Locking mechanism for curtain trim
By designing a locking mechanism driven by levers and screws, the problem of unstable decorative panels in motorized curtain systems was solved, achieving both stable locking and aesthetic appeal.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480047470.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-07
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing motorized curtain systems lack effective locking mechanisms, causing the decorative panels to be unstable on the mounting brackets, affecting both aesthetics and functionality.
A locking mechanism is designed, including a lever and an actuating member, which reliably locks and unlocks the trim panel by rotating the lever and driving a screw. The lever is supported by a mounting bracket and is pivotable. The locking tab of the lever engages with the locking member of the trim panel. The screw drives the movement of the lever to achieve locking and unlocking.
This design achieves stable locking of the decorative panel on the mounting bracket, enhancing the aesthetics and functional stability of the electric curtain system. The locking mechanism is not directly visible to the user, maintaining the system's neatness.
Smart Images

Figure CN121548679A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-references to related applications
[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 506,739, filed June 7, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology
[0003] Curtains can be installed in front of one or more windows, for example, to block sunlight from entering the space and / or to provide privacy. Curtains can include, for example, roller blinds, Roman blinds, Venetian blinds, or valances. Roller blinds typically consist of flexible curtain fabric wound around a roller tube. Such roller blinds may include a weighted bottom rod (e.g., a hem rod) located at the lower end of the curtain fabric. The bottom rod allows the curtain fabric to hang in front of one or more windows in front of the roller blind.
[0004] Curtains can be motorized. For example, a motorized roller blind may include a motor drive coupled to a roller tube to provide rotation of the roller tube. In operation, the motor drive can cause the roller tube to rotate, raising or lowering the lower end of the curtain fabric, for example, in the vertical direction. The motor drive unit of a motorized curtain (e.g., a roller blind) can be powered by an alternating current (AC) power source, a direct current (DC) power source, one or more batteries, or any combination thereof.
[0005] In an exemplary motorized roller blind, the motor drive and roller tube may remain housed within a housing in front of one or more windows. Such a motorized roller blind may include a panel configured to conceal components of the blind, such as the motor drive, roller tube, and a portion of the flexible curtain fabric. This panel (which may alternatively be referred to as a valance trim) is typically made of a material such as plastic or metal, which may aesthetically contrast with the curtain fabric. Summary of the Invention
[0006] As described herein, an apparatus for a curtain system may include a mounting bracket, a panel, and a locking mechanism for locking the panel to the mounting bracket. The curtain system may include a curtain assembly having a covering material operable between a raised position and a lowered position. The mounting bracket may be configured to support the curtain assembly. The panel may have an attachment structure for attaching the panel to the mounting bracket. The attachment structure may extend from a rear surface of the panel. The panel may also have a locking structure extending from the rear surface of the panel. The locking mechanism may include a lever supported by the mounting bracket and pivotable relative to the mounting bracket. The lever may include a first end having a locking tab and a second end having a contact surface. The locking mechanism may also include an actuating member configured to contact the contact surface at the second end of the lever. The actuating member may be configured to be driven in a first direction such that the second end of the lever moves in the first direction and the first end of the lever moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction to operate the locking mechanism into a locked position in which the locking tab is received in a groove in the locking member of the panel. The actuating member can also be configured to move in a downward direction to operate the locking mechanism to an unlocked position, in which the locking tab is not received in the groove of the locking member of the trim panel. Attached Figure Description
[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized blind system in a forward roll configuration.
[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an electric blind system in a reverse roll configuration.
[0009] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an exemplary curtain system with decorative panels.
[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Front view of the curtain system.
[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view of a curtain system, wherein the locking mechanism of the curtain system is in the locked position (e.g., along...). Figure 4 (The AA line shown is cut off).
[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of a curtain system, wherein the locking mechanism of the curtain system is in the unlocked position (e.g., along...). Figure 4 (The AA line shown is cut off).
[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 3A side cross-sectional view of a curtain system, wherein the locking mechanism of the curtain system is in the locked position (e.g., along...). Figure 4 (The AA line shown is cut off).
[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A perspective cross-sectional view of a curtain system, wherein the locking mechanism of the curtain system is in the unlocked position (e.g., along...). Figure 4 (The AA line shown is cut off). Detailed Implementation
[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary motorized blind system 100 (e.g., a motorized roller blind). The motorized blind system 100 may include a roller tube 112 and a covering material 120 (e.g., a flexible material, such as a flexible curtain fabric) wound and attached to the roller tube 112. The motorized blind system 100 may include a blind assembly 110 (e.g., a roller blind assembly) and one or more mounting brackets 130. The blind assembly 110 may include the roller tube 112, the covering material 120, a motor drive unit 140 located at a first end 114 of the blind assembly 110, and an idler wheel 145 located at a second end 116 of the blind assembly 110. The mounting brackets 130 may be configured to be coupled to or otherwise mounted to a structure. For example, each mounting bracket of the mounting brackets 130 may be configured to be mounted to (e.g., attached to) a window frame, wall, or other structure such that the motorized blind 100 is mounted near an opening (e.g., above or in the opening), such as, for example, a window. The mounting brackets 130 may be configured to be mounted to a vertical structure (e.g., such as...). Figure 2 (as shown, wall-mounted installation to a wall) and / or installation to a horizontal structure (e.g., ceiling-mounted installation).
[0016] The roller tube 112 can operate as a rotating element of the motorized curtain system 100. The curtain assembly 110 can be rotatably mounted (e.g., rotatably supported) by a mounting bracket 130. The mounting bracket 130 can extend from the structure to which the motorized curtain 100 is mounted. Covering material 120 is wound around the roller tube 112 such that rotation of the roller tube 112 causes the covering material 120 to either wind onto or unwind from the roller tube. For example, rotation of the roller tube 112 can cause the covering material 120 to be in a raised position P. RAISED (e.g., fully raised position and / or fully open position) with lowered position P LOWERED(e.g., fully lowered position and / or fully closed position). The cover material 120 may include a first end (e.g., top or upper end) coupled to the reel 112 and a second end (e.g., bottom or lower end) coupled to the base rod 125 (e.g., lower swing rod). The base rod 125 may be configured (e.g., weighted) to suspend the cover material 120 vertically. Rotation of the reel 112 may allow the base rod 125 to move between the raised position P and the lower position P. RAISED With lowering position P LOWERED They move toward or away from the reel 112.
[0017] Covering material 120 can be any suitable material, or any combination of materials. For example, covering material 120 can be a “loose fabric,” woven fabric, non-woven material, light-control film, screen, and / or mesh. The motorized curtain system 100 can include any type of curtain. For example, the motorized curtain system 100 can include roller blinds, sheer blinds, valances, honeycomb blinds, Roman blinds, or Venetian blinds as shown. As shown, covering material 120 can be a material suitable for use as curtain fabric and can alternatively be referred to as a flexible material. Covering material 120 is not limited to curtain fabric. For example, according to an alternative embodiment of the motorized curtain system 100 as a retractable projection screen, covering material 120 can be a material suitable for displaying images projected onto the covering material.
[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the motorized curtain system 100 can be configured as a forward-rolling type, wherein the covering material 120 can be suspended close to the window on the roller tube 112 (e.g., the covering material 120 can be suspended between the roller tube 112 and the window). The motorized curtain system 100 can also be configured as a reverse-rolling type, wherein the covering material 120 can be suspended away from the window on the roller tube 112 (e.g., the roller tube 112 can be located between the window and the covering material 120 suspended on the roller tube 112), as... Figure 2 As shown.
[0019] In some examples, a curtain system (e.g., an electric curtain system) may include a trim panel for covering the curtain system rollers and / or mounting brackets. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of another exemplary curtain system 200 (e.g., an electric roller blind) with a decorative panel 250. Figure 4 This is its front view. The motorized curtain system 200 may include a roller (e.g., such as roller 112) and a covering material 220 (e.g., a flexible material) that is wound and attached to the roller 112. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The reel is not shown because it is located behind trim panel 250 and is not visible in the figure. For example, cover material 220 can be any suitable material, or any combination of materials forming the material (e.g., as described above with respect to cover material 120). Figure 3As shown, the motorized curtain system 200 can be configured, for example, in a reverse roller configuration, wherein the covering material 220 can be suspended away from the window on a roller tube (e.g., the roller tube can be located between the window and the covering material 220 suspended on the roller tube).
[0020] Curtain system 200 may include curtain components (which may be similar to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The curtain assembly 110, the trim panel 250, and one or more mounting brackets (e.g., mounting bracket 230, which will be described in more detail below) are shown. The curtain assembly may include a roller, a covering material 220, a motor drive unit (e.g., similar to motor drive unit 140) (not shown) located at one end of the curtain assembly, and an idler wheel (e.g., similar to idler wheel 145) located at the other end of the curtain assembly. Each of the mounting brackets may be configured to be coupled to or otherwise mounted (e.g., attached to) a structure (e.g., a window frame, wall, or other structure) such that the curtain system 200 is mounted close to an opening (e.g., above or in the opening), such as, for example, a window. The mounting brackets may be configured to be mounted to a vertical structure and / or to a horizontal structure (e.g., top-mounted to a ceiling).
[0021] The roller of the curtain assembly can operate as a rotating element of the curtain system 200. The curtain assembly can be rotatably mounted (e.g., rotatably supported) by a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket can extend from the structure to which the curtain system 200 is mounted. Covering material 220 is wound onto the roller, such that rotation of the roller causes the covering material 220 to be wound onto or unwound from the roller. For example, rotation of the roller can cause the covering material 220 to be in a raised position P. RAISED (e.g., fully raised position and / or fully open position) with lowered position P LOWERED (e.g., fully lowered position and / or fully closed position). The cover material 220 may include a first end (e.g., top or upper end) coupled to a reel and a second end (e.g., bottom or lower end) coupled to a base rod 225 (e.g., lower lever). The base rod 225 may be configured (e.g., weighted) to suspend the cover material 220 vertically. Rotation of the reel allows the base rod 225 to move between the raised position P and the lower position P. RAISED With lowering position P LOWERED They move toward or away from the reel 212.
[0022] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is a perspective cross-sectional view of the curtain system 200, and Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional view of the curtain, in which the curtain components (e.g., roller, covering material 220, motor drive unit, and idler wheel) are not shown (e.g., along...). Figure 4(AA line cut shown). The curtain system 200 may also include a cover plate 260 (e.g., a top and back cover plate). The cover plate 260 may have a top wall 262 extending above the top of the curtain assembly (e.g., around the top and rear of the roller blind tube) and a rear wall 264 extending above the rear of the curtain assembly. The trim panel 250 and the cover plate 260 may form a housing (e.g., a head rail) for receiving the roller blind tube of the curtain assembly of the curtain system 200. (As shown) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the trim panel 250 can extend from a first end 251 to a second end 253, and the cover plate 260 can extend from a first end 261 to a second end 263. The curtain system 200 may include a first mounting bracket 230, which may be located at the first end 251 of the trim panel 250 and the first end 261 of the cover plate 260. Figures 5 to 8 The first mounting bracket 230, the first end 251 of the trim panel 250, and the first end 261 of the cover plate 260 are shown. The curtain system 200 may also include a second mounting bracket (not shown) located at the second end 253 of the trim panel 250 and the second end 263 of the cover plate 260. For example, the second motor bracket may be a mirror image of the first mounting bracket 230. It will be appreciated that the curtain system 200 does not require the cover plate 260.
[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, panel 250 may include a wall 252 (e.g., a front wall) extending from a top side 255 to a bottom side 256 to cover the roller. Wall 252 may have a front surface 257 that provides an aesthetic appearance. In some examples, the front surface 257 of wall 252 of panel 250 may be covered with a material matching the material of cover material 220. Panel 250 may include a lip 254 located at the bottom side 258 of wall 252. In some examples, curtain system 200 may include one or more end caps 265 coupled to a first end 261 and a second end 263 of cover plate 260. End caps 265 may cover the outer surfaces of the first bracket 230 and the second bracket and may be made of the same material as cover plate 260. Cover plate 260 may also include a bottom portion 266 extending perpendicular to the rear wall 264 (e.g., horizontally). The bottom portion 266 may partially extend across the bottom side of the housing formed by the trim panel 250 and the cover plate 260 (e.g., across the bottom of the roller of the curtain assembly of the curtain system 200). The trim panel 250 and the cover plate 260 (e.g., in some examples, together with the end cap 265) may together surround (e.g., at least partially surround) the roller, the first mounting bracket 230, and the second mounting bracket. The cover plate 260 (e.g., the bottom 266) and the trim panel 250 (e.g., the lip 254) may be spaced apart by a gap 268 through which the covering material 220 may extend to cover the window.
[0024] The decorative panel 250 (e.g., wall 252) can be configured to be attached to (e.g., suspended from) a first mounting bracket 230 and a second mounting bracket. Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the first mounting bracket 230 may include a mounting structure 231 to which a curtain assembly of the curtain system 200 (e.g., a motor drive unit) may be attached. The mounting structure 231 may extend from a side wall 232 of the first mounting bracket 230 (e.g., from the inner surface 233 of the side wall 232). A second mounting bracket may include a mounting structure (e.g., similar to mounting structure 231) to which an idler wheel of the curtain assembly of the curtain system 200 may be attached. The side wall 232 of the first mounting bracket 230 may have one or more openings 235 for mounting the first mounting bracket 230 to the side of a window frame (e.g., side-mounted window frame of the curtain system 200). Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first mounting bracket 230 may further include a top wall 234 and a rear wall 236, the top wall and the rear wall having corresponding openings (e.g., similar to opening 235) for mounting the first mounting bracket 230 to the ceiling or wall of the building, respectively. Furthermore, the second mounting bracket may have openings (e.g., similar to opening 235) on the side wall, top wall, and rear wall for mounting the second mounting bracket to the side of the window frame, the ceiling, or the wall of the building, respectively.
[0025] The trim panel 250 may include an attachment structure 270 extending from a rear surface 258 (e.g., opposite a front surface 257) of the trim panel 250 at a top side 255 (e.g., opposite a bottom side 256) of the wall 252. The attachment structure 270 may be configured to attach to an attachment tab 238 of a first mounting bracket 230. The attachment structure 270 may include an upper support 272 (e.g., a hook), a body 274, and a lower support 276 (e.g., a flange). The body 274 may extend between the upper support 272 and the lower support 276 such that the upper support 272 and the lower support 276 are located at opposite ends of the body 274. The upper support 272 may be configured to be located on the attachment tab 238 of the first mounting bracket 230 (e.g., on the top side of the attachment tab). The lower support 276 can be configured to be positioned below the attachment tab 238 of the first mounting bracket 230 (e.g., below the bottom side of the attachment tab 238) such that the upper support 272 and the lower support 276 can support (e.g., retain) the attachment structure 270 against the attachment tab 238 (e.g., via friction retention). In some examples, the attachment structure 270 may not include the lower support 276. For example, the attachment structure 270 may extend over the entire length of the trim panel 250. In some examples, the attachment structure 270 may extend only to a portion of the trim panel 250 near the first mounting bracket 230 (e.g., at a first end 251 of the trim panel 250), and the trim panel 250 may include a second attachment structure (e.g., similar to the attachment structure 270) extending to a portion of the trim panel 250 near the second mounting bracket (e.g., at a second end 253 of the trim panel 250).
[0026] The first mounting bracket 230 may further include an arm 239 laterally positioned below the attachment structure 255 and having a surface configured to abut against the rear surface 259 of the wall 252 of the trim panel 250 when the attachment structure 255 is attached to the attachment tab 238. The arm 239 may help maintain the vertical alignment (e.g., vertically straight) of the wall 252 of the trim panel 250.
[0027] The first mounting bracket 230 may further include a locking mechanism 280 configured to lock (e.g., removably lock) the trim panel 250 to the first mounting bracket 230, for example, on the underside of the first mounting bracket 230 (e.g., opposite the attachment protrusion 238) once the trim panel 250 is attached to the attachment structure 255. The locking mechanism 280 may be located at the lower front corner of the sidewall 232 of the first mounting bracket 230. The locking mechanism may be positioned on the inner surface 233 of the first mounting bracket 230.
[0028] The locking mechanism 280 may include a lever 281 having a body 282 configured to pivot about a pivot member 283. The lever 281 may be supported by a first mounting bracket 230 (e.g., via the pivot member 283, to which the pivot member may be attached) and may be configured to pivot about the pivot member 283 relative to the first mounting bracket 230. For example, the pivot member 283 may include a cylindrical body (e.g., a rivet) extending from a sidewall 232 of the first mounting bracket 230 (e.g., through an opening in the sidewall 232) and an opening in the body 282 of the lever 281 to hold the body 282 adjacent to and possibly against an inner surface 233 of the sidewall 232 of the first mounting bracket 230. For example, the pivot member 283 may be integral with the first mounting bracket 230 or a separate component. Lever 281 may include a locking tab 284a located at a first end 285 of body 282 and a contact surface 286a located at a second end 287 of body 282 (e.g., opposite to the first end 285 of body 282). Contact surface 286a may be located on a wall 288a of lever 281. For example, wall 288a may extend substantially perpendicular to body 282. For example, body 282 may be vertically oriented, and wall 288a horizontally oriented (e.g., perpendicular to body 282). An opening through which pivot member 283 is received may be located on body 282 between the first end 285 and the second end 287 (e.g., the fulcrum of lever 281 may be located between the first end 285 and the second end 287, such that lever 281 forms a first type of lever). Wall 288a may be a horizontally oriented surface facing downwards toward the gap 268 between trim panel 250 and cover plate 260.
[0029] The locking mechanism 280 may also include an actuating member, such as a screw 290, which may extend through an opening 291 in an extension 292 of the first mounting bracket 230. For example, the screw 290 may be threaded. The extension 292 may extend from a sidewall 232 of the first mounting bracket 230 at an angle (e.g., approximately 90°) relative to the sidewall 232, such that the screw 290 can be configured to move in an upward direction when the screw 290 is rotated in a first rotational direction (e.g., when the screw 290 is tightened), and in a downward direction when the screw 290 is rotated in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction (e.g., when the screw 290 is loosened). For example, the opening 291 ( Figure 5 The screw 290 can be threaded to accommodate its upward movement when rotated in the first rotational direction and its downward movement when rotated in the second rotational direction. When the screw 290 rotates in the first rotational direction, one end 293 of the screw 290 ( Figure 8The screw 290 can contact the contact surface 286a of the lever 281, thereby pivoting the body 282 about the pivot member 283. When the screw 290 moves in the upward direction, the second end 285 of the body 282 can move in the upward direction (e.g., the upward rotation direction), and the first end 285 of the body 282 can move in the downward direction (e.g., the downward rotation direction). The screw 290 can be positioned such that a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) can be received through the gap 268 between the trim panel 250 and the cover plate 260. The locking mechanism 280 can be concealed by the lip 254 of the trim panel 250, making it invisible to a typical user of the motorized blind system 200.
[0030] The trim panel 250 may include a locking member 294 configured to engage a locking tab 284a of a lever 281 of a locking mechanism 280. The locking member 294 may include an arm 295 extending from a rear surface 258 of a wall 252 of the trim panel 250 (e.g., away from the rear surface 258 of the wall 252 of the trim panel 250). The locking member 294 may include a flange 296 extending from the arm 295, such that the arm 295, the flange 296, and the rear surface 258 of the wall 252 of the trim panel 250 form a recess 297. The flange 296 may extend upward and may be perpendicular to the arm 295.
[0031] The locking mechanism 280 can be in a locked position (e.g., as...) Figure 5 and Figure 7 (as shown) and unlock location (e.g., as shown) Figure 6 and Figure 8 The lever 281 operates between the locking mechanism 280 and the locking plate 250 (e.g., the first end 285 and the second end 287 may not be tilted relative to each other). In the locked position, the body 282 of the lever 281 (e.g., the bottom surface of the body 282 of the lever 281) can contact the stop tab 298 on the first mounting bracket 230, and the locking tab 284a of the lever 281 can be received in the groove 297 of the locking member 294. For example, the stop tab 298 may be located on the front side of the first mounting bracket 230 near the trim 250 (e.g., adjacent to the locking member 294 extending from the rear surface 298) and below the lever 281, and may be configured to prevent the screw 290 from being overtightened. When the locking tab 284a of lever 281 is received in the groove 297 of locking member 294, the engagement of locking tab 284a with flange 296 of locking member 294 prevents trim panel 250 from separating from first mounting bracket 230. For example, when trim panel 250 is attached to first mounting bracket 230 and locking mechanism 280 is locked, attachment structure 270 prevents vertical movement of trim panel 250, and locking tab 284a prevents horizontal and / or rotational movement of trim panel 250.
[0032] When the locking mechanism 280 is in the unlocked position, the body 282 of the lever 281 can be tilted (e.g., with the first end 285 facing upwards and the second end 287 facing downwards) such that the locking tab 284a of the lever 281 is not received in the groove 297 of the locking member 294. When the locking tab 284a is not located in the groove 297 of the locking member 294, the trim panel 250 can be separated from (e.g., removed from) the first mounting bracket 230. The locking mechanism 280 can be adjusted from the unlocked position to the locked position by turning the screw 290 in a first rotational direction to receive the locking tab 284a in the groove 297 of the locking member 294. The locking mechanism 280 can be adjusted from the locked position to the unlocked position by turning the screw 290 in a second rotational direction to remove the locking tab 284a from the groove 297 of the locking member 294.
[0033] The locking mechanism 280 may also include a spring member, such as a spring arm 289a of lever 281, which may be configured to operate (e.g., automatically) the locking mechanism 280 to an unlocked position when screw 290 is loosened, allowing trim panel 250 to be disengaged from first mounting bracket 230. Spring arm 289a may extend from wall 288a of lever 281 and may contact stop tab 298 of first mounting bracket 230 so that when screw 290 is loosened (e.g., as...),... Figure 6 and Figure 8 (As shown) The locking mechanism 280 (e.g., lever 281 of the locking mechanism 280) is biased (e.g., automatically biased) to the unlocked position (e.g., tilting lever 281). When the screw 290 is tightened, the spring arm 289a can be configured to bend and allow the locking mechanism 280 to operate into the locked position (e.g., as shown). Figure 5 and Figure 7 (As shown). Alternatively and alternatively, the spring member of the locking mechanism 280 may include a helical spring located at a first end 285 of the body 282 of the lever 281 to bias the first end 285 upward, thereby operating the locking mechanism 280 (e.g., the lever 281 of the locking mechanism 280) to the unlocked position when the screw 290 is loosened. In some examples, the lever 281 of the locking mechanism 280 may not include the spring arm 289a, and the locking mechanism 280 may be operated to the unlocked position in response to a user's finger tilting the body 282 of the lever 281.
[0034] As previously mentioned, the second mounting bracket may be a mirror image of the first mounting bracket 230. The second mounting bracket may include a locking mechanism that is similar to and a mirror image of the locking mechanism 280 of the first mounting bracket 230. The lever 281 may be designed such that it can be used on the first mounting bracket 230 at a first end 251 of the trim panel 250 and on the second mounting bracket at a second end 253 of the trim panel 250. For example, the lever 281 may include a second locking tab 284b located at a first end 285 of the body 282, a second contact surface 286b defined by a second wall 288b located at a second end 287 of the body 282, and a second spring arm 289b. For example, a locking member 294 on the rear surface 258 of the trim panel 250 may extend along the entire length of the trim panel 250, such that the locking mechanism on the second mounting bracket (e.g., at the second end 253 of the trim panel) can be configured to engage with the locking member 294. In some examples, locking member 294 may extend only to a portion of trim panel 250 near the first mounting bracket 230 (e.g., at the first end 251 of trim panel 250), and trim panel 250 may include a second locking member (e.g., similar to locking member 294) that extends to a portion of trim panel 250 near the second mounting bracket (e.g., at the second end 253 of trim panel 250).
[0035] Although features and elements may be described herein in specific combinations, each feature or element may be used alone or in any combination with other features and elements. While this disclosure has been described according to certain embodiments and generally associated methods, changes and substitutions to the embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments does not limit this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A window treatment system comprising: a window treatment assembly having a covering material operable between a raised position and a lowered position; a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket configured to support the window treatment assembly; a fascia having an attachment structure for coupling the fascia to the first mounting bracket, the attachment structure extending from a rear surface of the fascia, the fascia further including a locking member extending from the rear surface of the fascia; and a locking mechanism including a lever supported by the first mounting bracket and configured to pivot relative to the first mounting bracket, the lever including a first end having a locking tab and a second end having a contact surface, the locking mechanism further including an actuation member configured to contact the contact surface at the second end of the lever, the actuation member configured to be driven in a first direction to cause the second end of the lever to move in the first direction and the first end of the lever to move in a second direction opposite the first direction to operate the locking mechanism into a locked position in which the locking tab is received in a groove of the locking member of the fascia; wherein the actuation member is further configured to move in the downward direction to operate the locking mechanism into an unlocked position in which the locking tab is not received in the groove of the locking member of the fascia.
2. The window treatment system of claim 1, wherein the first direction is an upward direction and the second direction is a downward direction.
3. The window treatment system of claim 2, wherein the actuation member includes a screw configured to extend through an opening in an extension of the first mounting bracket, the screw including an end configured to contact the contact surface at the second end of the lever.
4. The window treatment system of claim 3, wherein the screw is configured to move in the upward direction to operate the locking mechanism into the locked position when the screw is tightened.
5. The window treatment system of claim 4, wherein the screw is configured to move in the upward direction to allow the locking mechanism to be operated into the unlocked position when the screw is loosened.
6. The window treatment system of claim 5, wherein the lever includes a body extending between the first end and the second end and a wall at the second end of the lever and defining the contact surface at the second end of the lever.
7. The window treatment system of claim 6, wherein the lever includes a spring arm extending from the wall toward the first end of the lever, the spring arm configured to contact a stop tab of the first mounting bracket to operate the locking mechanism into the unlocked position when the screw is loosened. 8. The window treatment system of claim 3, wherein the screw and the opening of the extension of the first mounting bracket are threaded.
9. The window treatment system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting bracket includes a stop tab and the lever is configured to contact the stop tab when the locking mechanism is in the locked position.
10. The window treatment system of claim 9, wherein the lever includes a spring arm configured to contact the stop tab to operate the locking mechanism into the unlocked position.
11. The window treatment system of claim 10, wherein the spring arm is configured to flex when the locking mechanism is in the locked position.
12. The window treatment system of claim 1, wherein the lever is configured to pivot about a pivot member located between the first end and the second end of the lever.
13. The window treatment system of claim 12, wherein the pivot member is cylindrical and extends through a circular opening of the main body.
14. The window treatment system of claim 13, wherein the pivot member includes a rivet configured to couple the lever to the first mounting bracket.
15. The window treatment system of claim 13, wherein the pivot member is integral with the first mounting bracket.
16. The window treatment system of claim 13, wherein the pivot member is a separate component from the first mounting bracket.
17. The window treatment system of claim 1, wherein the lever includes a spring arm configured to operate the locking mechanism into the unlocked position.
18. The window treatment system of claim 1, wherein the first mounting bracket includes an attachment tab configured to engage the attachment structure of the trim panel to couple a trim panel to the first mounting bracket.
19. The window treatment system of claim 1, wherein the trim panel is separable from the first mounting bracket when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.
20. The window treatment system of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes a first locking mechanism, and the window treatment system further comprises: a second mounting bracket configured to support the window treatment assembly; a second locking mechanism including a lever supported by the second mounting bracket and configured to pivot relative to the second mounting bracket, the lever of the second locking mechanism including a first end having a locking tab and a second end having a contact surface, the second locking mechanism further including an actuation member configured to contact the contact surface at the second end of the lever, the actuation member of the second locking mechanism configured to be driven in a first direction to cause the second end of the lever to move in the first direction and the first end of the lever to move in a second direction opposite the first direction to operate the second locking mechanism into a locked position in which the locking tab is received in a groove of the locking member of the fascia; wherein the actuation member of the second locking mechanism is further configured to move in the downward direction to operate the second locking mechanism into an unlocked position in which the locking tab is not received in the groove of the locking member of the fascia.
21. An apparatus for a window treatment system, the window treatment system including a window treatment assembly having a covering material operable between a raised position and a lowered position, the apparatus comprising: a mounting bracket configured to support the window treatment assembly; a fascia having an attachment structure for coupling the fascia to the mounting bracket, the attachment structure extending from a rear surface of the fascia, the fascia further including a locking member extending from the rear surface of the fascia; and a locking mechanism including a lever supported by the mounting bracket and configured to pivot relative to the mounting bracket, the lever including a first end having a locking tab and a second end having a contact surface, the locking mechanism further including an actuation member configured to contact the contact surface at the second end of the lever, the actuation member configured to be driven in a first direction to cause the second end of the lever to move in the first direction and the first end of the lever to move in a second direction opposite the first direction to operate the locking mechanism into a locked position in which the locking tab is received in a groove of the locking member of the fascia; wherein the actuation member is further configured to move in the downward direction to operate the locking mechanism into an unlocked position in which the locking tab is not received in the groove of the locking member of the fascia.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first direction is an upward direction and the second direction is a downward direction.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the actuation member includes a screw configured to extend through an opening in an extension of the mounting bracket, the screw including an end configured to contact the contact surface at the second end of the lever.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the screw is configured to move in the upward direction when the screw is tightened to operate the locking mechanism into the locked position.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the screw is configured to move in the upward direction when the screw is loosened to allow the locking mechanism to be operated into the unlocked position.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the lever includes a body extending between the first end and the second end and a wall located at the second end of the lever and defining the contact surface at the second end of the lever.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the lever includes a spring arm extending from the wall toward the first end of the lever, the spring arm configured to contact a stop tab of the mounting bracket to operate the locking mechanism into the unlocked position when the screw is loosened.
28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the screw and the opening of the extension of the mounting bracket are threaded.
29. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the mounting bracket includes a stop tab and the lever is configured to contact the stop tab when the locking mechanism is in the locked position.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the lever includes a spring arm configured to contact the stop tab to operate the locking mechanism into the unlocked position.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the spring arm is configured to flex when the locking mechanism is in the locked position.
32. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the lever is configured to pivot about a pivot member located between the first end and the second end of the lever.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the pivot member is cylindrical and extends through a circular opening of the body.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the pivot member includes a rivet configured to couple the lever to the mounting bracket.
35. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the pivot member is integral with the mounting bracket.
36. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the pivot member is a separate part from the mounting bracket.
37. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the lever includes a spring arm configured to operate the locking mechanism into the unlocked position.
38. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the mounting bracket includes an attachment tab configured to engage the attachment structure of the trim panel to couple the trim panel to the mounting bracket.
39. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the trim panel is separable from the mounting bracket when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.
40. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the mounting bracket comprises a first mounting bracket and the locking mechanism comprises a first locking mechanism, the apparatus further comprising: a second mounting bracket configured to support the window covering assembly; a second locking mechanism comprising a lever supported by the second mounting bracket and configured to pivot relative to the second mounting bracket, the lever of the second locking mechanism comprising a first end having a locking tab and a second end having a contact surface, the second locking mechanism further comprising an actuation member configured to contact the contact surface at the second end of the lever, the actuation member of the second locking mechanism configured to be driven in a first direction to cause the second end of the lever to move in the first direction and the first end of the lever to move in a second direction opposite the first direction to operate the second locking mechanism into a locked position in which the locking tab is received in a groove of the locking member of the fascia; wherein the actuation member of the second locking mechanism is further configured to move in the downward direction to operate the second locking mechanism into an unlocked position in which the locking tab is not received in the groove of the locking member of the fascia.