction between a front edge wall 142* and a rear edge wall 144* (as indicated by the arrow CW in ​ ). In several embodiments, each edge wall 142*, 144* may be configured as a rounded or curved wall having a first wall portion 146* extending between the bottom wall 140* and a vertex 148* of the rounded edge walls 142*, 144* and a second wall portion 150* extending from the vertex 148* to a distal end 152* of the edge walls 142*, 144*. In one embodiment, the centroid of the inclined rail 130* (indicated by the point 154*) generally may be positioned equidistant from the vertices 148* along a reference line (indicated by the dashed line 155*) extending directly between the vertices 148*. Similar to the above-described embodiment, in one embodiment, the centroid 154* of the inclined rail 130* may be offset a given distance 156* relative to the tilt axis 102* of the tilt system 100*.

[0313] Additionally, as ​ shown, the inclined rail 130* further includes opposing inner side walls 158*, the opposing inner side walls extending between a distal end 152* of each rounded edge wall 142*, 144* and the bottom wall 140* of the inclined rail 130*. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the inner side walls 158* and the bottom wall 140* together generally define a mounting channel 160* having an upward-facing end opening. As will be described below, various components of the lifting system 200* may be mounted within the end-opening mounting channel 160* to allow such lifting system components to be supported by the inclined rail 130* for rotation therewith about the tilt axis 102*. Additionally, as ​ specifically shown in, the inner side walls 158* of the inclined rail 130* may be configured to define mounting slots 162* along each side of the mounting channel 160*. Such mounting slots 162* may allow various lifting system components to be coupled to the inclined rail 130*, such as by configuring such components to include corresponding mounting tabs or similar structures extending outward therefrom, the mounting tabs or similar structures being configured to be received within opposing mounting slots 162*. Additionally, the mounting slots 162* may also facilitate coupling the drive end 132* and the idler end 134* of the inclined rail 130* to the tilt drive assembly 170* and the idler end plate 180*, respectively.

[0314] Additionally, as ​As shown, the tilt system 100* may further include a rail cover 131*, which is configured to be positioned above and cover the mounting channel 160* at the upward-facing end opening of the rail 130*. In some embodiments, the tilt rail 130* and the rail cover 131* (along with the tilt drive assembly 170* and the idler end plate 180* at the opposite ends 132*, 134* of the rail 130*) may generally define a tubular housing or chamber 164* for accommodating the components of the lift system 200* ( ​ ). For example, as indicated above and as ​ and 49 show, various lift system components may be installed within the upward-facing end opening mounting channel 160* defined by the tilt rail 130*. In such an embodiment, when the rail cover 131* is positioned relative to the tilt rail 130* to cover the upward-facing open end of the mounting channel 160* (and the tilt drive assembly 170* and the idler end plate 180* are installed relative to the respective ends 132, 134* of the tilt rail 130*), a tubular housing 164* ( ​ ) is formed, and the lift system components are encapsulated or contained within the tubular housing.

[0315] In some embodiments, the rail cover 131* may be formed as a multi-piece assembly, such as a two-piece assembly. For example, as ​ shows, the rail cover 131* is formed by a first cover portion 131A* and a second cover portion 131B* that are configured to extend across and cover separate axial lengths of the tilt rail 130*. Since the two cover portions 131A, 131B have the same configuration, when describing their configuration (e.g., referring to ​ ), these cover portions 131A, 131B will be collectively referred to herein as the rail cover 131. Additionally, as specifically shown in ​ , when these components are installed relative to the tilt rail 130*, a small gap or slot 141* may be defined between the adjacent ends of the cover portions 131A, 131B, which wraps around from the top of the rail cover 131* towards its rear or trailing end. This slot 141* may generally be configured to accommodate the rail support bracket 503* of the rail support assembly 501* when the tilt rail 130* and the rail cover 131* pivot about the tilt axis 102*, as will be described below with reference to ​ . Additionally, as shown in ​ , a small rail cover extension 145* may be configured to be positioned within the slot 141* along its front side to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance along the room side of the associated covering 50*.

[0316] As ​As specifically shown, the rail cover 131* (e.g., each cover portion 131A, 131B) generally includes an arcuate or curved cover wall 133* that extends circumferentially between a front edge portion 135* and a rear edge portion 137* of the rail cover 131*. Additionally, as ​ shown, the inclined rail 130* and the rail cover 131* can be configured such that when the rail cover 131* is installed relative to the inclined rail 130*, front and rear rope exposure portions or "rope gaps" 143F*, 143R* are defined at the support interface between such components. As ​ shown, in one embodiment, the rope gaps 143F*, 143R* (only one of which is shown) can extend along the length of the front side and the rear side of the inclined rail 130*. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the rope gaps 143F*, 143R* can allow the front and rear belt bodies 60*, 62* and the lifting ropes 64*, 66* of each ladder belt assembly 58* to pass through between the inclined rail 130* and the rail cover 131* at the support interface from the interior of the housing or chamber 164* ( ​ ) defined by such components, and then extend downwardly or hang below the front edge wall 142* and the rear edge wall 144* of the inclined rail 130*.

[0317] Still referring to ​ , the lifting system 200* can generally include any suitable components operatively associated with the inclined rail 130* such that such components can raise and lower the bottom rail assembly 54* relative to the top rail assembly 52* of the associated cover 50*. For example, in several embodiments, the lifting system 200* can include two or more lifting stations (e.g., three lifting stations 202*, 505*) mounted within the mounting channels 160* of the inclined rail 130*. Specifically, as ​ and Figure 49 shown, the lifting system 200* includes corresponding lifting stations 202*, 505* for each pair of lifting ropes 64*, 66* of the associated cover 50* (e.g., the first lifting station, the second lifting station, and the third lifting station 202*, 505* when the cover 50* includes a first pair of lifting ropes, a second pair of lifting ropes, and a third pair of lifting ropes 64*, 66*), where each lifting station 202*, 505* includes a pair of lifting reels 204* for winding and unwinding the corresponding front lifting rope 64* and rear lifting rope 66* of the corresponding pair of ropes. As will be referred to below with reference to Figures 70 to 83More specifically described, one of the lift stations (e.g., the central lift station 505*) can also be configured to form part of the rail support assembly 501* of the top rail assembly 52*. For example, the lift station 505* can be configured to operatively engage with the rail support bracket 503* of the rail support assembly 501* to facilitate vertically supporting the tilt rail 130* relative to the mounting rail 80* of the top rail assembly 52* for rotation about the tilt axis 102* relative thereto. In this way, the lift station 505* can serve a dual role, namely, as a component of the lift system 200* to assist in raising and lowering the bottom rail assembly 54* relative to the top rail assembly 52*, and as a component of the rail support assembly 501* for vertically supporting the tilt rail 130*.

[0318] In addition, as Figure 48 and Figure 49 shown, the lift system 200* can also include a lift rod 208*, a motor 210*, and a brake 212* mounted relative to the mounting channel 160* of the tilt rail 130*. Generally, it can be understood that the lift rod 208* can be configured to operatively couple the lift stations 202*, 505* to the motor 210* and the brake 212*. Thus, the motor 210* can be configured to store energy by rotating in the lowering direction through the lift reel 204* (and the lift rod 208*) when the bottom rail assembly 54* is lowered relative to the top rail assembly 52*, and to release this energy to rotationally drive the lift rod 208* (and the lift reel 204*) in the opposite raising direction to assist in moving the cover 50* to its retracted position when the bottom rail assembly 54* is raised relative to the top rail assembly 52*. In addition, the brake 212* can be configured to prevent accidental rotation of the lift rod 208*. For example, as will be described below with reference to Figures 89 to 95C it is described, the brake 212 can be configured as a one-way brake that provides a holding force for the lift system 200* to assist in maintaining the bottom rail assembly 54* in a desired position.

[0319] Similar to the above-described embodiments, the ladder belt assembly 58* can be suspended from the tilt rail 130* such that rotation of the tilt rail 130* about the tilt axis 102* causes the front ladder belt body 60* and the rear ladder belt body 62* of the ladder belt assembly 58* to be raised / lowered in opposite directions to effect tilting of the slats 56*. Specifically, in several embodiments, one end (e.g., the grommeted or knotted end) of each ladder belt body 60*, 62* can be coupled to an internal portion of the tilt rail 130* or to a component (e.g., the housing of adjacent lift stations 202*, 505*) mounted within the tilt rail 130* to fix the ladder belt assembly 58* relative to the tilt rail 130*. In addition, each ladder belt body 60*, 62* can extend from such internal connection points through cord gaps 143F*, 143R* defined between the tilt rail 130* and the rail cover 131* (Figure 50 ), and at least partially wraps around adjacent rounded corner edge walls 142*, 144* of the tilt rail 130 before extending downwardly from the tilt rail 130* toward the bottom rail assembly 54* of the associated cover 50*. In this regard, as the tilt rail 130* rotates about the tilt axis 102* in a first or downward closing rotational direction (e.g., as indicated by the arrow CD in Figure 50 ) to tilt the front edge of the slat 56* downwardly toward the downward closing position, the front ladder belt body 60* will shift downwardly as the front edge wall 142* of the tilt rail 130 pivots downwardly, and the rear ladder belt body 62* will shift upwardly as the rear edge wall 144* of the tilt rail 130* pivots upwardly. Similarly, as the tilt rail 130* rotates about the tilt axis 102* in the opposite second or upward closing rotational direction (e.g., as indicated by the arrow CU in Figure 50 ) to tilt the front edge of the slat 56* upwardly toward the upward closing position, the front ladder belt body 60* will shift upwardly as the front edge wall 142* of the tilt rail 130* pivots upwardly, and the rear ladder belt body 62* will shift upwardly as the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130 pivots upwardly.

[0320] In this regard, the discussion of the tilt rail 130 (and associated cords 60, 62, 64, 66) provided above generally applies to Figures 10A to 10C the tilt rail 130* (and associated cords 60*, 62*, 64*, 66*) shown in Figures 47 to 50 . Thus, tilting the tilt rail 130* to its various different rail positions (e.g., the rail positions shown in Figures 56A to 56C ) to achieve tilting of the slat 56* to its associated tilted positions (e.g., the fully open position when the tilt rail 130* is oriented as shown in Figure 56B , the downward closing position when the tilt rail 130* is oriented as shown in Figure 56C , and the upward closing position when the tilt rail 130* is oriented as shown in Figure 56A ), and the importance of offsetting the tilt axis 102* relative to the centroid 154* of the tilt rail 130* and the ability to maintain the bottom rail assembly 54* relatively stationary during slat tilting, will not be repeated to avoid further repetition of language.

[0321] Now referring to Figures 51 to 55 , various views of one embodiment of a tilt drive assembly (e.g., tilt drive assembly 170) suitable for use within one or more embodiments of a tilt system (e.g., the disclosed tilt system 100) are shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 51 and Figure 52 show relatively perspective assembled views of the tilt drive assembly 170*, while Figure 53and Figure 54 respectively show Figure 50 and Figure 51 relative perspective exploded views of the tilt drive assembly 170* shown in Figure 55 Also shown is Figure 51 a cross-sectional view of the tilt drive assembly 170* taken along line LV-LV as shown in

[0322] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the tilt drive assembly 170* includes an end plate assembly 301*. The end plate assembly 301* generally corresponds to the fixed assembly of the tilt drive assembly 170*. For example, as will be described below, the end plate assembly 301* can be configured to be fixedly coupled to the mounting rail 80* of the top rail assembly 52* to support the remainder of the top rail assembly 52* relative to the mounting rail 80*. The end plate assembly 301* can also be configured to be coupled to an adjacent end cap of the top rail assembly 52* (e.g., the first end cap 74* ( Figure 42 )). As Figure 53 and Figure 54 specifically shown in, the end plate assembly 301* includes an outer end plate 303* and an end shroud 305*, and the end shroud is configured to be rigidly coupled to the outer end plate 303* (e.g., via fasteners 307*).

[0323] In addition, as Figure 51 and 53 to Figure 55 shown, the tilt drive assembly 10* also includes a tilt rail cover 401*. In contrast to the end plate assembly 301*, the tilt rail cover 401* generally corresponds to the rotatable or pivotable tilt drive member of the tilt drive assembly 170*. Specifically, in several embodiments, the tilt rail cover 401* can be configured to be coupled to the end plate assembly 301* (e.g., via a suitable support or stub shaft 309* ( Figure 53 ) extending from the end plate shroud 305* and associated fasteners 311*) so as to rotate relative to the end plate assembly about the tilt axis 102* ( Figures 53 to 55 ) of the tilt system 100*. Thus, the tilt rail cover 401* (and any other tilt system components coupled to or supported by it) can be configured to rotate or pivot relative to the fixed end plate assembly 301* of the tilt drive assembly 170*. For example, as will be described below, the drive end 132* of the tilt rail 130* can be coupled to the tilt rail cover 401* such that the tilt rail cover 401* and the tilt rail 130* rotate together about the tilt axis 102*.

[0324] In addition, the tilt drive assembly 170* also includes a cord drum or drive pulley 441*, and the cord drum or drive pulley is configured to be supported by the end plate assembly 301* for rotation relative to it (e.g., via an associated pulley bearing 491* ( Figures 53 to 55)) As will be described below, a rope path is defined within the tilt drive assembly 170* to allow the tilt ropes 113*, 115* to engage or interact with the drive pulley 441*. For example, the tilt ropes 113*, 115* may leave the tilt bar 110* and enter the tilt drive assembly 170* via the bar sockets of the outer end plate 303*, and extend through the corresponding rope channels defined by the outer end plate 303* to the drive pulley 441*, where the tilt ropes 113*, 115* may be wound or wrapped at least partially in opposite directions around the drive pulley 441* and coupled thereto (e.g., by tying one end of each rope 113*, 115* to the drive pulley 441*). For example, the first tilt rope 113* may be wound around the drive pulley 441* in a first direction, and the second tilt rope 115* may be wound around the drive pulley 441* in a second direction. Thus, depending on the direction of rotation of the drive pulley 441*, each tilt rope 113*, 115* may be configured to wind around or unwind from the pulley 443*( Figures 53 to 55 ) by virtue of its rotation about a separate pulley axis 443*( Figure 55 ), the pulley axis being radially spaced from the tilt axis 102* by a given axial spacing 445(

[0325] Still referring to Figures 51 to 55 , the tilt drive assembly 170* further includes a brake spring 493*( Figure 51 and 53 to Figure 55 ) disposed in operative association with the tilt rail cover 401*. Generally, the brake spring 493* is configured to create a friction interface between the tilt rail cover 401* and the stub shaft 309*, the stub shaft supporting the rail cover 401* relative to the end plate assembly 301* for rotation about the tilt axis 102* relative to the end plate assembly. Specifically, as will be described below, the brake spring 493* may be configured to apply a radially inwardly directed compressive force to a plurality of spring tabs of the tilt rail cover 401* around the stub shaft 309*, thereby compressing the spring tabs against the shaft 309* to create a friction interface therebetween. This friction interface may generally be used to maintain the tilt rail cover 401* (and thus the tilt rail 130* coupled thereto) in a given position when the operator releases the tilt bar 110*, thereby allowing the slats 56* to be maintained in the tilt position selected by the operator. However, when the operator manipulates the tilt bar 110* (e.g., by moving the second bar portion 119* up and down relative to the first bar portion 117*), the torque applied to the tilt rail cover 401* via the drive pulley 441* is sufficient to overcome the friction defined between the tilt rail cover 401* and the stub shaft 309*, thereby allowing the tilt rail cover 401* to rotate about the tilt axis 102* relative to the shaft 309* to effect the tilting of the slats 56*.

[0326] Briefly referring to Figures 56A to 56C, showing various end views of the tilt drive assembly 170*, where the tilt bar 110* is mounted relative thereto, specifically showing that the tilt rail cover 401* of the tilt drive assembly 170* and the tilt bar 110* are in different positions corresponding to different tilt positions of the slats 56* of the associated cover 50*. For example, Figure 56B shows the operating position / status of the tilt rail cover 401* and the tilt bar 110* when the slat 56* is in the fully open position. Additionally, Figure 56A and Figure 56C respectively show the operating position / status of the tilt rail cover 401* and the tilt bar 110* when the slat 56* is in the upward closed position and the downward closed position.

[0327] As Figure 56B shown, when the slat 56* is in the fully open position (e.g., the position shown in Figure 41 ), the tilt rail cover 401* is in a substantially horizontal orientation, and the tilt bar 110* defines an effective length 121* that is approximately 50% of its maximum effective length. To convert the slat 56* from the fully open position to the downward closed position, the second bar portion 119* is pulled downward relative to the first bar portion 117*, which causes the tilt rail cover 401* (and the tilt rail 130* coupled thereto) to rotate about the tilt axis 102* in the downward closing direction (indicated by the arrow CD in Figure 56B ) from the substantially horizontal orientation shown in Figure 56B to the substantially vertical orientation shown in Figure 56C . In such a position, the tilt bar 110* generally defines an effective length 121* equal to its maximum effective length. Similarly, to convert the slat 56* from the fully open position to the upward closed position, the second bar portion 119* is pushed upward relative to the first bar portion 117*, which causes the tilt rail cover 401* (and the tilt rail 130* coupled thereto) to rotate about the tilt axis 102* in the upward closing direction (indicated by the arrow CU in Figure 56B ) from the substantially horizontal orientation shown in Figure 56B to the substantially vertical orientation shown in Figure 56A . In such a position, the tilt bar 110* generally defines an effective length 121* equal to its minimum effective length. Thus, by moving the second bar portion 119* relative to the first bar portion 117* within the travel range shown between the bar positions in Figure 56A and Figure 56C , the tilt rail cover 401* (and the tilt rail 130* coupled thereto) can pivot approximately 180 degrees about the tilt axis 102*.

[0328] Now, the various components and sub-components of the tilt drive assembly 170* described above will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 57 to 67 .

[0329] Specific reference Figures 57 to 61 , aspects of the subject matter of the present invention are shown in various views of the end plate assembly 301* and the rod pivot member 125* of the inclined rod 110*. Specifically, Figure 57 and Figure 58 show a relative perspective assembly view of the end plate assembly 301* and the rod pivot member 125*. Figure 59 and Figure 60 show Figure 57 and Figure 58 the exploded views of the end plate assembly 301* and the rod pivot member 125* shown in and . Additionally, Figure 61 shows Figure 58 the cross-sectional view of the end plate assembly 301* and the rod pivot member 125* taken along line LXI-LXI shown in .

[0330] As indicated above, the end plate assembly 301* generally includes an outer end plate 303* and an associated end plate cover 305*. As Figure 59 and Figure 60 specifically shown, the outer end plate 303* generally includes a planar wall portion 321*, which at least partially defines the outer side 323* of the end plate 303* ( Figure 60 ), and the outer side is configured to face an adjacent end cap of the top rail assembly 52* (e.g., the first end cap 74* ( Figure 42 )); and the inner side 325* of the end plate 303* ( Figure 59 ), and the inner side is configured to face the end plate cover 305*. A central pulley opening 327* is defined through the wall portion 321* and extends coaxially from the outer side 323* of the end plate 303* to the inner side 325* of the end plate 303* along the pulley axis 443* of the inclined system 100* ( Figure 57 and 58 ).

[0331] Additionally, as Figure 59 and Figure 60 specifically shown, the end plate cover 305* generally includes a planar wall portion 331*, which at least partially defines the outer side 333* of the plate cover 305* ( Figure 60 ), and the outer side is configured to face the outer end plate 303*; and the inner side 335* of the plate cover 305* ( Figure 59 ), and the inner side is configured to face the inclined rail cover 401* of the inclined drive assembly 170*. A pulley axis opening 337* is defined through the wall portion 331* and extends along the pulley axis 443* ( Figure 57 and Figure 58)extends coaxially from the outer side 333* of the cover 305* to the inner side 335* of the cover 305*. In this way, when the outer end plate 303* and the end plate cover 305* are assembled together, the central pulley opening 327* and the pulley axis opening 337* can be coaxially aligned substantially along the pulley axis 337*. As will be described below with reference to Figure 64 and Figure 65 When the drive pulley 441* of the tilt drive assembly 170* is assembled relative to the end plate assembly 301*, a portion of the drive pulley 441* can be positioned within the pulley opening 327* defined by the outer end plate 303*, while another portion of the drive pulley 441* can be configured to extend through the pulley axis opening 337* defined by the end plate cover 305*, to allow the drive pulley 441* to be rotatably coupled to the tilt rail cover 401* in a manner that allows the tilt rail cover 401* to rotate relative to the end plate assembly 301* about the tilt axis 102* as the drive pulley 441* rotates about a separate pulley axis 443*.

[0332] The outer end plate 303* and the end plate cover 305* can also be configured to include or define suitable mounting features for coupling these components together. For example, as Figure 59 and Figure 60 shown, the end plate 303* and the plate cover 305* define aligned fastener openings 339* for receiving suitable fasteners 307* to rigidly couple the end plate cover 305* to the outer end plate 303*. Additionally, the outer end plate 303* and the end plate cover 305* can include or define suitable mounting features for coupling the end plate assembly 301* to adjacent components of the top rail assembly 52*, such as for securing the end plate assembly 301* to an adjacent end cap 74* of the top rail assembly 52* ( Figure 42 ) and a mounting rail 80* ( Figure 43 ). For example, as Figures 57 to 60 shown, both the outer end plate 303* and the plate cover 305* define notches 341* that are configured to receive corresponding mounting hooks or tabs of the end cap 74* for coupling the end cap 74* to the end plate assembly 301*. Further, as Figures 57 to 60 shown, the end plate 303* and the plate cover 305* define aligned fastener openings 343* for receiving suitable fasteners to rigidly couple the end plate assembly 301 to the mounting rail 80* of the top rail assembly 52*.

[0333] Still referring to Figures 57 to 61 , the outer end plate 303* also includes a side wall portion 351* that defines features for receiving one or more rope-related components of the tilt system 100*. For example, as Figure 61As specifically shown, the sidewall portion 351* of the outer end plate 303* can define a rod socket 353* and a rope passage 355*, the rod socket being configured to receive a corresponding portion of the rod pivot member 125*, and the rope passage being configured to receive portions of the inclined ropes 113*, 115* extending from the inclined rod pivot member 125*. Specifically, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rod socket 353* is generally characterized by a substantially rectangular cavity with an end opening defined at the lower or bottom end 357* of the sidewall portion 351*, wherein the rope passage 355* extends between the rod socket 353* and the central pulley opening 327* of the outer end plate 303*. Thus, the inclined ropes 113*, 115* extending through the inclined rod 110* can follow a rope path (schematically shown as dashed lines 113C*, 115C* in Figure 61 ), which exits the rod 110* via a through hole 161* defined through the rod pivot member 125* ( Figure 61 ), and then extends through the rope passage 355* to the central pulley opening 327* of the outer end plate 303*. As will be described below with reference to Figure 65 , the ropes 113*, 115* can then be wound around and subsequently coupled to a portion of a drive pulley 441* located within the pulley opening 327* in opposite directions.

[0334] As Figures 59 to 61 specifically shown, the rod pivot member 125* includes a lower connector portion 163*, the lower connector portion being configured to be coupled to a corresponding portion of the inclined rod 110*. For example, in one embodiment, the lower connector portion 125* can be configured to be pressed onto the upper end 117A* of the first rod portion 117* of the inclined rod 110* ( Figure 44 and Figure 45 ). The rod pivot member 125* further includes an upper joint portion 165*, the upper joint portion being configured to form a pivot or ball-and-socket joint for pivoting the inclined rod 110* relative to the outer end plate 303*. Specifically, the upper joint portion 165* can be configured to be received within the rod socket 353* defined by the outer end plate 303* to form a pivot or ball-and-socket joint between these components. As Figures 59 to 61As shown, in one embodiment, the upper joint portion 165* may define an oblong, generally rectangular body that generally matches the generally rectangular shape of the rod socket 353*. Such a configuration can facilitate pivoting of the tilt rod 110* about one or more planes relative to the end plate assembly 301*. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the socket joint formed between the end plate assembly 301* and the rod pivot member 125* may allow the tilt rod 110* to pivot approximately 180 degrees relative to the end plate assembly 301* in any direction, including about a vertical plane extending perpendicular to the tilt axis 102* and about a vertical plane extending parallel to the tilt axis 102*. Additionally, the rectangular shape or profile of the socket joint (as opposed to a circular ball joint) may also serve to substantially prevent twisting of the tilt rod 110* relative to the end plate assembly 301*. Specifically, the rectangular socket joint formed between the end plate assembly 301* and the rod pivot member 125* may substantially prevent the rod pivot member 125* (and the tilt rod 110*) from rotating about its longitudinal axis (e.g., as indicated by line 167* in Figure 57 ) relative to the end plate assembly 301*, such as by preventing the tilt rod 110* from rotating about the longitudinal axis 167* in the direction of arrow 169* ( Figure 57 ).

[0335] As indicated above, when the tilt ropes 113*, 115* are installed relative to the tilt rod 110* and the tilt drive assembly 170*, the ropes 113*, 115* may generally be configured to be pre-tensioned a given amount (e.g., pre-tensioned to a nominal pre-tension). In accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention, such individual rope tensions may be configured to hold the rod pivot member 125* within the rod socket 353*, and thus hold the tilt rod 110* relative to the end plate assembly 301*. Specifically, the tension within the ropes 113*, 115* may pull the tilt rod 110* upwardly toward the end plate assembly 301*, thereby maintaining the rod pivot member 125* seated within the rod socket 353*. Accordingly, no mechanical retention means or structure is required to hold the tilt rod 101* relative to the end plate assembly 301*.

[0336] Additionally, as indicated above, the end plate assembly 301* may also include a support or stub shaft 309* that is configured to support the tilt rail cover 401* for rotation about the tilt axis 102* relative to the support or stub shaft. As Figure 59 and Figure 60As shown, to accommodate the stub shaft 309*, the end plate cover 305* can define an axis opening 361* that is configured to receive the stub shaft 309*, wherein the axis opening 361* is coaxially aligned with the tilt axis 102*. In this way, when the stub shaft 309* is inserted through the axis opening 351* (e.g., until the head of the shaft 361* contacts the outer side 333* of the plate cover 305*), the stub shaft 309* can extend outward from the inner side 335* of the cover plate 205* along the tilt axis 102* to allow the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 309* to serve as a bearing surface for the tilt rail cover 401*. For example, as will be described below with reference to Figure 66 and Figure 67 As described above, the tilt rail cover 401* may define a tilt shaft opening, and the short shaft 309* is configured to be received in the tilt shaft opening, thereby allowing the tilt rail cover 401* to be pivotally coupled to the end plate assembly 301* via the short shaft 309*. Figure 57 As shown, a fastener or threaded opening 363* may be defined at the end of the short shaft 309* for receiving a corresponding fastener 311* ( Figure 55 ), the fasteners being configured to retain the tilt rail cover 401 * on the short shaft 309 *.

[0337] Reference now Figures 62 to 65 , various views of a drive pulley 441* are shown in accordance with aspects of the inventive subject matter. Specifically, Figure 62 and Figure 63 A relative perspective view of the drive pulley 441* is shown. Figure 64 and Figure 65 A perspective view and an end view, respectively, of the drive pulley 441 * assembled relative to the end plate assembly 301 * of the tilt drive assembly 170 * are shown.

[0338] like Figure 62 and Figure 63 As specifically shown in FIG. 1 , the drive pulley 441* generally includes an outer pulley portion 447*; the tilt ropes 113*, 115* are configured to be wound and unwound around the outer pulley portion; a central bearing column 449* ( Figure 62 ), the central bearing column extends outwardly from the pulley portion 447* along the pulley axis 443* of the drive pulley 441*; and the inner gear column 451* ( Figure 62), the internal gear column extends outwardly from the central bearing column 449* opposite the outer pulley portion 447* along the pulley axis 443*. Generally, the pulley portion 447* can be configured similar to a conventional pulley and thus can include, for example, a recessed pulley surface 453* extending between opposite pulley flanges 455*. In this way, the angled ropes 113*, 115* can be configured to wind around and unwind from the recessed pulley surface 453*, with the angled ropes 113*, 115* remaining on such surface 453* between the opposite flanges 455*. Additionally, the pulley portion 447* can be configured to define suitable features for attaching the angled ropes 113*, 115* thereto. Specifically, as Figure 63 shown, a portion of the recessed pulley surface 453* defines a rope groove 457* to allow one of the angled ropes (e.g., the first angled rope 113*) to be secured to a portion of the drive pulley 441* (e.g., a tie tab 459* located inside the pulley portion 447*). For example, in one embodiment, the first angled rope 113* can extend through the rope groove 457* and can be wound and / or tied to the tie tab 459. Additionally, as Figure 63 shown, another portion of the recessed pulley surface 453* defines a rope opening 461* to allow another angled rope (e.g., the second angled rope 115*) to be secured to the drive pulley 441. For example, in one embodiment, one end of the angled rope 115* can be inserted through the rope opening 461* and then knotted such that the knotted end cannot be pulled back through the rope opening 461*, thereby securing the angled rope 115* to the drive pulley 441*.

[0339] Specific reference is made to Figure 64 , the bearing column 449* of the drive pulley 44'* can generally be configured to be press-fitted into the pulley bearing 491* (see the bearing 491* in Figure 53 and Figure 54 ), and the pulley bearing 491* in turn is configured to be press-fitted into the pulley axis opening 337* defined by the end plate cover 305*, thereby providing a low-friction rotational interface for the rotation of the drive pulley 441* about the pulley axis 443* relative to the end plate assembly 401. Thus, as Figure 64 and Figure 65 shown, with the bearing column 449* and the pulley bearing 491* installed within the pulley axis opening 337*, the outer pulley portion 447* of the drive pulley 441* can be positioned within the pulley opening 327* of the outer end plate 305* along the outside of the outer end plate 305*, while the gear column 451* of the drive pulley 441* can be positioned along the opposite inner side of the end plate cover 305* and extend outwardly from the end plate cover 305* along the pulley axis 443* of the drive pulley 441*. As will be described below with reference to Figure 66 and Figure 67As described above, the gear column 451 of the drive pulley 441 can further be configured to engage a corresponding gear portion of the tilt rail cover 401*, allowing the tilt rail cover 401* to pivot or rotate about the tilt axis 102* as the drive pulley 441* rotates about its corresponding pulley axis 443*.

[0340] Specific reference Figure 65 , when the tilt ropes 113*, 115* extend through the end plate assembly 301* and are wound around the pulley portion 447* of the tilt cylinder 441*, the rope paths of each corresponding tilt rope 113*, 115* are shown (indicated by the dashed lines 113C*, 115C* in Figure 65 ). Specifically, Figure 65 shows the rope paths of the tilt ropes 113*, 115* when the tilt rail 130* is oriented at the position shown in Figure 56A such that the slats 56* are tilted to their upward closed position. As shown in Figure 65 , in such a tilted position, the first tilt rope 113* is configured to extend upward through the rope channel 355* defined by the end plate 303* and is wound around the outer pulley portion 447* of the drive pulley 441* in a counterclockwise winding direction (indicated by the arrow CCW in Figure 65 ). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first tilt rope 113* is configured to be wound around the drive pulley 441* one or more times (e.g., twice) in the CCW direction and then extend through the rope groove 457*, allowing one end of the first tilt rope 113* to be coupled to the fastening tab 459* of the drive pulley 441*. Additionally, as shown in Figure 65 , the second tilt rope 115* is configured to extend upward through the rope channel 355* defined by the end plate 303* and is wound around a portion of the outer pulley portion 447* of the drive pulley 441* in a clockwise winding direction (indicated by the arrow CW in Figure 65 ), where one end of the second tilt rope 115* is coupled to the pulley portion 447* (e.g., at the position 463* shown in Figure 65 ).

[0341] It should be understood that the amount of each rope 113*, 115* wound around the drive pulley 441* will change when the tilt rod 110* is actuated or manipulated by the user. For example, as indicated above, Figure 65 shows when the tilt rail 130* is oriented at Figure 56AThe positions shown allow for the positioning / winding of the tilt cords 113*, 115* when the slat 56* is tilted to its upward closed position. In this regard, when the second rod portion 119* moves downward relative to the first rod portion 117* to tilt the slat 56* away from the upward closed position, this movement of the second rod portion 119* causes the drive pulley 441* to be rotationally driven in the clockwise direction CW as the first tilt cord 113* is paid out from or otherwise unwound from the drive pulley 441* and the second tilt cord 115* is wound onto the drive pulley 441*. The clockwise rotation of the drive pulley 441* can in turn cause the tilt rail cover 401* (and the tilt rail 130* coupled thereto) to pivot in the downward closing direction CD( Figure 56B ), thereby tilting the slat 56* toward the downward closed position.

[0342] Now referring to Figure 66 and Figure 67 , perspective views of the tilt rail cover 401* of the tilt drive assembly 170* are shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. As specifically shown in Figure 66 and Figure 67 , the tilt rail cover 401* generally includes a planar wall portion 403* that at least partially defines an outer side 405*( Figure 67 ) of the rail cover 401*, the outer side being configured to face the end plate assembly 301*; and an inner side 407*( Figure 66 ) of the rail cover 401*, the inner side being configured to face the tilt rail 130*. A tilt axis opening 409* is defined through the wall portion 403* and is configured to extend coaxially from the outer side 405* of the rail cover 401* to the inner side 407* of the rail cover 401* along the tilt axis 102*. Additionally, as specifically shown in Figure 66 , the tilt rail cover 401* includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced spring tabs 411* that extend outwardly from the tilt axis opening 409* along the inner side 407* of the rail cover 401*. The spring tabs 411* generally form a secondary axis opening 413* that is coaxially aligned with the tilt axis opening 409* defined through the wall portion 403*.

[0343] As indicated above, the short axis 309* of the end plate assembly 301* can be configured to be received within the axis openings 409*, 413* of the tilt rail cover 401*, thereby allowing the rail cover 401* to be supported relative to the end cover assembly 301* for rotation about the tilt axis 102* relative to the end cover assembly 301*. For example, briefly reviewing Figure 55Cross-sectional view of the assembled tilt drive assembly 170* shown, with the short axis 309* axially extending from the end plate cover 305* along the tilt axis 102* through the tilt axis opening 409* and the secondary axis opening 413* defined by the spring tab 411*. Once the short axis 309* is axially inserted through the aligned axis openings 409*, 413*, a suitable fastener 311* ( Figure 55 ) can be screwed into the fastener opening defined in the short axis 309* to axially hold the tilt rail cover 401* relative to the end plate assembly 301*. For example, as Figure 55 shown, the tilt rail cover 401* can be axially held on the short axis 309*, directly between the end plate cover 305* on one side and the fastener 311* on the other side (e.g., via the engagement between the head of the fastener 311* and the spring tab 411* of the rail cover 401*).

[0344] Additionally, as indicated above, the brake spring 493* ( Figure 51 and Figure 55 ) of the tilt drive assembly 170* can be configured to be mounted relative to the spring tab 411* of the tilt drive system 170* to create a friction interface between the tilt rail cover 401* and the short axis 309*. Specifically, briefly referring back to Figure 51 and Figure 55 , the brake spring 493* can be configured as a torsion spring or similar spring, which is configured to be mounted sleeved on the spring tab 411* to allow the brake spring 493* to exert a radially inwardly directed compressive force on the spring tab 411*, thereby compressing the spring tab 411* against the short axis 309* to create a friction interface between them. The compressive force provided by the brake spring 493* (and the resulting friction interface) can generally be used to maintain the tilt rail cover 401* (and thus the tilt rail 130* coupled thereto) in a given position when the operator releases the tilt bar 110*, thereby allowing the slats 56* to be maintained in the tilt position selected by the operator.

[0345] Referring again to Figure 66 and Figure 67 , the tilt rail cover 401* can also include or define suitable features for allowing the rail cover 401* to be rotationally driven by the drive pulley 441* of the tilt drive assembly 170*. For example, as Figure 67As specifically shown, the tilt rail cover 401* may include a gear or "gear portion" 415* positioned along the outer side 405* of the rail cover 401*, with the gear or "gear portion" centered about the tilt axis 102*. Generally, the gear portion 415* of the tilt rail cover 401* is configured to engage a corresponding gear post 451* of the drive pulley 441 such that rotation of the drive pulley 441 about its individual pulley axis 443* causes the tilt rail cover 401* to pivot about the tilt axis 102*. To accommodate the engagement of the gear portion 415* of the tilt rail cover 401* with the gear post 451* of the drive pulley 441, the tilt rail cover 401* may further define a recessed gear cavity 417* along the outer side 505* of the rail cover 401*, with the gear cavity receiving the gear post 451* of the drive pulley 441. As Figure 66 shown, the gear cavity 417* generally forms a semi-circular groove centered about the tilt axis 102* and extending radially outward from the gear portion 415*, where the center radius 419* of the cavity 417* is equal to the spacing distance 445* defined between the tilt axis 102* and the individual pulley axis 442* of the drive pulley 441 ( Figure 55 ). Thus, as the tilt rail cover 401* pivots about the tilt axis 102* relative to the drive pulley 441, the relative positioning of the gear post 451* within the gear cavity 417* may vary along the arc length of the cavity 417*. For example, in the case where the tilt rail cover 401* is in the position shown in Figure 56B (e.g., when the slat 56* is in the fully open position), the gear post 451* of the drive pulley 441 may generally be positioned at the center along the arc length of the gear cavity 417* (e.g., as indicated by the point 421* in Figure 67 ). However, if the tilt rail cover 401* pivots about the tilt axis 102* from the position shown in Figure 56B to the position shown in Figure 56C (e.g., when the slat 56* is in the downward closed position), then the gear post 451* of the drive pulley 441 may generally be positioned at the first end along the arc length of the gear cavity 417* (e.g., as indicated by the point 423* in Figure 67 ). Similarly, if the tilt rail cover 401* pivots about the tilt axis 102* from the position shown in Figure 56B to the position shown in Figure 56A (e.g., when the slat 56* is in the upward closed position), then the gear post 451* of the drive pulley 441 may generally be positioned at the opposite second end along the arc length of the gear cavity 417* (e.g., as indicated by the point in Figure 67as indicated by dot 425* therein. In this regard, it should be understood that the gear cavity 417* can also serve to limit the extent to which the tilt rail cover 401* can pivot about the tilt axis 102*, where the opposite ends 423*, 425* of the gear cavity 417* serve as mechanical stops to prevent further pivoting of the tilt rail cover 401* when the gear post 451* contacts the adjacent wall of the rail cover 401*. In this regard, the arc length of the gear cavity 417* can generally define the angular pivot range within which the tilt rail cover 401* can pivot about the tilt axis 102*.

[0346] In addition, with particular reference to Figure 66 , the tilt rail cover 401* can also include various structural walls and the like that extend outwardly along its inner side 407* for receiving portions of the drive end 132* of the tilt rail 130* ( Figure 43 ). Specifically, as Figure 66 shown, adjacent to the front and rear sides of the tilt rail cover 401* define a pair of rail cavities (e.g., a front rail cavity 431* and a rear rail cavity 433*) for receiving the front edge wall 142* and the rear edge wall 144* of the tilt rail 130* ( Figure 59 ) as well as the adjacent inner side wall 158* ( Figure 50 ), where the bottom wall 140* of the tilt rail 130* ( Figure 50 ) is configured to wrap around or extend adjacent to a corresponding shaped lower wall or surface 435* that extends between the rail cavities 431*, 433*. Additionally, as Figure 66 shown, the tilt rail cover 401* also includes mounting tabs 437* that extend outwardly into each of the rail cavities 431*, 433*, where each mounting tab 437* is configured to be received within one of the corresponding mounting slots 162* of the tilt rail 130* ( Figure 50 ). In this way, when the drive end 132* of the tilt rail 130* is mounted relative to the tilt rail cover 401* such that the front edge wall 142* and the rear edge wall 144* of the rail 130* and the corresponding inner side wall 158* are received within the respective rail cavities 431*, 433* (where the mounting tabs 437* extend within the adjacent mounting slots 162* of the tilt rail 130*), and the bottom curved wall 140* of the rail 130* wraps around the lower curved wall or surface 435* of the tilt rail cover 401*, the tilt rail 130* can be configured to rotate with the tilt rail cover 401* about the tilt axis 102*. In addition, as Figure 66As shown, the tilt rail cover 401* may further include additional mounting flanges 439* extending outwardly from the inner side 407* of the rail cover 401* for engaging a portion of the rail shroud 131*. For example, in one embodiment, the tilt rail cover 401* may include a pair of inner mounting flanges 439* configured to engage against and contact the upper curved wall 133* of the rail shroud 131* when the rail / shroud is mounted relative to the tilt rail cover 401*( Figure 50 ) of the inner surface.

[0347] Now referring to Figure 68 , a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the tilt bar described above is shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 68 is shown Figure 46 a similar cross-sectional view of the tilt bar portion contained within the box LXVIII-LXVIII shown in, specifically showing an alternative embodiment for coupling the first tilt rope to the second bar portion at or adjacent the bottom end of the second bar portion. It should be understood that unless otherwise described with reference to Figure 68 , the tilt bar is generally configured to be the same as described above with reference to Figure 46 .

[0348] As described above with reference to Figure 46 the embodiment of the tilt bar 110*, the end 113A* of the first tilt rope 113* is configured to be directly coupled to the bottom cover 127* of the tilt bar 110*. In this embodiment, the first bar portion 117* and the second bar portion 119* of the tilt bar 110* and the associated tilt ropes 113*, 115* are configured to be pre-assembled together and then coupled to the tilt drive assembly 170* (e.g., via a socket joint provided between the bar pivot member 125* and the rod socket 353* of the end plate assembly 301*). Then, "pre-tensioning" of the tilt ropes 113*, 115* is achieved by appropriately tensioning the ropes when the ropes 13*, 115* are coupled to the drive pulley 441*. While such an embodiment has many advantages, when it is desired to provide a variety of different tilt bar sizes, such a configuration requires stocking a variety of different "tilt bar pre-assemblies" in a manufacturing environment.

[0349] To address this issue, Figure 68 the embodiment of the tilt bar 110* shown in allows the first tilt rope 113* to be coupled to the second bar portion 119* and pre-tensioned as a final assembly step, thus eliminating the need to stock a large number of different "tilt bar pre-assemblies". Specifically, as Figure 68As shown, instead of directly connecting the end 113A of the first tilt rope 113* to the bottom cover 181* of the tilt rod 110*, the end 113A of the tilt rope 113 is configured to be connected to an elongate connection strap 183* (e.g., a cable tie or a wire tie), and then the connection strap can be separately connected to the second rod portion 119* via the associated bottom cover 181* after these components are assembled relative to the first rod portion 117* of the tilt rod 110*. For example, during assembly, the first tilt rope 113* can be connected to the drive pulley 441* as described above, routed through the end plate assembly 401*, the rod pivot member 125*, and the first rod portion 117*, and then tied to the elongate connection strap 183*. Thereafter, when the second rod portion 119* is installed relative to the first rod portion 117*, the elongate connection strap 183* can be inserted through the second rod portion as the second rod portion slides onto the first rod portion 117*. Then the corresponding bottom cover 181* can be slid onto the connection strap 183* and secured to the bottom end 119B* of the second rod portion 119*. Thereafter, the tilt system 100* can be pre-tensioned by pulling down on the connection strap 183* (e.g., as indicated by the arrow 185* in Figure 68 to reduce the length of the connection strap 183* extending within the second rod portion 119* until the desired rope tension is achieved. As a final assembly step, the connection strap 325* can be cut or trimmed at the end of the bottom cover 181* (e.g., along the Figure 68 shown cut line 187*) to provide a clean, finished appearance.

[0350] It should be understood that in order to allow the use of the connection strap 185* to pre-tension the tilt system 100* in the manner described above, the bottom cover 181* of the tilt rod 110 can be configured to engage or lock onto the connection strap 185* when the connection strap 185* is pulled downward relative thereto, thereby preventing the connection strap 185* from being pulled back up into the tilt rod 110* due to the rope tension. For example, when the connection strap 185* is configured to be similar to a cable tie or a wire tie, the strap 185* can include a ridged surface or a linear ratchet rack formed therein that includes a plurality of gear teeth or ridges 189*. In such an embodiment, the bottom cover 181* can be configured to include suitable engagement features for engaging or locking onto the ridges 189* of the connection strap 185*, such as a pawl or a ratchet mechanism. For example, Figure 69 is shown Figure 68Cross-sectional view taken along line LXIX-LXIX at the bottom end of the angled bar 110 shown in the figure. As shown, the bottom cover 181* includes a pawl 191*, which includes reverse or opposing ratchet teeth 193* configured to engage with the gear teeth or ridges 189* of the connecting band 183*. Thus, when the connecting band 183* is pulled downwardly through the bottom cover 181* to pre-tension the first angled cord 113*, the ratchet function provided by the pawl 191* can lock the connecting band 183* to prevent it from moving upward relative to the bottom cover 181*.

[0351] Now referring to Figures 70 to 72C , several views of one embodiment of a rail support assembly 501* suitable for use with the above-described top rail assembly 52* are shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 70 a perspective view of the rail support assembly 501* assembled within a central portion (e.g., Figure 48 the portion of the angled rail included within the frame LXX shown in the figure) of the angled rail 130* of the angled system 100* is shown. Figure 71 Shows Figure 70 an exploded perspective view of the rail support assembly 501* shown in the figure, where the various components of the rail support assembly 501* are disassembled from the angled rail 130*. Additionally, Figures 72A to 72C shows Figure 70 an end view of the rail support assembly 501* and the angled rail 130* mounted relative to the mounting rail 80* of the top rail assembly 52*, specifically showing the different positions of the angled rail 130* and the various components supported therein relative to the mounting rail 80* and the rail support bracket 503* of the rail support assembly 501* when the angled rail 130* is angled about the angled axis 102* to adjust the angled position of the slats 56*. It should be understood that Figure 70 and Figure 71 also show the front cover extension 145* described above with reference to Figures 47 to 49 , specifically showing the relative positioning of the front cover extension 145* relative to the components of the rail support assembly 501*.

[0352] As indicated above, the rail support assembly 501* can generally be configured to provide vertical support for the angled rail 130* relative to the mounting rail 80* at a position between the opposite ends of the rail 130* (e.g., at the central position of the angled rail 130*). In this regard, as Figure 71 and Figures 72A to 72C shown, the rail support assembly 501* can generally include a rail support bracket 503*, which is configured to be coupled between the mounting rail 80* and the angled rail 130*. As Figure 71As shown, the rail support bracket 501* includes a first bracket arm or portion 507* and a second bracket arm or portion 509*. Generally, the first bracket portion 507* of the rail support bracket 503* can be configured to couple to the mounting rail 80*. For example, as Figures 72A to 72C shown, the first bracket arm 507* of the rail support bracket 503* can be configured to be slidably received within a corresponding mounting slot 511* defined by the mounting rail 80*, thereby providing a rigid connection between the bracket 503* and the mounting rail 80*.

[0353] Additionally, the second bracket portion 509* of the rail support bracket 503* can generally be configured to pivotally couple to the inclined rail 130*. For example, as Figure 7 specifically shown in ', the second bracket portion 509* defines a pin opening 513*, which is configured to receive a pivot pin 515* of the rail support assembly 501*. For example, in one embodiment, the pivot pin 515* can be configured to be press - fit into the pin opening 13* in a friction or press - fit manner such that the pin 515* is rigidly and non - rotatably coupled to the rail support bracket 503*. Generally, the pivot pin 515* can be configured to define a pivot point between the rail support bracket 503* and the slot cover 521 ( Figure 71 ) and the lift station 505* of the rail support assembly 501*, where these additional components of the rail support assembly 501* provide a connection between the rail support bracket 503* (e.g., via the pin 515* coupled thereto) and the inclined rail 130*. For example, as will be described below, the slot cover 521* and the lift station 505* can be configured to be mounted within and coupled to the inclined rail 130* such that the pivot pin 515* is captured between these components, thereby allowing the pin 515* to provide a pivotable or pinned connection between the rail support bracket 503* and the inclined rail 130*.

[0354] It should be readily understood that the pivotable or pinned connection between the rail support bracket 503* and the inclined rail 130* allows the inclined rail 130* to pivot between its various rail positions about the tilt axis 102* when the slats 56* are tilted. Specifically, the pivot pin 515* of the rail support assembly 501* can be configured to be aligned with and extend coaxially along the tilt axis 102*, thereby allowing the support bracket 503* to vertically support the inclined rail 130* (and any components supported thereby) to rotate about the tilt axis 102*. For example, Figure 72A shows the inclined rail 130* and the associated components of the rail support assembly 501* when the inclined rail 130* is in its substantially horizontal orientation (i.e., when the slats 56* are in the fully open position, e.g., Figure 41 the position shown in ). As indicated above, to transition the slats 56* from the fully open position to the downward closed position, the inclined rail 130* pivots about the tilt axis 102* in the downward closed direction (byFigure 72A from the orientation substantially as shown by arrow CD in Figure 72A the substantially horizontal orientation shown to Figure 72B the substantially vertical orientation shown. Similarly, to transition the slat 56* from the fully open position to the upward closed position, the tilt rail 130* rotates about the tilt axis 102* in the upward closed direction (indicated by arrow CU in Figure 72A from the orientation substantially as shown in Figure 72A the substantially horizontal orientation shown to Figure 72C the substantially vertical orientation shown. As shown by the transitions between Figure 72A and Figure 72B and the transitions between Figure 72A and Figure 72C the tilt rail 130* (along with the slot cover 521* and lift station 505* supported therein) pivots relative to both the rail support bracket 503* and the mounting rail 80* about a pin connection provided at the tilt axis 102*.

[0355] It should be understood that to accommodate this pivoting of the tilt rail 130* relative to the rail support bracket 503*, the tilt rail 130* along with other components of the rail support assembly 501* may be configured to define an elongate slot or other feature such that when the tilt rail 102* pivots about the tilt axis 102* across the Figures 72A to 72C pivoting range shown, the second bracket portion 509* of the rail support bracket 503* is received within the elongate slot or other feature. For example, as specifically shown in Figure 71 the tilt rail 130* defines a rail slot 523* and the rail support bracket 503* is configured to extend through the rail slot when the tilt rail 130* pivots about the tilt axis 102* across the rail position range. Additionally, as will be described below, the slot cover 521* and lift station 505* may also define complementary slots or other features for receiving the rail support bracket 503*. As indicated above, the tilt rail cover 131* may also define a slot for receiving the rail support bracket 503* (e.g., between separate cover portions 131A*, 131B*).

[0356] Reference will now be made to Figures 73 to 83 for a further detailed description of the various components and sub - assemblies of the rail support assembly 501* described above.

[0357] Reference is now made to Figures 73 to 76 which shows several views of the slot cover 521* of the rail support assembly 501* in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 73 and Figure 74 show opposite top and bottom perspective views of the slot cover 521*, respectively. Additionally, Figure 75 and Figure 76 show exploded and assembled perspective views of the slot cover 521* relative to the tilt rail 130*, respectively.

[0358] As Figure 73 and Figure 74 specifically shown in, the slot cover 521* generally includes a lower slot wall 531*, the lower slot wall extending between a first end 533* ( Figure 74 ) and a second end 535* ( Figure 74 ); a pair of opposed vertically oriented mounting tabs 537*, the pair of opposed vertically oriented mounting tabs extending outwardly from the slot wall 531* adjacent the first end 533* of the slot wall; and an enlarged horizontally oriented mounting flange 539*, the enlarged horizontally oriented mounting flange extending outwardly from the slot wall in a configuration that protrudes relative to the second end 535* of the slot wall 531*. Additionally, the slot cover 521* further includes a pin bracket 541* extending upwardly from the slot wall adjacent the second end 535* of the slot wall 531*.

[0359] Generally, the lower slot wall 531* of the slot cover 521* may be configured to define a shape or profile that matches the shape or profile of the elongated slot 523* defined in the inclined rail 130*, thereby allowing the slot wall 521* to be received within the slot 523* when the slot cover 521* is installed relative to the inclined rail 130*. For example, as Figure 74 shown, the second end 535* of the slot wall 531* may be rounded to match the rounded end of the slot 523* defined in the inclined rail 130*. The slot wall 531* may also generally define a curved profile between its first end 533* and second end 535*, the curved profile being configured to substantially match the curved profile of the bottom wall 140* of the inclined rail 130* (e.g., see the curved profile of the bottom wall 140* of the inclined rail 130* in FIG. 10). Additionally, as Figure 74 shown, the width 543* of the slot wall 531* may generally be selected based on the corresponding width 545* of the slot 523*, to allow the slot wall 531* to be received within the slot 523*, such as by configuring the slot wall 531* to define a width 543* that is slightly less than the width 545* of the slot 523*. In contrast, the enlarged mounting flange 539* of the slot cover 521* may generally be configured to define a width 547* ( Figure 73 ) that is greater than the width 545* of the slot 523*, thereby allowing the mounting flange 539* to vertically support the slot cover 521* relative to the bottom wall 140* of the inclined rail 130*. Thus, when the slot cover 521* is installed relative to the inclined rail 130*, the lower slot wall 531* generally extends within the slot 523* and matches the profile of the portion of the bottom wall 140* of the inclined rail 130* that extends along the slot 523*, while the elongated mounting flange 539* is flush-mounted on and engages an adjacent surface of the bottom wall 140* of the inclined rail 130*.

[0360] Additionally, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the slot cover 521* may further define a cover slot 549* extending between opposite first and second ends 533* and 535* of the slot cover 521*, which is generally aligned with the rail slot 523* when the slot cover 521* is mounted relative to the tilt rail 130*. Such aligned slots 523* and 549* are generally configured to receive the rail support bracket 503* when the tilt rail 102* pivots relative to the bracket 503* about the tilt axis 102*. For example, with brief reference to Figure 72A and Figure 72B , as the tilt rail 130* tilts about the tilt axis 102* to transition the slat 56* from a fully open position (e.g., at the rail position shown in Figure 72A ) to a downward closed position (e.g., at the rail position shown in Figure 72B ), the rail support bracket 503* may be received within the aligned slots 523* and 549*.

[0361] Referring again to Figures 73 to 76 , a pair of vertically oriented mounting tabs 537* of the slot cover 521* may generally be configured to provide an additional coupling or connection between the slot cover 521* and the tilt rail 103* at an adjacent edge wall (e.g., the rear edge wall 144*) of the tilt rail 130*. Specifically, as shown in Figure 73 and Figure 74 , each mounting tab 537* may be configured to extend vertically upward from the lower slot wall 531* and may include a tab projection 551* extending outward therefrom. In such an embodiment, each tab projection 551* may be configured to be received within an adjacent mounting slot 162* of the tilt rail 130* along either side of the rail slot 523*. For example, as shown in Figure 76 , when the slot cover 521* is mounted relative to the tilt rail 130*, the vertically oriented mounting tabs 537* may be flush-mounted along either side of the rail slot 523* against the adjacent rounded corner edge wall 144* of the tilt rail 130*, with the tab projections 551* extending outward from the mounting tabs 537* into the corresponding mounting slots 162* of the tilt rail 130*.

[0362] As indicated above, the slot cover 521 may further include a pin bracket 541* extending upward from the lower slot wall 531* adjacent the second end 535* of the adjacent wall 531*. Generally, the pin bracket 541* may be configured to define suitable features for receiving the pivot pin 515* of the rail support assembly 501* in such a manner as to permit the slot cover 521* (along with the tilt rail 130* and any other components supported by the tilt rail 130*) to rotate about the tilt axis 102* relative to the pivot pin 515* (and the rail support bracket 503*). For example, as shown in Figure 73As specifically shown, the pin bracket 541* may define a recessed area or pin slot 553*, and the pivot pin 515* is configured to be received within the recessed area or pin slot, wherein the pin slot 553* defines a support surface, and the slot cover 521* pivots about an inclined axis 102* relative to the pivot pin 515* about the support surface. Additionally, as Figure 73 shown, the pin bracket 541* may further define a bracket slot 555* extending perpendicular to the pin slot 553* for receiving a portion of a second bracket portion 509* that extends outwardly beyond the pivot pin 515*. For example, Figure 77 shows a perspective view of the slot cover 521* and the rail support bracket 503* (along with the associated pivot pin 515*) assembled relative to the inclined rail 130*. As Figure 77 shown, the pivot pin 515* is nested or received within the pin slot 553* of the pin bracket 541*, and a distal portion 557* of the second bracket portion 509* of the support bracket 503* is received within the bracket slot 555* of the pin bracket 541*, thereby allowing the slot cover 521* (and the inclined rail 130* coupled thereto) to pivot about the inclined axis 102* relative to the pivot pin 515* and the support bracket 503*.

[0363] Now referring to Figures 78 to 82 , various views of one embodiment suitable for use within the lift station 505* of the disclosed rail support assembly 501* are shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 78 and Figure 79 show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the lift station 505*. Figure 80 shows a perspective view of a lift station 505* similar to the lift station shown in Figure 78 , specifically showing the upper or first housing component of the lift station 505* disassembled from the remainder thereof. Additionally, Figure 81 shows a top view of the lift station 505*, while Figure 82 shows another bottom perspective view of the lift station 505*, wherein Figure 81 and Figure 82 both show the lift station 505* assembled relative to the rail support bracket 503* and the associated pivot pin 515* of the rail support assembly 501*.

[0364] As indicated above, in addition to the rail support function associated with the rail support assembly 501*, the lift station 505* may also be configured to function as a typical lift station and may thus include various components and / or features of a conventional lift station. For example, as Figures 78 to 80 specifically shown, the lift station 505* may generally include a housing 561* configured to enclose a pair of lift reels 204*. As Figure 80As specifically shown, the housing 561* can be substantially hollow to define a spool cavity 563* for receiving the lift spool 204*. As indicated above, the lift spool 204* can generally be configured to be coupled to the motor 210* of the lift system 200* via an associated lift rod 208* to allow the motor 210* to rotationally drive the lift spool 204* when raising the bottom rail assembly 54* relative to the top rail assembly 52*. Additionally, the housing 561* can be configured to define various features for receiving the associated ropes of the lift / tilt system (e.g., rope openings or slots, rope routing, tie-down points, etc.). For example, the housing 561* can define suitable rope openings and / or slots (not shown) through which the lift ropes 64*, 66* extend as the ropes 64*, 66* wind around and unwind from the lift spool 204* during raising and lowering of the bottom rail assembly 54* relative to the top rail assembly 52*. Similarly, in one embodiment, the housing 561* can define suitable keyholes or tie-down points (not shown) for coupling the ends of the ladder belt bodies 60*, 62* of adjacent ladder belt assemblies 58* to the lift station 505*.

[0365] In several embodiments, the housing 561* can be configured as a multi-piece structure, such as a two-part assembly. For example, as Figure 80 shown, the lift station 505* can include an upper or first housing part 561A and a lower or second housing part 561B that are configured to be coupled to one another to form the complete housing 561*. In such an embodiment, when the first housing part 561A* and the second housing part 561B* are coupled together, the housing parts 561A*, 561B* can jointly define the spool cavity 563* of the housing 561* and can thus be configured to enclose the lift spool 204*. Generally, the housing parts 561A*, 561B* can be configured to be coupled to one another using any suitable attachment structure and / or means. For example, in one embodiment, one or both of the housing parts 561A*, 561B* can include or define suitable features for allowing the other housing part to snap onto or otherwise be secured thereto. In other embodiments, the housing parts 561A*, 561B* can include any other suitable attachment structure and / or the lift station 505* can be configured to include any other suitable components for coupling the housing parts 561A*, 561B* to one another (e.g., by using suitable mechanical fasteners).

[0366] The housing 561* can also be configured to receive or include suitable features for coupling or securing the lift station 505* within the tilt rail 13o*. For example, as Figure 78 and Figures 80 to 82As specifically shown, one or more front mounting tabs (e.g., a pair of mounting tabs 565*) can extend outwardly from the second housing member 561B* along the front or forward side of the lift station 505*. Additionally, as Figure 79 and Figure 82 specifically shown, one or more rear mounting tabs (e.g., a pair of mounting tabs 567*) can be positioned relative to the second housing member 561B* along the rear or backward side of the lift station 505*. In one embodiment, the rear mounting tab 567* can be disposed on or form part of an elastic or flexible spring arm 569*, which extends outwardly from the second housing member 561B* along the rear side of the lift station 505*. In such an embodiment, the spring arm 569* can be configured to apply a biasing force that maintains the lift station 505* in a proper position relative to the tilt track 130*. For example, briefly referring to Figure 72A the end view, when the lift station 505* is mounted relative to the tilt track 130*, the lift station 505* can be configured to longitudinally slide into the tilt track 130* such that the front mounting tab 565* is received within a mounting slot 162* defined by a front edge wall 142* adjacent to the tilt track 130*, and the rear mounting tab 567* is received within a mounting slot 162* defined by a rear edge wall 144* adjacent to the tilt track 130*. In this mounting configuration, the spring arm 569* can be in a compressed state to apply a lateral biasing force that maintains the mounting tabs 565*, 567* within the mounting slot 162*.

[0367] Returning to Figures 78 to 82 , in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention, the lift station 505* can also be configured to include suitable features for accommodating one or more of the other components of the track support assembly 501*. For example, in several embodiments, the housing 561* can be configured to define a housing slot 571*, within which the track support bracket 503* extends when the tilt track 130* (and the lift station 505*) is tilted relative thereto about the tilt axis 102*. For example, as Figures 78 to 80 specifically shown, the first housing member 561A* can be configured to define a first slot portion 571A*, while the second housing member 561B* can be configured to define a second slot portion 571B*. In one embodiment, each slot portion 571A*, 571B* can generally be configured to accommodate a relative rotational travel of approximately 90 degrees between the lift station 505* and the track support bracket 503*. Thus, the slot portions 571A*, 571B* can jointly define or form the housing slot 571*, when the tilt track 130* rotates about the tilt axis 102* at Figure 72B the position shown (i.e., when the slat 56* is in the downward closed position) and Figure 72CWhen pivoting between the positions shown (i.e., when the slat 56* is in the upward closed position), the housing slot can accommodate a relative rotational travel of approximately 180 degrees between the lift station 505* and the rail support bracket 503*. For example, Figure 81 shows the rail support bracket 503* extending within a housing slot 571* of approximately 180 degrees defined by the lift station housing 561*.

[0368] In addition, similar to the slot cover 521* described above, the lift station 505* may also include or define suitable features for receiving the pivot pin 515* in such a way that allows the lift station 505* (along with the tilt rail 130* and any other components supported by the tilt rail 130*) to rotate about the tilt axis 102* relative to the pivot pin 515* (and the rail support bracket 503*). For example, as Figure 79 specifically shown in, the second housing member 561B may define a recessed area or pin slot 573* along the bottom side of the housing 561*, and the pivot pin 515* is configured to be received within the recessed area or pin slot, where the pin slot 573* defines a support surface, and the lift station 505* pivots about the support surface relative to the pivot pin 515* about the tilt axis 102*. Additionally, as Figure 79 shown, a pair of stop tabs 575* are provided at opposite axial ends of the pin slot 573*, and the pair of stop tabs serve as mechanical stops to axially retain the pivot pin 515* within the pin slot 573*. For example, as Figure 82 shown, when the rail support bracket 503* and the associated pivot pin 515* are installed relative to the lift station 505*, the pivot pin 515* nests or is received within the pin slot 573* of the lift station 505* and extends axially between a pair of opposite stop tabs 575* along the slot 573*.

[0369] Thus, by configuring the rail support assembly 501* in the above manner, the rail support bracket 503* can be configured to provide vertical support for the tilt rail 130* (and any components it supports) via the pin-type connection provided by the slot cover 521* and the lift station 505*. For example, Figure 83 shows Figure 70 a cross-sectional view of the tilt rail 130* and the rail support assembly 501* taken along line LXXXIII-LXXXIII as shown in, where the rail support bracket 503* is shown as transparent (e.g., shown in dashed lines) and the mounting rail 80* is added for illustrative purposes. As Figure 83As shown, when the various components of the rail support assembly 501* are assembled together, the pivot pin 515* is directly captured or trapped between the slot cover 521* and the lift station 505*, i.e., between the pin slot 553* of the slot cover 521* and the pin slot 573* of the lift station 505*, thereby providing a structural connection between the rail support bracket 503* and the tilt rail 130*. Additionally, as indicated above, the pin slots 553*, 573* of the slot cover 521* and the lift station 505* generally define bearing surfaces that contact the pivot pin 515* to provide a low-friction interface, and these components are configured to rotate about the pivot pin 515* relative to the low-friction interface about the tilt axis 102*. Thus, as the tilt rail 130* pivots about the tilt axis 102*, the slot cover 521* and the lift station 505* can pivot about the pivot pin 515* with the tilt rail 130*.

[0370] It should be understood that in the above-described embodiment of the rail support assembly 501*, the assembly 501* is positioned relative to the top rail assembly 52* so as to incorporate the central lift station 505* of the lift system 200* as one of its components. However, in embodiments where the lift system 200* includes four or more lift stations (e.g., for a wider cover 50*), a rail support assembly 501* can be provided for each of the internal central lift stations. For example, in an embodiment including four lift stations, the lift system 200* can include two conventional lift stations 202* positioned closer to the outer lateral ends of the tilt rail 130* and two lift stations 505* spaced apart from each other along the lift rod 208* between the lift stations 202*. In such an embodiment, the top rail assembly can include two rail support assemblies 501* (i.e., one associated with each lift station 505*) to allow the tilt rail 130* to be supported at two different positions between its opposite lateral ends.

[0371] It should also be understood that although the above rail support assembly 501* includes the dual-function lift station 505* as one of its components, in alternative embodiments, the assembly 501* may include replacement components for the lift station 505*. Specifically, as an alternative to the lift station 505*, dedicated support components may be installed within the inclined rail 130* in a manner similar to the lift station 505* such that the pivot pin 515* is captured between the support component and a separate component of the rail support assembly 501* (such as the slot cover 521* or any other suitable component of the rail support assembly 501*). For example, the support component may be configured as a small frame or bracket that is configured to be installed within the inclined rail 130* (e.g., using mounting tabs received within the mounting slots 162* of the inclined rail 130*) and that defines a receptacle for receiving the pivot pin 515*. Additionally, similar to the lift station 505*, the support component may define an elongated slot within which the rail support bracket 503* extends as the inclined rail 130* pivots about the tilt axis 102*. In such an embodiment, unlike the embodiment using the lift station 505*, the rail support assembly 501* may be positioned at any suitable location along the axial length of the inclined rail 130* (rather than being limited to an axial position that aligns with the position of the lift ropes 64*, 66*).

[0372] Similarly, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the slot cover 521* may be replaced with any other suitable support component that is configured to generally provide a pivotable connection between the inclined rail 102* and the pivot pin 515*.

[0373] Now referring Figures 84 to 88C , various views of another embodiment of a rail support assembly 601* suitable for use as an alternative to the above rail support assembly 501* are shown in accordance with aspects of the subject matter of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 84 a perspective view of the rail support assembly 601* is shown, while Figure 85 and Figure 86 show opposite exploded perspective views of the rail support assembly 601* shown in Figure 84 . Figure 87 A cross-sectional view taken along line LXXXVII-LXXXVII of the rail support assembly 601* shown in Figure 84 is shown. Additionally, Figures 88A to 88C an end view of the rail support assembly 601* installed relative to the inclined rail 130* is shown, as well as an embodiment of a suitable mounting rail 80** configured to be used with the disclosed top rail assembly 52*, specifically showing the inclined rail 130* in different positions relative to the mounting rail 80** as the inclined rail 130* pivots about the tilt axis 102* to adjust the tilt position of the slats 56*.

[0374] Similar to the above-described embodiments, the rail support assembly 601* can generally be configured to provide vertical support for the inclined rail 130* at a position between opposite ends of the rail 130* relative to an associated top rail assembly (e.g., the mounting rail 80** configured to be used with the top rail assembly 52*( Figures 88A to 88C )) while still accommodating pivotal movement of the inclined rail 130* about the inclined axis 102* relative to the mounting rail 80**. In this regard, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rail support assembly 601* can generally include a rail support bracket 603* and first and second rail sliders 607* and 609* configured to be slidably coupled to the rail support bracket 603*.

[0375] As Figures 85 to 87 shown, the rail support bracket 603* includes a first bracket portion or upper mounting arm 609* and a second bracket portion or lower sliding arm 611* that extends outwardly from the upper mounting arm 609* along a curved or arcuate path. Generally, the upper mounting arm 609* can be configured to couple to the mounting rail 80*. For example, as Figures 88A to 88C shown, the upper mounting arm 609* of the rail support bracket 603* can be configured to be slidably received within a corresponding mounting slot 613* defined by the mounting rail 88**, thereby providing a rigid connection between the bracket 603* and the mounting rail 88**. Additionally, the arcuate sliding arm 611* of the support bracket 603* can generally include opposing sliding tabs 615* and 617* configured to vertically support the rail sliders 605* and 607* of the rail support assembly 601* relative to the mounting rail 80**. Specifically, as Figures 85 to 87 shown, the sliding arm 611* can include a first sliding tab 615* configured to engage the first rail slider 605* and a second sliding tab 617* configured to engage the second rail slider 607*, where the two sliding tabs 615* and 617* generally define an upper support surface 619*( Figure 87 ) about which the rail sliders 605* and 607* are configured to slide when the inclined rail 130* pivots about the inclined axis 102*.

[0376] As Figures 84 to 87As specifically shown, in several embodiments, the first rail slider 605* and the second rail slider 607* may have a mirror-image configuration, and thus, each slider 605*, 607* may define or include the same features, but be a mirror image relative to the other slider. Generally, each rail slider 605*, 607* may be configured to couple between the rail support bracket 603* and the tilt rail 130*, such that the rail sliders 605*, 607* support the tilt rail 130* to pivot relative to the rail support bracket 603* about the tilt axis 102*. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, each rail slider 605*, 607* includes an upper arcuate wall 621* and a lower arcuate wall 623*, and the upper and lower arcuate walls define an arcuate sliding channel along the inner surface of the sliders 605*, 607* for receiving the respective sliding tabs 615*, 617* of the rail support bracket 603*. For example, as Figure 86 and Figure 87 shown, the first rail slider 605* includes an upper arcuate wall 621* and a lower arcuate wall 623*, and the upper and lower arcuate walls define a first sliding channel 625*( Figure 87 ) along its inner side for receiving the first sliding tab 615*. Similarly, as Figure 85 and Figure 87 shown, the second rail slider 607* includes an upper arcuate wall 621* and a lower arcuate wall 623*, and the upper and lower arcuate walls define a second sliding channel 627*( Figure 87 ) along its inner side for receiving the second sliding tab 617*. Thus, when the first rail slider 605* and the second rail slider 603* are assembled relative to the sliding arm 611* of the rail support bracket 603* in the manner shown in Figure 84 and Figure 87 (e.g., along both sides of the sliding arm 611*), each sliding tab 615*, 617* of the rail support bracket 603* may extend into and be received within the respective sliding channels 625*, 627* of the adjacent rail sliders 605*, 607* to provide a sliding interface between the rail sliders 605*, 607* and the mounting bracket 603*. Specifically, as Figure 87 shown, in the case where the sliding tabs 615*, 517* are received within the sliding channels 625*, 627*, the upper arcuate walls 621* of the rail sliders 605*, 607* may be configured to rest on and contact the support surfaces 619* defined by the respective sliding tabs 615*, 617*, thereby allowing the rail sliders 605*, 607* to slide along the arcuate path defined thereby on the sliding tabs 615*, 617* when the tilt rail 130* pivots about the tilt axis 102*. Additionally, as Figures 85 to 87As shown, each rail slider 605*, 607* defines a set of fastener openings 629*, and the set of fastener openings is configured to align with a corresponding set of fastener openings 629* of another rail slider, thereby allowing a suitable fastener 631* to be inserted through the aligned fastener openings 629* to couple the rail sliders 605*, 607* together. In doing so, the rail sliders 605*, 607* can generally be clamped together along both sides of the sliding arm 611* of the rail support bracket 603*, thereby maintaining the sliding tabs 615*, 617* captured within the sliding channels 625*, 627* of the rail sliders 605*, 607*.

[0377] It should be understood that the radii of curvature of the arcuate features (e.g., walls, tabs, channels) of the above-described rail support bracket 503* and rail sliders 605*, 607* can generally be centered about the tilt axis 102* of the tilt system 100*, thereby preventing jamming along the sliding interfaces defined between these features during rotation of the tilt rail 130* about the tilt axis 102*.

[0378] In several embodiments, each rail slider 605*, 607* may further include or define rail mounting features for coupling the tilt rail 130* (and associated rail cover 131*) to the slider 605*, 607*. For example, as Figures 84 to 87 shown, each rail slider 605*, 607* defines a pair of rail cavities (e.g., front rail cavity 633* and rear rail cavity 635*) adjacent to the front and rear sides of the slider 605*, 607* for receiving the front edge wall 42* and rear edge wall 44* of the tilt rail 130* ( Figure 88A ) as well as the adjacent side wall 158* ( Figure 88A ). Additionally, each rail slider 605*, 607* includes mounting tabs 637* that extend outwardly into each rail cavity 633*, 635*, where each mounting tab 637* is configured to be received within one of the corresponding mounting slots 162* ( Figure 88A ) of the tilt rail 130*. Thus, as specifically shown in Figure 88A , in the case where the rail support assembly 601* is assembled relative to the tilt rail 130*, the front edge wall 142* and rear edge wall 144* of the rail 130* as well as the corresponding side wall 158* are received within the respective aligned rail cavities 633*, 635* ( Figures 84 to 87 ) of the rail sliders 605*, 607* (where the aligned mounting tabs 637* extend within the adjacent mounting slots 162* of the rail 130*). Additionally, as Figures 84 to 87As shown, the rail sliders 605*, 607* may also include additional mounting flanges 639* extending outwardly from their outer sides for engaging a portion of the rail cover 131*. For example, in one embodiment, each of the rail sliders 605*, 607* may include a pair of mounting flanges 639* configured to engage and contact the upper curved wall 133* of the rail cover 131 when the rail / cover is mounted relative to the rail support assembly 601*( Figure 50 ) against the inner surface.

[0379] By configuring the rail support assembly 601* as described above, the tilt rail 130* can be vertically supported by the rail support brackets 603* in such a way that the tilt rail 130* (and any components supported thereby) can pivot freely about the tilt axis 102* (e.g., via the connection provided by the rail sliders 605*, 607*). Specifically, the sliding interface provided between the rail support brackets 603* and the rail sliders 605*, 607* allows the tilt rail 130* to pivot between its respective rail positions about the tilt axis 102* when the tilt slats 56* are tilted. For example, Figure 88A shows the associated components of the tilt rail 130* and the rail support assembly 601* when the tilt rail 130* is in its substantially horizontal orientation (i.e., when the slats 56* are in the fully open position, e.g., Figure 41 the position shown in). Similarly, Figure 88B and Figure 88C show the associated components of the tilt rail 130* and the rail support assembly 601* when the tilt rail 130* is in its downward closed, substantially vertical orientation (i.e., when the slats 56* are in the downward closed position) and its upward closed, substantially vertical orientation (i.e., when the slats 56* are in the upward closed position), respectively.

[0380] Now referring to Figures 89 to 94 , aspects of the subject matter of the present invention are shown in various views of one embodiment of a brake assembly 701* suitable for use as the brake 212* of the lift system 200* described above with reference to Figure 48 and Figure 49 . Specifically, Figure 89 and Figure 90 show opposite assembled perspective views of the brake assembly 701*, while Figure 91 and Figure 92 show opposite exploded perspective views of the brake assembly 701* shown in Figure 89 and Figure 90 . Figure 93 shows a cross-sectional view of the brake assembly 701* taken along line XCIII-XCIII as shown in Figure 89 . Additionally, Figure 94Shows an end view of a brake assembly 701* mounted relative to an inclined rail 130* of the disclosed inclined system 130*.

[0381] Generally, the brake assembly 701* is configured to act as a one-way brake for the lifting system 200*. Specifically, when the motor 210* of the lifting system 200* rotationally drives an associated lifting rod 208* in a first rotational direction or an upward direction ( Figure 93 as indicated by the arrow CW in), to raise the bottom rail assembly 54* relative to the top rail assembly 52*, the brake assembly 701* can be configured to impose as little resistance as possible on the lifting rod 208*. However, when the lifting rod 208* rotates in an opposite second rotational direction or a downward direction ( Figure 93 as indicated by the arrow CCW in) to lower the bottom rail assembly 54* relative to the top rail assembly 52*, the brake assembly 701* can be configured to impose a given amount of resistance on the lifting rod 208* to allow the bottom rail assembly 54* to remain at an operator-selected position relative to the top rail assembly 52*.

[0382] As Figure 91 and Figure 92 specifically shown, the brake assembly 701* generally includes a housing 704*, which is configured to at least partially enclose or enclose various other components of the brake assembly 701*, including, for example, a hub 705*, a spring 707*, a cylinder 709*, and a pair of planetary gears (e.g., a first planetary gear 711* and a second planetary gear 713*). Generally, the housing 704* can be configured to define various cavities for receiving other components of the brake assembly 701*. For example, as Figure 91 and Figure 93 shown, the housing 704* can define a main brake cavity 715*, which is configured to receive the hub 705*, the spring 709*, and the cylinder 709* (after assembly) as well as the lifting rod 208* extending through these assembled components. Additionally, the housing 703* can also define a pair of opposing secondary brake cavities or gear cavities configured to receive the planetary gears 711*, 713*. For example, as Figure 93 shown, the housing 703* defines a first gear cavity 717* configured to receive the first planetary gear 711* and a second gear cavity 719* configured to receive the second planetary gear 713*, where the gear cavities 717*, 719* are generally located along opposite sides of the main brake cavity 715* relative to the rotational axis of the lifting rod 208* (indicated by the point 721* in Figure 93 and Figure 94 ).

[0383] The housing 703 may also be configured to accommodate or include suitable features for coupling or securing the brake assembly 701 within the tilt rail 130. For example, as specifically shown in the illustrated embodiment, the front mounting tab 723 may extend outwardly from the housing 703 along the front or forward side of the brake assembly 701. Additionally, the rear mounting tab 725 is positioned along the rear or rearward side of the brake assembly 701 relative to the housing. In one embodiment, the rear mounting tab 725 may be provided on or form part of an elastic or flexible spring arm 727 that extends outwardly from the housing 703 along the rear side of the brake assembly 701. In such an embodiment, the spring arm 727 may be configured to apply a biasing force that maintains the brake assembly 701 in place relative to the tilt rail 103. For example, as Figure 94 shown, when the brake assembly 701 is mounted relative to the tilt rail 130, the brake assembly 701 may be configured to longitudinally slide into the tilt rail 130 such that the front mounting tab 725 is received within a mounting slot 162 defined by the front edge wall 142 of the tilt rail 130 adjacent thereto, and the rear mounting tab 725 is received within the mounting slot 162 defined by the rear edge wall 144 of the tilt rail 130 adjacent thereto. In this mounting configuration, the spring arm 727 may be in a compressed state to apply a lateral biasing force that maintains the mounting tabs 723, 725 within the mounting slot 162. Additionally, as Figure 94 shown, the housing 703 may also include another spring arm or leaf spring 729 that extends along its bottom side and is configured to engage the bottom wall 140 of the tilt rail when the brake assembly 701 is mounted relative to the tilt rail 130. In such an embodiment, the leaf spring 729 may be configured to apply an upward biasing force to the brake assembly 701 that maintains the mounting tabs 723, 725 against the top side of the mounting slot 162 while also providing a moment arm that biases a separate engagement tab 731 that extends outwardly from the front side of the housing 703 against the top end of the front edge wall 142 of the tilt rail 130.

[0384] As Figure 91 and Figure 92 shown, the brake hub 705 may generally include a central hub portion 735 and an enlarged brake portion 737 that extends radially outwardly relative to the central hub portion 735. As Figure 91As specifically shown, the central hub portion 735* of the hub can define a shaft opening 739* for receiving the lift rod 208* of the lift system 200*. For example, the shaft opening 739* can be keyed to allow the brake hub 705* to rotatably engage the lift rod 208*, such as by including a V-shaped protrusion configured to be received within a corresponding V-shaped groove defined in the lift rod 208*. Additionally, as Figure 90 and Figure 92 specifically shown, one end of the central hub portion 735* can include a plurality of spring arms 741* having locking tabs 743*, the locking tabs being configured to engage a portion of the housing 703* when the hub 705* is assembled relative to the housing 703* (see Figure 90 ). As Figure 92 shown, the brake portion 737* of the hub 705* can be configured to define a shank opening or slot 745* for receiving one of the opposite ends or shanks 707A*, 707B* of the brake spring 707*.

[0385] Furthermore, as Figure 91 and Figure 92 shown, the brake cylinder 709* can generally include a cylinder portion 747*, the cylinder portion defining a hub cavity 749* ( Figure 91 ) for receiving these components when both the enlarged brake portion 737* of the hub 705* and the brake spring 707* are assembled relative to each other. Specifically, in several embodiments, after the hub 705*, spring 707*, and cylinder 709* are assembled together, the brake portion 737* of the hub 705* can be positioned within the hub cavity 749* such that the outer radial surface 751* ( Figure 91 and 92 ) of the brake portion 737* is radially inwardly spaced relative to the inner radial surface 753* ( Figure 91 ) of the cylinder portion 747* to define a spring cavity (not shown), within which the brake spring 707* is received between the hub 705* and the cylinder 709*. In such an embodiment, considering the connection between the hub 705* and the brake spring 707* (e.g., via one of the shanks 707A*, 707B*), the brake spring 707* can be configured to expand outwardly and frictionally engage the inner radial surface 753* of the cylinder portion 747* of the brake cylinder 709* when the hub 705* is rotationally driven via the lift rod 208*, thereby providing a rotational coupl...

Claims

1. An operating system for tilting a plurality of slats of a covering for a building structure, the operating system comprising: A tilting drive assembly including a drive pulley supported for rotation about a pulley axis; A first tilting rope and a second tilting rope, the first tilting rope and the second tilting rope being coupled to the drive pulley; and A tilting rod supported relative to the tilting drive assembly, the tilting rod including a first rod portion and a second rod portion, the first tilting rope and the second tilting rope being coupled to the tilting rod such that movement of the second rod portion relative to the first rod portion in a first direction causes the drive pulley to rotate about the pulley axis in a first rotational direction, and movement of the second rod portion relative to the first rod portion in an opposite second direction causes the drive pulley to rotate about the pulley axis in an opposite second rotational direction.

2. The operating system according to claim 1, wherein: When the drive pulley rotates in the first rotational direction, the first tilting rope winds around the drive pulley as the second tilting rope unwinds from the drive pulley; and When the drive pulley rotates in the second rotational direction, the second tilting rope winds around the drive pulley as the first tilting rope unwinds from the drive pulley.

3. The operating system according to claim 1, wherein the tilting drive assembly is configured such that rotation of the drive pulley in the first rotational direction causes the plurality of slats to tilt towards one of an upward closed position or a downward closed position, and rotation of the drive pulley in the second rotational direction causes the plurality of slats to tilt towards the other of the upward closed position or the downward closed position.

4. The operating system according to claim 1, wherein the first rod portion and the second rod portion are arranged in a telescopic arrangement.

5. The operating system according to claim 4, wherein the first lifting rope and the second lifting rope extend through the first rod portion and are coupled to a portion of the second rod portion.

6. The operating system according to claim 1, wherein one end of the first tilting rope is coupled to the second rod portion at a first position, and one end of the second tilting rope is coupled to the second rod portion at a second position spaced apart from the first position.

7. The operating system according to claim 6, wherein the first position is adjacent to the bottom end of the second rod portion, and the second position is adjacent to the top end of the second rod portion.

8. The operating system according to claim 7, wherein the tilting rod further includes a bottom cover coupled to the bottom end of the second rod portion, and the end of the first tilting rope is coupled to the second rod portion via the bottom cover of the tilting rod.

9. The operating system according to claim 8, wherein the end of the first tilting rope is directly coupled to the bottom cover of the tilting rod.

10. The operating system according to claim 8, wherein the end of the first tilting rope is coupled to the bottom cover of the tilting rod via an elongated connecting strap.

11. The operating system according to claim 7, wherein the tilt rod further includes a top cover that is coupled to the top end of the second rod portion, and the end of the second tilt rope is coupled to the second rod portion via the top cover of the tilt rod.

12. The operating system according to claim 6, wherein the second tilt rope is disposed through the second rod portion such that an overlapping rope segment is formed within the second rod portion, and the second tilt rope vertically overlaps itself on the overlapping rope segment.

13. The operating system according to claim 12, wherein the second tilt rope is disposed downward through the second rod portion and wound around a portion of the tilt rod that is within the second rod portion, and then extends upward to a second position to form the overlapping rope segment.

14. The operating system according to claim 13, wherein the second tilt rope is wound around a rod bushing that is within the second rod portion.

15. The operating system according to claim 14, wherein the rod bushing is coupled to the bottom end of the first rod portion.

16. The operating system according to claim 1, further comprising a tilt rail that is coupled to the tilt drive assembly such that the tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis that is radially spaced apart from the pulley axis.

17. The operating system according to claim 16, wherein the tilt drive assembly further includes a tilt drive member that is coupled between the drive pulley and the tilt rail such that rotation of the drive pulley about the pulley axis causes the tilt rail cover and the tilt rail to rotate together about the tilt axis.

18. The operating system according to claim 17, wherein the drive pulley includes a pulley portion around which the first tilt rope and the second tilt rope are wound and unwound; and a gear post that is configured to engage a corresponding gear portion of the tilt drive member.

19. The operating system according to claim 18, wherein: the tilt drive assembly further includes an end plate; the drive pulley is rotatably coupled to the end plate such that the drive pulley is configured to rotate about the pulley axis relative to the end plate; the drive pulley extends through the end plate such that the pulley portion is on a first side of the end plate and the gear post is on a second side of the end plate; and the tilt drive member is supported adjacent the second side of the end plate to rotate about the tilt axis.

20. The operating system according to claim 19, further comprising a short shaft that extends outward from the end plate along the tilt axis, and the tilt drive member cover is supported on the short shaft to rotate about the tilt axis relative to the end plate.

21. The operating system according to claim 20, further comprising a brake spring that is configured to apply a radially inwardly directed force to a portion of the tilt drive member that engages the short shaft to create a friction interface between the tilt drive member and the short shaft.

22. The operating system according to claim 18, wherein the tilt drive member defines a gear cavity that extends radially outward from the gear portion of the tilt drive member, and the gear cavity is configured to receive the gear post of the drive pulley.

23. The operating system according to claim 22, wherein the gear cavity defines an arc length between opposite first and second ends of the gear cavity, and the arc length defines an angular pivot range within which the tilt drive member is capable of pivoting about the tilt axis.

24. The operating system according to claim 17, wherein the tilt drive member includes a tilt rail cover configured to be coupled to one end of the tilt rail.

25. A covering for a building structure, the covering including a top rail assembly, a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the top rail assembly, and the operating system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly.

26. The covering according to claim 25, wherein the operating system is disposed operatively associated with the top rail assembly.

27. A covering for a building structure, the covering including a top rail assembly, a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the top rail assembly, and the operating system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, and wherein the covering further includes a lifting system configured to raise and lower the bottom rail assembly relative to the top rail assembly, and one or more lifting system components of the lifting system are disposed operatively associated with the tilt rail such that the one or more lifting system components rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis.

28. An operating system for tilting a plurality of slats of a covering for a building structure, the operating system comprising: a tilt drive assembly; and a tilt rail coupled to the tilt drive assembly such that the tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis; and wherein the tilt drive assembly includes: a drive pulley supported for rotation about a pulley axis that is radially spaced from the tilt axis; a tilt drive member coupled between the drive pulley and the tilt rail such that rotation of the drive pulley about the pulley axis causes the tilt drive member and the tilt rail to rotate together about the tilt axis; and wherein a first tilt rope and a second tilt rope are coupled to the drive pulley such that: (1) in the case where the drive pulley rotates about the pulley axis in a first rotational direction, the first tilt rope winds onto the drive pulley as the second tilt rope unwinds from the drive pulley; and (2) in the case where the drive pulley rotates about the pulley axis in an opposite second rotational direction, the second tilt rope winds onto the drive pulley as the first tilt rope unwinds from the drive pulley.

29. The operating system according to claim 28, wherein the tilting drive assembly is configured such that rotation of the drive pulley in the first rotational direction causes the plurality of slats to tilt towards one of the upward closed position or the downward closed position, and rotation of the drive pulley in the second rotational direction causes the plurality of slats to tilt towards the other of the upward closed position or the downward closed position.

30. The operating system according to claim 28, further comprising a tilting rod, the tilting rod being supported relative to the tilting drive assembly, the tilting rod including a first rod portion and a second rod portion, the first tilting rope and the second tilting rope being coupled to the tilting rod such that movement of the second rod portion relative to the first rod portion in a first direction causes the drive pulley to rotate about the first rotational direction axis, and movement of the second rod portion relative to the first rod portion in an opposite second direction causes the drive pulley to rotate in the second rotational direction.

31. The operating system according to claim 28, wherein the first rod portion and the second rod portion are arranged in a telescopic arrangement.

32. The operating system according to claim 31, wherein the first lifting rope and the second lifting rope extend through the first rod portion and are coupled to a portion of the second rod portion.

33. The operating system according to claim 30, wherein one end of the first tilting rope is coupled to the second rod portion at a first position, and one end of the second tilting rope is coupled to the second rod portion at a second position spaced from the first position.

34. The operating system according to claim 28, wherein the drive pulley includes a pulley portion around which the first tilting rope and the second tilting rope are wound and unwound; and a gear post configured to engage a corresponding gear portion of the tilting drive member.

35. The operating system according to claim 34, wherein: the tilting drive assembly further includes an end plate; the drive pulley is rotatably coupled to the end plate such that the drive pulley is configured to rotate relative to the end plate about the pulley axis; the drive pulley extends through the end plate such that the pulley portion is located on a first side of the end plate and the gear post is located on a second side of the end plate; and the tilting drive member is supported adjacent to the second side of the end plate to rotate about the tilting axis.

36. The operating system according to claim 35, further comprising a short shaft extending outwardly from the end plate along the tilting axis, the tilting drive member cover being supported on the short shaft to rotate relative to the end plate about the tilting axis.

37. The operating system according to claim 36, further comprising a brake spring configured to apply a radially inwardly directed force to a portion of the tilting drive member that engages the short shaft to create a friction interface between the tilting drive member and the short shaft.

38. The operating system according to claim 34, wherein the tilt drive member defines a gear cavity that extends radially outward from the gear portion of the tilt drive member, and the gear cavity is configured to receive the gear post of the drive pulley.

39. The operating system according to claim 38, wherein the gear cavity defines an arc length between opposite first and second ends of the gear cavity, and the arc length defines an angular pivot range within which the tilt drive member can pivot about the tilt axis.

40. The operating system according to claim 28, wherein the tilt drive member includes a tilt rail cover that is configured to be coupled to one end of the tilt rail.

41. A covering for a building structure, the covering including a top rail assembly, a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the top rail assembly, and the operating system according to claim 28, wherein the plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly.

42. The covering according to claim 41, further including a lifting system configured to raise and lower the bottom rail assembly relative to the top rail assembly, wherein one or more lifting system components of the lifting system are disposed in operative association with the tilt rail such that the one or more lifting system components rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis.

43. An operating system for use with a covering for a building structure, the operating system tilt rod, the tilt rod including: a first rod portion that extends longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end; and a second rod portion that extends longitudinally between a top end and a bottom end, the second rod portion being disposed in a telescoping arrangement with the first rod portion such that the second rod portion is movable relative to the first rod portion in a first direction and an opposite second direction; and a first tilt rope and a second tilt rope that are disposed in operative association with the tilt rope such that portions of the first tilt rope and the second tilt rope are encapsulated within the first rod portion and the second rod portion, wherein: the first lift rope and the second lift rope are routed from the top end of the first rod portion through the first rod portion to the bottom end of the first rod portion and into the second rod portion; one end of the first tilt rope is coupled to the second rod portion at a first location; and one end of the second tilt rope is coupled to the second rod portion at a second location spaced apart from the first location.

44. The operating system according to claim 43, wherein the first location is adjacent the bottom end of the second rod portion, and the second location is adjacent the top end of the second rod portion.

45. The operating system according to claim 43, wherein the tilt rod further includes a bottom cover coupled to the bottom end of the second rod portion, and the end of the first tilt rope is coupled to the second rod portion via the bottom cover of the tilt rod.

46. The operating system according to claim 45, wherein the end of the first tilt rope is directly coupled to the bottom cover of the tilt bar.

47. The operating system according to claim 45, wherein the end of the first tilt rope is coupled to the bottom cover of the tilt bar via an elongate connection strap.

48. The operating system according to claim 47, wherein the elongate connection strap is configured to engage the bottom cover of the tilt bar in a manner that prevents movement of the connection strap relative to the bottom cover in the direction within the tilt bar.

49. The operating system according to claim 48, wherein the connection strap defines a ridged surface configured to engage a corresponding pawl of the bottom cover to prevent movement of the connection strap relative to the bottom cover in the direction within the tilt bar.

50. The operating system according to claim 43, wherein the tilt bar further includes a top cover coupled to the top end of the second bar portion, and the end of the second tilt rope is coupled to the second bar portion via the top cover of the tilt bar.

51. The operating system according to claim 43, wherein the second tilt rope is routed through the second bar portion such that an overlapping rope segment is formed within the second bar portion, and the second tilt rope vertically overlaps itself on the overlapping rope segment.

52. The operating system according to claim 51, wherein the second tilt rope is routed downward from the top end of the second bar portion through the second bar portion and wound around the bottom end of the first bar portion located within the second bar portion, and then extends upward to the second position to form the overlapping rope segment.

53. The operating system according to claim 52, wherein the second tilt rope is wound around a bar bushing coupled to the bottom end of the first bar portion.

54. A top rail assembly configured for use with a covering for a building structure, the top rail assembly comprising: a mounting rail; a tilt system supported relative to the mounting rail, the tilt system including a tilt drive assembly and a tilt rail longitudinally extending between a first end and a second end, the tilt drive assembly being configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis to effect tilting of a plurality of slats; a rail support assembly configured to support the tilt rail relative to the mounting rail for rotation about the tilt axis, the rail support assembly supporting the tilt rail at a location between the first end and the second end of the tilt rail, the rail support assembly comprising: a rail support bracket including a first bracket portion coupled to the mounting rail and a second bracket portion extending outwardly from the first bracket portion; and a pivot pin fixed to the second bracket portion and longitudinally extending along the tilt axis, wherein the tilt rail is pivotally coupled to the rail support bracket via the pivot pin such that the tilt rail pivots relative to the rail support bracket about the pivot pin.

55. The top rail assembly according to claim 54, further comprising a lifting system configured to raise and lower the covering between a raised position and a lowered position, the lifting system including a plurality of components operatively associated with the tilt rail such that the plurality of components rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis, and the tilt rail is pivotally coupled to the pivot pin via a first one of the plurality of components for rotation relative to the pivot pin.

56. The top rail assembly according to claim 55, wherein the first component includes a lift station of the lifting system, the lift station including a housing coupled to the tilt rail, the housing being configured to support a lift reel, and a lift rope of the lifting system is wound around and unwound from the lift reel as the covering is raised and lowered between the raised position and the lowered position.

57. The top rail assembly according to claim 54, wherein the rail support assembly further includes a first support member and a second support member coupled to the tilt rail, the first support member defining a first bearing surface and the second support member defining a second bearing surface, and the pivot pin is captured between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface.

58. The top rail assembly according to claim 57, wherein the first support member defines a first elongated slot and the second support member defines a second elongated slot, the first elongated slot and the second elongated slot being configured to receive the rail support bracket as the tilt rail rotates about the tilt axis relative to the rail support bracket.

59. The top rail assembly according to claim 57, wherein the tilt rail defines an elongated slot configured to receive the rail support bracket as the tilt rail rotates about the tilt axis relative to the rail support bracket, and the first support member includes a slot cover coupled to the tilt rail such that at least a portion of the slot cover extends within the elongated slot defined by the tilt rail.

60. The top rail assembly according to claim 59, further comprising a lifting system configured to raise and lower the covering between a raised position and a lowered position, the lifting system including a plurality of components operatively associated with the tilt rail such that the plurality of components rotate with the tilt rail about the tilt axis, and the second support member includes a first lift system component of the plurality of components of the lifting system such that the pivot pin is directly captured between the slot cover and the first lift station component.

61. A covering including the top rail assembly according to claim 54, the covering further including a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the top rail assembly, and a plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly.

62. A top rail assembly configured for use with a covering for a building structure, the top rail assembly including: a mounting rail; Tilting system, the tilting system being supported relative to the mounting rail, the tilting system including a tilting drive assembly and a tilting rail, the tilting rail longitudinally extending between a first end and a second end, the tilting drive assembly being configured to rotate the tilting rail about a tilting axis to effect tilting of a plurality of slats; Rail support assembly, the rail support assembly being configured to support the tilting rail relative to the mounting rail for rotation about the tilting axis, the rail support assembly supporting the tilting rail at a position between the first end and the second end of the tilting rail, the rail support assembly including: Rail support bracket, the rail support bracket including a first bracket portion coupled to the mounting rail and a second bracket portion extending outwardly from the first bracket portion; And A first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member being coupled between the tilting rail and the second bracket portion, the first support member and the second support member being configured to rotate with the tilting rail about the tilting axis relative to the rail support bracket.

63. The top rail assembly according to claim 62, wherein the first support member defines a first elongated slot, and the second support member defines a second elongated slot, the first elongated slot and the second elongated slot being configured to receive the rail support bracket as the tilting rail rotates about the tilting axis relative to the rail support bracket.

64. The top rail assembly according to claim 62, wherein the tilting rail defines an elongated slot, the elongated slot being configured to receive the rail support bracket as the tilting rail rotates about the tilting axis relative to the rail support bracket, the first support member including a slot cover coupled to the tilting rail such that at least a portion of the slot cover extends within the elongated slot defined by the tilting rail.

65. The top rail assembly according to claim 64, further including a lifting system configured to raise and lower the covering between a raised position and a lowered position, the lifting system including a plurality of components operatively associated with the tilting rail such that the plurality of components rotate with the tilting rail about the tilting axis, the second support member including a first lifting system component of the plurality of components of the lifting system such that the pivot pin is directly captured between the slot cover and the first lifting station component.

66. The top rail assembly according to claim 65, wherein the first lifting system component includes a lifting station of the lifting system, the lifting station including a housing coupled to the tilting rail, the housing being configured to support a lifting reel, and a lifting rope of the lifting system being wound and unwound about the lifting reel as the covering is raised and lowered between the raised position and the lowered position.

67. The top rail assembly according to claim 62, wherein the rail support assembly further includes a pivot pin that is fixed to the second bracket portion and extends longitudinally along the tilt axis, wherein the first support member and the second support member are pivotally coupled to the rail support bracket via the pivot pin such that the first support member and the second support member pivot relative to the pivot pin when the tilt rail pivots about the tilt axis.

68. The top rail assembly according to claim 67, wherein the first support member defines a first bearing surface and the second support member defines a second bearing surface, and the pivot pin is captured between the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface.

69. The top rail assembly according to claim 62, wherein the first support member and the second support member include a first rail slider and a second rail slider, and the first rail slider and the second rail slider are configured to engage with the second bracket portion such that a sliding interface is defined between the second bracket portion and the first rail slider and the second rail slider.

70. The top rail assembly according to claim 69, wherein the second bracket portion includes a sliding arm that defines a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface, and the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface are configured to engage with the first rail slider and the second rail slider across the sliding interface respectively when the tilt rail rotates about the tilt axis.

71. The top rail assembly according to claim 70, wherein the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface correspond to arcuate surfaces having a radius of curvature centered on the tilt axis.

72. A covering that includes the top rail assembly according to claim 62, the covering further includes a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the top rail assembly, and a plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly.

73. A top rail assembly configured for use with a covering for a building structure, the top rail assembly comprising: a tilt system that includes a tilt drive assembly and a tilt rail, the tilt drive assembly being configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis to effect tilting of a plurality of slats; and a lift system that is configured to raise and lower the covering between a raised position and a lowered position, the lift system including: a lift rod that is configured to rotate as the covering moves between the raised position and the lowered position; and a braking assembly that is configured to apply a braking force to the lift rod, the braking assembly including: a housing that is disposed operatively associated with the tilt rail such that the braking assembly rotates with the tilt rail about the tilt axis; a cylinder that is coupled to the lift rod and extends within the housing, the cylinder including a braking gear; and A first planetary gear and a second planetary gear, the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear being supported relative to the cylinder within the housing such that the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear are configured to engage with the brake gear; Wherein: the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear are configured to rotate relative to the housing together with the brake gear when the cylinder rotates in a first direction; and rotation of the cylinder in an opposite second direction causes at least one of the planetary gears to be locked against rotation relative to the housing, thereby preventing further rotation of the cylinder in the second rotational direction.

74. The top rail assembly according to claim 73, wherein: the housing defines a first gear cavity and a second gear cavity, the first gear cavity and the second gear cavity being configured to receive the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear, respectively; and a first stop tooth extends within the first gear cavity, and a second stop tooth extends within the second gear cavity.

75. The top rail assembly according to claim 74, wherein the first gear cavity and the second gear cavity are defined within the housing at spaced positions such that when the cylinder rotates in the second direction, the gravitational forces acting on the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear will tend to cause at least one of the first planetary gear or the second planetary gear to shift towards its respective first stop tooth or second stop tooth, regardless of the orientation of the tilt rail about the tilt axis.

76. The top rail assembly according to claim 73, wherein the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear are supported relative to the brake gear within the housing at spaced positions such that the first planetary gear is configured to be locked against rotation relative to the housing when the tilt rail is in a first orientation about the tilt axis, and the second planetary gear is configured to be locked against rotation relative to the housing when the tilt rail is in a second orientation about the tilt axis, wherein the second orientation is different from the first orientation.

77. The top rail assembly according to claim 73, wherein the bracket assembly further comprises: A hub configured to directly engage a lift rod to rotate therewith; and a brake spring coupling the hub to the cylinder.

78. The top rail assembly according to claim 77, wherein the brake spring is captured between an outer radial surface of the hub and an inner radial surface of the cylinder.

79. The top rail assembly according to claim 77, wherein when at least one of the planetary gears is locked against rotation relative to the housing to prevent further rotation of the drum in the second rotational direction, friction between the drum and the brake spring provides a braking force applied through the hub to resist rotation of the lift rod.

80. A covering for a building structure, the covering comprising: a top rail assembly; a plurality of slats supported relative to the top rail assembly by at least one ladder belt assembly; A tilt system that forms part of the top rail assembly. The tilt system includes a tilt drive assembly and a tilt rail coupled to the at least one ladder belt assembly. The tilt drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilt rail about a tilt axis to effect tilting of the plurality of slats; and A lift system that forms part of the top rail assembly and is configured to raise and lower the plurality of slats relative to the top rail assembly; wherein one or more lift system components of the lift system are operatively associated with the tilt rail such that the one or more lift system components rotate about the tilt axis together with the tilt rail.

81. The covering according to claim 80, wherein the one or more lift system components include a lift station and a motor operatively coupled to the lift station.

82. The covering according to claim 81, further comprising a bottom rail assembly positioned relative to the top rail assembly such that the plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly. The lift system includes at least one lift rope extending between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, and the at least one lift rope is coupled to at least one lift reel of the lift station.

83. The covering according to claim 80, wherein the tilt rail defines an end-open mounting channel, and the one or more lift system components are supported within the end-open mounting channel.

84. The covering according to claim 83, further comprising a rail cover configured to be mounted relative to the tilt rail such that the rail cover and the tilt rail at least partially define an enclosed cavity, and the one or more lift system components are located within the enclosed cavity.

85. The covering according to claim 84, wherein a front rope gap and a rear rope gap are defined at corresponding interfaces between the rail cover and the tilt rail, and a front belt body and a rear belt body of the at least one ladder belt assembly respectively extend through the front rope gap and the rear rope gap.

86. The covering according to claim 85, further comprising a bottom rail assembly positioned relative to the top rail assembly such that the plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly. The lift system includes a front lift rope and a rear lift rope extending between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, and the front lift rope and the rear lift rope respectively extend through the front rope gap and the rear rope gap.

87. The covering according to claim 80, wherein the front belt body and the rear belt body of the at least one ladder belt assembly respectively hang from opposite front and rear sides of the tilt rail such that rotation of the tilt rail about the tilt axis in a first direction causes the front belt body to be raised and the rear belt body to be lowered.

88. The covering according to claim 87, further comprising a bottom rail assembly positioned relative to the top rail assembly such that the plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, the lifting system including a front lifting rope and a rear lifting rope extending between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, the front lifting rope and the rear lifting rope respectively hanging from opposite front and rear sides of the inclined rail such that rotation of the inclined rail in the first direction causes the front lifting rope to be raised by the same amount as the front belt body and the rear lifting rope to be lowered by the same amount as the rear belt body.

89. The covering according to claim 80, wherein the centroid of the inclined rail is offset relative to the inclined axis in a radial direction defined relative to the inclined axis.

90. The covering according to claim 89, wherein when the plurality of slats are in a fully open horizontal position, the inclined axis is located below the centroid of the inclined rail.

91. The covering according to claim 80, further comprising a bottom rail assembly positioned relative to the top rail assembly such that the plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly, wherein the bottom rail assembly includes: a bottom rail including a rail portion and a separate cover portion, the rail portion including an upper rail wall and front and rear edge walls extending from the upper rail wall along respective front and rear sides of the rail portion, the rail portion defining an open bottom end configured to be at least partially covered by the cover portion; and a connector insert received within the rail portion and configured to couple the cover portion to the rail portion of the bottom rail, the connector insert including at least one connecting member configured to engage at least one corresponding connecting member of the cover portion to support the cover portion relative to the open bottom end of the rail portion.

92. An operating system configured for use with a covering for a building structure, the operating system: an inclination drive assembly; Tilting rail, the tilting rail being coupled to the tilting drive assembly such that the tilting drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilting rail about a tilting axis; and a ladder belt assembly coupled to the inclined rail, wherein the ladder belt assembly is configured to support a plurality of slats of the covering; wherein the inclination drive assembly includes: an outer end plate; an inner end plate rotatable about the inclined axis relative to the outer end plate; a drive pulley rotatably coupled to the inner end plate such that the drive pulley is configured to rotate about a pulley axis relative to the inner end plate while rotating with the inner end plate about the inclined axis relative to the outer end plate, the pulley axis being radially spaced from the inclined axis; and wherein an inclination rope is coupled to the drive pulley such that in the case where the drive pulley rotates about the pulley axis, the inclination rope is wound onto and unwound from the drive pulley.

93. The operating system according to claim 92, wherein the outer end plate includes a fixed gear portion, and the drive pulley includes a corresponding gear portion configured to engage with the fixed gear portion of the outer end plate such that rotation of the drive pulley about the pulley axis causes the inner end plate and the drive pulley to rotate about the tilt axis relative to the fixed gear portion.

94. The operating system according to claim 92, further comprising a winch assembly operatively associated with the outer end plate, the winch assembly including a winch pulley, a portion of the tilt rope being wound around the winch pulley as the tilt rope extends along a rope path defined within the tilt drive assembly, the winch pulley being rotatable in only one direction such that the winch pulley rotates when the tilt rope moves along the rope path in a first direction and allows the tilt rope to slide relative to the winch pulley when the tilt rope moves along the rope path in an opposite second direction.

95. The operating system according to claim 94, further comprising an auxiliary rope pulley supported by the inner end plate, the tilt rope extending from the winch assembly along the rope path and at least partially wound around the auxiliary rope pulley and then extending from the auxiliary rope pulley along the rope path to the drive pulley.

96. The operating system according to claim 95, wherein a portion of the inner end plate defines a rope guiding surface through which the tilt rope moves as the tilt rope extends along the rope path defined between the winch assembly and the auxiliary rope pulley.

97. The operating system according to claim 96, wherein when the plurality of slats are in a fully open horizontal position, the winch assembly is positioned on the front side along the tilt axis and the auxiliary rope pulley is positioned on the rear side along the tilt axis.

98. The operating system according to claim 94, further comprising a drive spring operatively associated with the drive pulley, the drive pulley being rotatable about the pulley axis in a first rotational direction to cause the tilt rope to move along the rope path in the first direction, the drive spring being configured to bias the drive pulley to rotate in an opposite second rotational direction to cause the tilt rope to move along the rope path in the second direction.

99. The operating system according to claim 98, wherein the first rotational direction corresponds to one of a downward closing direction or an upward closing direction of the plurality of slats, and the second rotational direction corresponds to the other of the downward closing direction or the upward closing direction of the plurality of slats.

100. The operating system according to claim 98, further comprising a spring seat configured to at least partially receive the drive spring.

101. The operating system according to claim 100, wherein a first portion of the drive spring is coupled to the drive pulley and a second portion of the drive spring is coupled to the spring carrier, and wherein rotation of the drive pulley relative to the spring carrier about the pulley axis in the first rotational direction causes the drive spring to store energy, the drive spring being configured to release the stored energy to rotationally drive the drive pulley about the pulley axis in the second rotational direction.

102. The operating system according to claim 101, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to engage a portion of the spring carrier to prevent rotation of the spring carrier relative to the drive pulley about the pulley axis.

103. The operating system according to claim 102, wherein when the locking mechanism is moved to an unlocked position relative to the spring carrier, the spring carrier is configured to rotate relative to the drive pulley about the pulley axis to pre-wind the drive spring.

104. The operating system according to claim 99, wherein the frictional force provided by the winch assembly on the inclined rope is configured to prevent rotation of the drive pulley in the second rotational direction by the drive spring.

105. The operating system according to claim 104, wherein when the frictional force provided by the winch assembly on the inclined rope decreases, the return force provided by the drive spring is sufficient to cause the drive pulley to rotate in the second rotational direction.

106. The operating system according to claim 92, further comprising at least one lift system component supported by the inclined rail such that the at least one lift system component rotates with the inclined rail about the inclined axis.

107. The operating system according to claim 92, wherein the center of mass of the inclined rail is offset relative to the inclined axis in a radial direction defined relative to the inclined axis.

108. A covering including the operating system according to claim 92, the covering further including a top rail assembly and a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the top rail assembly, wherein the plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly.

109. An operating system configured for use with a covering for a building structure, the operating system: an incline drive assembly; Tilting rail, the tilting rail being coupled to the tilting drive assembly such that the tilting drive assembly is configured to rotate the tilting rail about a tilting axis; and a ladder belt assembly coupled to the inclined rail, wherein the ladder belt assembly is configured to support a plurality of slats of the covering; wherein the incline drive assembly includes: end plates; A winch assembly, the winch assembly being operatively associated with the end plate, the winch assembly including a one-way winch pulley, a portion of the angled rope being wound around the one-way winch pulley as the angled rope extends along a rope path defined within the angled drive assembly, the winch pulley being rotatable in only one direction such that the winch pulley rotates when the angled rope moves along the rope path in a first direction and allows the angled rope to slide relative to the winch pulley when the angled rope moves along the rope path in an opposite second direction; and A drive pulley, the drive pulley being supported for rotation relative to the end plate about the angled axis, the angled rope being coupled to the drive pulley such that the angled rope is wound onto and unwound from the drive pulley as the axis of the drive pulley rotates.

110. The operating system according to claim 109, further comprising a drive spring operatively associated with the drive pulley, the drive pulley being rotatable in a first rotational direction to cause the angled rope to move along the rope path in the first direction, the drive spring being configured to bias the drive pulley to rotate in an opposite second rotational direction to cause the angled rope to move along the rope path in the second direction.

111. The operating system according to claim 110, wherein the first rotational direction corresponds to one of a downward closing direction or an upward closing direction of the plurality of slats, and the second rotational direction corresponds to the other of the downward closing direction or the upward closing direction of the plurality of slats.

112. The operating system according to claim 111, further comprising a spring seat configured to at least partially receive the drive spring.

113. The operating system according to claim 112, wherein a first portion of the drive spring is coupled to the drive pulley and a second portion of the drive spring is coupled to the spring seat, wherein rotation of the drive pulley relative to the spring seat in the first rotational direction causes the drive spring to store energy, the drive spring being configured to release the stored energy to rotationally drive the drive pulley in the second rotational direction.

114. The operating system according to claim 113, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to engage a portion of the spring seat to prevent rotation of the spring seat relative to the drive pulley.

115. The operating system according to claim 114, wherein when the locking mechanism is moved to an unlocked position relative to the spring seat, the spring seat is configured to rotate relative to the drive pulley to pre-wind the drive spring.

116. The operating system according to claim 110, wherein the frictional force provided by the winch assembly on the angled rope is configured to prevent the drive pulley from rotating in the second rotational direction by the drive spring.

117. The operating system according to claim 116, wherein when the frictional force provided by the winch assembly on the inclined rope decreases, the return force provided by the drive spring is sufficient to cause the drive pulley to rotate in the second rotational direction.

118. The operating system according to claim 109, further comprising an inner end plate rotatable relative to the outer end plate about the inclined axis, the drive pulley being rotatably coupled to the inner end plate such that the drive pulley is configured to rotate relative to the inner end plate about a pulley axis while rotating with the inner end plate about the inclined axis relative to the outer end plate.

119. The operating system according to claim 118, wherein the pulley axis is radially spaced from the inclined axis.

120. The operating system according to claim 118, further comprising an auxiliary rope pulley supported by the inner end plate, the inclined rope extending from the winch assembly along the rope path and at least partially wound around the auxiliary rope pulley and then extending from the auxiliary rope pulley along the rope path to the drive pulley.

121. The operating system according to claim 120, wherein a portion of the inner end plate defines a rope guiding surface through which the inclined rope moves as the inclined rope extends along the rope path defined between the winch assembly and the auxiliary rope pulley.

122. The operating system according to claim 121, wherein when the plurality of slats are in the fully open horizontal position, the winch assembly is positioned on the front side of the inclined axis and the auxiliary rope pulley is positioned on the rear side of the inclined axis.

123. The operating system according to claim 109, further comprising at least one lifting system component supported by the inclined rail such that the at least one lifting system component rotates with the inclined rail about the inclined axis.

124. The operating system according to claim 109, wherein the centroid of the inclined rail is offset relative to the inclined axis in a radial direction defined relative to the inclined axis.

125. A covering, comprising the operating system according to claim 109, the covering further comprising a top rail assembly and a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the top rail assembly, wherein the plurality of slats are supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly.

126. A bottom rail assembly for a covering of a building structure, the bottom rail assembly comprising: a bottom rail including a rail portion and a separate cover portion, the rail portion including an upper rail wall and front and rear edge walls extending from the upper rail wall along respective front and rear sides of the rail portion, the rail portion defining an open bottom end configured to be at least partially covered by the cover portion; and A connector insert received within the rail portion and configured to couple the cover portion to the rail portion of the bottom rail, the connector insert including at least one connection member configured to engage at least one corresponding connection member of the cover portion to support the cover portion relative to the open bottom end of the rail portion.

127. The bottom rail assembly of claim 126, wherein the rail portion further includes a front engagement flange and a rear engagement flange extending inwardly relative to the front edge wall and the rear edge wall of the rail portion, respectively, the front engagement flange and the rear engagement flange being spaced apart such that the open bottom end of the rail portion is defined between the front engagement flange and the rear engagement flange.

128. The bottom rail assembly of claim 127, wherein an inner surface of the cover portion is configured to contact the front engagement flange and the rear engagement flange when the cover portion is coupled to the connector insert.

129. The bottom rail assembly of claim 127, wherein at least one cord groove is defined in each of the front engagement flange and the rear engagement flange for receiving at least one cord of a covering.

130. The bottom rail assembly of claim 129, wherein the cover portion is configured to cover at least a portion of the at least one cord groove when the cover portion is supported by the connector insert relative to the open bottom end of the rail portion.

131. The bottom rail assembly of claim 126, wherein the at least one connection member of the connector insert includes a pair of hook-shaped members, and wherein at least one connection member of the cover portion compresses a corresponding pair of hook-shaped members configured to engage the pair of hook-shaped members of the connector insert.

132. The bottom rail assembly of claim 126, wherein a snap connection is provided between the cover portion and the connector insert.

133. A covering comprising the bottom rail assembly of claim 126, the covering further including a top rail assembly and a plurality of slats configured to be supported between the top rail assembly and the bottom rail assembly.

134. A covering for a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

135. An inclination system for a covering for a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

136. A lifting system for a covering for a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

137. An operating system for a covering for a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

138. A top rail assembly for a covering for a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

139. A bottom rail assembly for a covering for a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

140. An inclination drive assembly for a covering of a building structure configured according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

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