Roller shade assembly

Abstract

A roller shade assembly comprising a rotating tube and an idler assembly, wherein the rotating tube has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the rotating tube has an opening extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, the idler assembly is received in the opening at the first end, the idler assembly comprises an idler housing, a plunger received in the idler housing, and a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the plunger, the plunger being configured to slide relative to the idler housing, and the plunger being configured to selectively engage with a bracket member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 047,554, filed on July 2, 2020, under the name "Roll Shade Assembly", and incorporates the entire application herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a cover for a building opening. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an improved roll shade and an attached assembly for selectively adjusting the position of the cover relative to the building opening.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one example embodiment, a roll shade assembly includes a rotating tube and an idler assembly. The rotating tube includes a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The rotating tube is provided with an opening extending longitudinally between the first end portion and the second end portion. The assembly is partially received in the opening at the first end portion. The idler assembly includes an idler housing, a plunger received in the idler housing, and a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the plunger. The plunger is configured to slide relative to the idler housing, and the plunger is configured to selectively engage with a bracket member.

[0004] In another example embodiment, an idler assembly includes an idler housing, a plunger received in the idler housing, and a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the plunger. The plunger is configured to slide relative to the idler housing, and the plunger is configured to selectively engage with a bracket member.

[0005] In another embodiment, the idler assembly includes an idler housing, a plunger received in the idler housing, and a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the plunger, wherein the plunger is configured to slide along an axis relative to the idler housing, the axis being the rotation axis of a rotating tube, and the plunger is configured to selectively engage with a bracket member.

[0006] In another embodiment, the idler assembly includes an idler housing, a plunger received in the idler housing, a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the plunger, and a timing ring connected to the idler housing, wherein the timing ring is configured to rotate relative to the idler housing and to move laterally along the idler housing. The idler housing may include a support ring provided with a first stop member, and the timing ring may be provided with a second stop member, wherein the rotational movement of the timing ring in a first direction relative to the idler housing is restricted in response to the second stop member in contact with the first stop member.

[0007] In other embodiments, the spring assembly includes a housing, a shaft received in the housing, and a spring member, the spring member being connected to the housing at one end and to the shaft at the opposite end, and the spring assembly being supported by a rotating tube. The spring drive unit may include a drive shaft, and the spring drive unit is supported by the rotating tube. The spring assembly may be configured to interlock with the idler housing, the drive shaft of the spring drive unit may be configured to engage with the shaft of the spring assembly, and the spring assembly may be configured to impart counterbalancing force to the rotating tube.

[0008] In other embodiments, the first spring assembly includes a first housing, a first shaft received in the first housing, and a first spring member, wherein the first spring member is connected to the first housing at one end and to the first shaft at the opposite end, and the first spring assembly may be received by a rotating tube; the second spring assembly includes a second housing, a second shaft received in the second housing, and a second spring member, wherein the second spring member is connected to the second housing at one end and to the second shaft at the opposite end, and the second spring assembly may be received by the rotating tube; the spring drive unit includes a drive shaft, and the spring drive unit is received by the rotating tube. The first housing of the first spring assembly may be configured to interlock with the idler housing, the second shaft of the second spring assembly may be configured to engage with the first shaft of the first spring assembly, and the drive shaft of the spring drive unit may be configured to engage with the second shaft of the second spring assembly. The first spring assembly and the second spring assembly are each configured to impart a counterbalancing force to the rotating tube, and the counterbalancing forces generated by the first spring assembly and the second spring assembly are arranged in parallel.

[0009] In other embodiments, the first spring assembly includes a first housing, a first shaft received in the first housing, and a first spring member, the first spring member being connected to the first housing at one end and to the first shaft at the opposite end, and the first spring assembly may be received by a rotating tube. The second spring assembly includes a second housing, a second shaft received in the second housing, and a second spring member, the second spring member being connected to the second housing at one end and to the second shaft at the opposite end, and the second spring assembly may be received by the rotating tube. The series connection assembly includes a third housing and a third shaft, and the series connection assembly is connected to the first spring assembly and the second spring assembly. The spring drive unit includes a drive shaft, and the spring drive unit may be received by the rotating tube. The first housing portion of the first spring assembly is configured to interlock with the idler housing portion, the first shaft of the first spring assembly is configured to engage with the third shaft of the series connection assembly, the second housing portion of the second spring assembly is configured to interlock with the third housing portion of the series connection assembly, and the drive shaft of the spring drive unit is configured to engage with the second shaft of the second spring assembly. The first spring assembly and the second spring assembly are each configured to impart a counterbalancing force to the rotating tube, and the counterbalancing forces generated by the first spring assembly and the second spring assembly are arranged in series.

[0010] In other embodiments, the brake assembly includes a brake shaft partially received by a brake housing, a brake cap connected to the brake shaft, a plurality of brake surfaces supported by the brake shaft and received by the brake housing, and a brake force adjustment member partially received by the brake housing and operably engaged with the plurality of brake surfaces. The brake cap may be configured to engage with the rotating pipe. The brake force applied to the rotating pipe by the plurality of brake surfaces can be adjusted in response to the rotation of the brake force adjustment member relative to the brake housing.

[0011] Other embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent by reference to the detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a roll shade assembly removed from a building opening.

[0013] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the roll shade assembly of Figure 1, with the decorative cover separated.

[0014] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the roll shade assembly of Figure 1 obtained along line 3-3 of Figure 1, with the second cover removed to illustrate the bracket member engaged with the first cover.

[0015] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the roll shade assembly from Figure 1, with the cover assembly removed and the rotating pipe assembly separated from the opposing bracket members.

[0016] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the rotating pipe assembly and one of the bracket members, obtained along line 5-5 in Figure 4.

[0017] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the rotating pipe assembly engaged with one bracket member.

[0018] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partially exploded view of the rotating pipe assembly, with the building opening cover removed.

[0019] [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating tube obtained along line 8-8 in Figure 7.

[0020] [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first end portion of the idler assembly attached to the roll shade assembly of FIG. 1.

[0021] [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the second end portion, which is on the opposite side of the first end portion of the idler assembly of FIG. 9.

[0022] [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a plan view of the idler assembly of FIG. 9.

[0023] <�oo00097>Figure 12 is an exploded view of a portion of the idler assembly of FIG. 9.

[0024] [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the idler assembly of FIG. 9 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 11. [[ID=‌30]]

[0025] [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a plan view of the idler assembly of FIG. 9 with the timing ring removed to illustrate the threaded portion and the support ring in the idler housing.

[0026] [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the timing ring of the idler assembly of FIG. 9.

[0027] [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the first end portion of the spring tension assembly attached to the roll shade assembly of FIG. 1.

[0028] [Figure 17] s Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the second end portion, which is on the opposite side of the first end portion of the spring tension assembly of FIG. 16.

[0029] [Figure 18] It should be noted that there is a misspelling in the original text where "<�oo00097>" should probably be " [Figure 12] ". This has been left as is in the translation to maintain consistency with the original.Figure 18 is a perspective view of the spring assembly of the spring tension assembly shown in Figure 16.

[0030] [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a partially disassembled perspective view of the spring assembly shown in Figure 18, with the cap separated from the housing.

[0031] [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the spring assembly obtained along line 20-20 in Figure 18.

[0032] [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the drive ring used with the spring tension assembly shown in Figure 16.

[0033] [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the roll shade assembly shown in Figure 1, in which an idler housing is connected to a spring tension assembly having multiple spring assemblies connected in parallel.

[0034] [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a series connection assembly used with the spring tension assembly attached to the roll shade assembly in Figure 1.

[0035] [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the series connection assembly obtained along line 24-24 in Figure 23.

[0036] [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the first end of the connector of the series connection assembly shown in Figure 23.

[0037] [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the second end of the connector shown in Figure 25, which is opposite to the first end.

[0038] [Figure 27]Figure 27 is a plan view of another example of an idler assembly attached to the roll shade assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0039] [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the idler assembly of Figure 27 obtained along line 28-28 in Figure 27.

[0040] [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the idler assembly portion of Figure 27, which is located inside the rotating pipe assembly and engages with the bracket member of Figure 3.

[0041] [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a perspective view of the first end of the brake assembly attached to the roll shade assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0042] [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the second end of the brake assembly shown in Figure 30, which is opposite to the first end.

[0043] [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a partially exploded view of the brake assembly shown in Figure 30.

[0044] [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a partially exploded view of the brake assembly shown in Figure 32, with the idler member and annular bearing removed for clarity.

[0045] [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a partially exploded view of the brake assembly shown in Figure 33, with the plunger, idler housing, and biasing member removed for clarity.

[0046] [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a partially exploded view of the brake assembly shown in Figure 34, with the first shell removed for clarity.

[0047] [Figure 36]Figure 36 is a plan view of the brake assembly shown in Figure 35, with the set screw separated from the brake housing.

[0048] [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a perspective view of the brake assembly shown in Figure 36.

[0049] [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a partially exploded view of the brake surface, bearing, and brake shaft, shown after being removed from the brake assembly in Figure 37.

[0050] [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the brake assembly obtained along line 39-39 in Figure 31.

[0051] [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a perspective view of a clutch assembly configured to drive the rotating pipe assembly shown in Figure 2.

[0052] [Figure 41] Figure 41 is an enlarged perspective view of the clutch assembly portion of Figure 40, obtained along line 41-41 of Figure 40, illustrating the clutch housing, clutch sprocket, and continuous loop operating means.

[0053] [Figure 42] Figure 42 is an exploded view of the clutch assembly shown in Figure 41.

[0054] [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a perspective view of the clutch assembly of Figure 40, arranged to engage with the idler member of the idler assembly shown in Figure 7, or with the brake assembly.

[0055] [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a perspective view of the hold-down means of the clutch assembly of Figure 40, showing a first configuration in which the apertures are not aligned and are engaged with the continuous loop operating means.

[0056] [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a perspective view of the hold-down means of the clutch composition of Figure 40, showing a second configuration in which the apertures are aligned to facilitate operation of the continuous loop operating means.

[0057] [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a perspective view of the chain diverter used with the clutch assembly in Figure 40, shown separately from the bracket member in Figure 2.

[0058] [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a perspective view of the chain diverter of Figure 46, obtained along line 47-47 of Figure 46.

[0059] [Figure 48] Figure 48 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket assembly used in conjunction with the rotating pipe assembly shown in Figure 4.

[0060] [Figure 49] Figure 49 is a perspective view of the first bracket cover of the bracket assembly in Figure 48, obtained along line 49-49 in Figure 48.

[0061] [Figure 50] Figure 50 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly from Figure 48 in a first assembly configuration that decoratively conceals the mounting bracket.

[0062] [Figure 51] Figure 51 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the roll shade assembly, shown separated from the building opening.

[0063] [Figure 52] Figure 52 is a perspective view of the roll shade assembly portion shown in Figure 51, obtained along line 52-52 in Figure 51, including the head rail.

[0064] [Figure 53] Figure 53 is a perspective view of the roll shade assembly shown in Figure 52, with one of the bracket members removed to illustrate the roll shade assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0065] Before describing in detail aspects of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details or structures and arrangements of components described in the following detailed description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention can take other forms and can be carried out or implemented in a variety of ways. Descriptions of specific aspects should be understood not to limit the disclosure, as they encompass all variations, equivalents, and substitutes that are in the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the phrases and terms used in this specification are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0066] This disclosure relates to a roll shade assembly 100 for selectively adjusting the position of a cover relative to an opening in a building. The roll shade assembly 100 includes a cover assembly 110 (shown in Figures 1 and 2), a bracket assembly 120 (shown in Figure 1), and a rotating pipe assembly 200 (shown in Figures 2 and 4).

[0067] For the sake of ease of consideration and understanding, the following detailed description refers to building openings. It should be understood that such building openings may include suitable openings in buildings or other structures, such as windows, doors, skylights, and / or exterior openings. For the sake of ease of understanding one or more embodiments of this innovation, the following detailed description also refers to windows, which are given as one example of building openings. The term “window” should be interpreted to include not only windows but also other suitable building openings used to selectively cover the innovation described herein.

[0068] Furthermore, the following detailed description refers to and describes roller shades. Roller shades should be understood to include any type of shade or cover for building openings, including a rotating tube. Therefore, the term “roller shade” may include roller shades, roller blinds, layered shades, layered shear shades, or other shades or covers for building openings, including a rotating tube.

[0069] Referring to Figures 1-2, the roll shade assembly 100 (or shade assembly 100) includes the cover assembly 110. The cover assembly 110 includes a decorative first cover 114 (or front cover 114 or front fascia 114) and a plurality of decorative second covers 118 (or rear cover 118 or end fascia 118). The covers 114, 118 are configured to cover (or surround, partially enclose, or decoratively conceal) the bracket assembly 120 and any component of the rotating tube assembly 200.

[0070] Referring to Figure 2, the bracket assembly 120 includes a plurality of bracket members 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket members 122 include a pair of bracket members 122, which are substantially identical. The bracket members 122 are arranged to face each other (i.e., one bracket member 122 is arranged to be rotated 180 degrees (180°) relative to the other bracket member 122, or one bracket member 122 is arranged to be a mirror image of the other bracket member 122). Each bracket member 122 includes a mounting portion 124 and a rotating pipe support portion 125. The pair of bracket members 122 may be referred to as the first bracket member 122 and the second bracket member 122.

[0071] Referring to Figure 3, the mounting section 124 includes a plurality of mounting members 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting section 124 includes three mounting members 126. Two of the mounting members 126 are located on the opposite side of the rotating pipe support section 125 and are arranged parallel to each other. One of the mounting members 126 is located between the mounting members 126 that are arranged parallel to each other and is arranged perpendicular to the mounting members 126 that are arranged parallel to each other. Each mounting member 126 is planar and is provided with at least one aperture 127 (shown in Figure 2) configured to receive fastening means (e.g., nails, screws, bolts, etc.). The fastening means is configured to selectively attach (or mount) each corresponding bracket member 122 to the building opening (for example, to facilitate attachment to the periphery of the building opening, a window frame, a wall, or other structure outside the window frame).

[0072] Referring back to Figures 2-3, the mounting clip 128 (or mounting member 128 or fascia clip 128) is connected to each bracket member 122. Referring particularly to Figure 3, the mounting clip 128 is connected to one end of one of the mounting members 126. The first cover 114 is configured to be detachable from the bracket member 122. The first cover 114 includes a first longitudinal rib 129a, spaced apart from the second longitudinal rib 129b. The ribs 129a and 129b extend longitudinally along the first cover 114 between the opposing bracket members 122. The first rib 129a is provided with a claw configured to engage with one end of each mounting member 126. The second rib 129b is provided with a claw configured to engage with the mounting clip 128 connected to the opposite end of each mounting member 126. The second rib 129b may also be biased and engaged with the mounting member 128.

[0073] Referring back to Figure 2, the second cover 118 is configured to be fixed to the corresponding bracket member 122. As shown, each second cover 118 is fixed by fastening means 129, shown as a piece of double-sided adhesive tape. In other embodiments, any suitable fastening means (e.g., tacks, nails, screws, etc.) or adhesive (e.g., tape, glue, etc.) can be used to fix the cover 118 to the bracket member 122. The cover 118 is positioned to cover (or overlap with) the corresponding bracket member 122 in order to decoratively cover the portion of the bracket member 122 that includes the rotating pipe support portion 125.

[0074] Referring to Figures 4-5, the rotating tube assembly 200 is configured to engage with the bracket members 122 of the bracket assembly 120. Each bracket member 122 is provided with an aperture 130 in the rotating tube support portion 125. As shown in Figure 5, the aperture 130 includes a plurality of radial members 134 (or radial teeth 134) located on the outer circumference of the aperture 130 and extending from the bracket members 122 to the aperture 130 (projecting toward the aperture 130). Each radial member 134 is spaced apart from adjacent radial members 134 and forms a sawtooth (or serrated) shape. The aperture 130 also includes at least one projection 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 130 includes a pair of projections 138. However, in other embodiments, the aperture 130 may include a single projection 138 or three or more projections 138. The projections 138 may be biased and configured to move (or pivot) relative to the bracket member 122.

[0075] The rotating pipe assembly 200 includes a rotating pipe 204 (as shown in Figure 5). The rotating pipe 204 includes a first end 208 and a second end 212 on the opposite side (as shown in Figure 4). The cover 216 (or shade 216 or building cover 216) is connected to the rotating pipe 204 and is configured to wrap around the rotating pipe 204 when the rotating pipe 204 rotates in a first direction, or to unwind from the rotating pipe 204 when the rotating pipe 204 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The cover 216 is also configured to selectively cover (or selectively overlap) a building opening to limit light transmission, protect an interior area from sunlight, and / or provide privacy, among various other examples.

[0076] The plunger 220 protrudes from each end of the rotating tube 204 and is configured to selectively engage with the corresponding bracket member 122. Referring to Figure 5, the plunger 220 is provided with a substantially hollow internal channel 222 and an access aperture 223. Multiple members 224 (or projections 224 or protrusions 224) extend (or protrude) radially outward from the plunger 220 and from the outer circumference of the access aperture 223. The members 224 are spaced apart on the outer circumference of the plunger 220 and spaced apart from adjacent members 224 to form a sawtooth (or serrated) shape. In the illustrated embodiment, eight members 224 are shown to extend radially outward from the plunger 220. In other embodiments, the plunger 220 may include fewer than eight members 224, more than eight members 224, or any number of members 224.

[0077] The sawtooth shape of the plunger 220 is designed to complement the sawtooth shape of the aperture 130 provided on the bracket member 122. Thus, the plunger 220 is configured to be received and held by the aperture 130 of the bracket member 122. Referring to Figure 6, the plunger 220 is shown to engage with the bracket member 122. More specifically, the plunger 220 is received by the aperture 130 to form an interlock engagement (or interference fit) with the aperture 130 of the bracket member 122. In addition, each member 224 is provided with an undercut portion 228, which is provided on the surface of the member 224 that faces the bracket assembly 120 when the plunger 220 is received by the aperture 220. The undercut portion 228 provides additional resistance against the plunger 220 being pulled out of the aperture 130 in response to a vertical load on the rotating tube assembly 200 (or a load applied diagonally (or perpendicularly) to the axis of the rotating tube 204 and parallel to the plunger 220). One or more radial members 138 may be partially grooved in the undercut portion 228 and engage with the undercut portion 228. A downward force applied to the rotating tube 204 and the attached plunger 220 (e.g., gravity) facilitates the acceptance of one or more radial members 138 into the undercut portion 228 (or grooves partially provided in the undercut portion 228). Thus, the undercut portion 228 provides anti-slip resistance that helps maintain the engagement between the aperture 130 and the plunger 220 and reduces the risk of unintended disengagement. Furthermore, Figures 4 to 6 illustrate the selective engagement between the bracket member 122 and the plunger 220 at the first end 208 of the rotating pipe 204, but it should be understood that the components and their functions are the same as those of the second end 212 of the rotating pipe 204.To facilitate the insertion of the plunger 220 into and / or removal from the aperture 130, that is, to facilitate the engagement or disengagement of the cover assembly 110 with the bracket assembly 120, each projection 138 can be moved relative to the bracket member 122 to provide additional space for inserting the plunger 220 into the aperture 130 (or removing the plunger 220 from the aperture 130). The operation of the projection 138 is usually initiated by the user using a tool (e.g., a screwdriver or other device) or other suitable means (e.g., a finger).

[0078] Referring to Figure 7, the rotating tube assembly 200 is shown with the cover 216 removed. The rotating tube assembly 200 is shown partially disassembled. The rotating tube assembly 200 includes an idler assembly 300, a spring tension assembly 400, and a brake assembly 600. The idler assembly 300 and the spring tension assembly 400 are configured to be received in the rotating tube 204 at the first end 208. The brake assembly 600 is configured to be received in the rotating tube 204 at the second end 212. The idler assembly 300 is also configured to engage with the spring tension assembly 400.

[0079] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the rotating tube 204. The rotating tube 204 is provided with a central opening 232 that extends longitudinally within the rotating tube 204. A plurality of longitudinal ribs 236 extend from the rotating tube 204 toward the opening 232. The illustrated rotating tube 204 includes four pairs of ribs 236. The ribs 236 and the rotating tube 204 provide a plurality of engagement regions 240. Each engagement region 240 is provided between adjacent (or continuous) ribs 236. The engagement regions 240 provide areas for components of the idler assembly 300, the spring tension assembly 400, and the brake assembly 600 to engage with the rotating tube 204, and more specifically, each engagement region 240 is provided by the ribs 236. The engagement regions 240 include a first engagement region 240a and a second engagement region 240b. The first engagement region 240a is provided between a pair of consecutive (or adjacent) ribs 236, and the second engagement region 240b is provided between the ribs 236 in each pair. In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement region 240a is larger (longer) than the second engagement region 240b.

[0080] Referring to Figures 9-13, the idler assembly 300 is illustrated in more detail. The idler assembly 300 includes an idler member 304, an idler housing 308, and a timing ring 312. The idler member 304 is connected to the idler housing 308 and is configured to rotate relative to the idler housing 308. Referring particularly to Figure 12, the idler housing 308 includes an annular bearing 316 (or a ring bearing 316 or bearing 316) positioned around the housing 308. The annular bearing 316 engages with (or is connected to) the idler member 304. More specifically, the annular bearing 316 is received by a corresponding annular groove 320 located on the inner surface of the idler member 304. The illustrated annular groove 320 is shown as a plurality of grooves extending along the inner circumferential surface of the idler member 304, but in other embodiments, the annular groove 320 may be a continuous extension along the inner circumferential surface of the idler member 304, or may include a plurality of annular groove portions that continuously extend along the inner circumferential surface of the idler member 304. The idler member 304 is configured to rotate freely relative to the idler housing 308 by the annular bearing 316.

[0081] Referring to Figures 9-10, the idler member 304 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 306 (or members 306). The protrusions 306 are arranged on the outer circumference of the idler member 304. The protrusions 306 are configured to engage with the corresponding engagement regions 240 within the rotating tube 204. More specifically, each protrusion 306 is configured to engage with the corresponding first engagement region 240a. This enables a rotatable connection between the rotating tube 204 and the idler member 304, allowing the rotating tube 204 and the idler member 304 to rotate together.

[0082] The timing ring 312 is also connected to the idler housing 308, and the timing ring 312 is configured to rotate relative to the idler housing 308. Referring particularly to Figure 12, the idler housing 308 includes a threaded portion 324 (screw portion 324 or first threaded portion 324) surrounding the cylindrical portion of the idler housing 308. The threaded portion 324 is a parallel threaded portion and has a helical thread arrangement on the idler housing 308. Referring to Figure 15, the timing ring 312 includes a corresponding threaded portion 328 (timing ring threaded portion 328, timing threaded portion 328, or second threaded portion 328). The timing ring threaded portion 328 extends along the inner circumference of the timing ring 312. The threaded portion 328 is helical. In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded portion 328 may be a single thread (extending approximately one full turn along the inner circumference of the timing ring 312). In other embodiments, the threaded portion 328 may extend multiple times along the inner circumference of the timing ring 312. The threaded portion 328 of the timing ring 312 is configured to engage with the threaded portion 324 of the idler housing 308. The timing ring 312 is also provided with a plurality of projections 330 (or members 330). The projections 330 are located on the outer circumference of the timing ring 312. The projections 330 are configured to engage with corresponding engagement regions 240 within the rotating tube 204. More specifically, each projection 330 is configured to engage with a corresponding second engagement region 240b. This facilitates a rotatable connection between the rotating tube 204 and the timing ring 312, such as simultaneous rotation.

[0083] As the timing ring 312 rotates with the rotating tube 204, the timing ring 312 moves laterally (or horizontally) along the idler housing 308. This lateral movement corresponds to the engagement of the timing ring threaded portion 328 with the threaded portion 324 on the idler housing 308. Therefore, as the timing ring 312 rotates relative to the idler housing 308, the timing ring 312 passes through the idler housing 308 and then moves laterally within (along) the rotating tube 204. For example, in response to the rotation of the timing ring 312, the timing ring 312 moves laterally along each channel provided in the second engagement region 240b of the rotating tube 204. The direction of the movement corresponds to the direction of rotation of the timing ring 312 (for example, rotation of the timing ring 312 in a first direction results in movement of the timing ring 312 in a first direction relative to the idler housing 308, and rotation of the timing ring 312 in a second direction opposite to the first direction results in movement of the timing ring 312 in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the idler housing 308, etc.).

[0084] Referring to Figures 12 and 14, the idler housing 308 includes a support ring 332. The support ring 332 is provided to prevent the timing ring 312 from disengaging from the idler housing 308. In other words, the support ring 332 assists in maintaining the engagement of the timing ring 312 with the idler housing 308. The support ring 332 provides a first stop member 336. Referring to Figure 15, the timing ring 312 provides a second stop member 340. The first stop member 336 is a surface configured to engage with the surface of the second stop member 340. In response to the stop members 336 and 340 contacting each other, rotation of the timing ring 312 in the corresponding rotational direction is suppressed.

[0085] Referring particularly to Figure 14, the threaded portion 324 on the idler housing 308 includes a first threaded portion region 325 separated from the second threaded portion region 326. The first threaded portion region 325 is provided with threaded portions 324 arranged at intervals of a first distance D1, where the first distance D1 is measured between the vertices of adjacent threads (threaded portions 324). The second threaded portion region 326 is provided with threaded portions 324 arranged at intervals of a second distance D2, where the second distance D2 is measured between the vertices of adjacent threads (threaded portions 324). More specifically, the second distance D2 is approximately four times the first distance D1. As an example, though not limited to, the first distance D1 is approximately 0.8 mm and the second distance D2 is approximately 3.2 mm. In other embodiments, the distances D1 and D2 may be any preferred or desired distances. In the illustrated embodiment, the second threaded region 326, which includes the threaded portion 324 of a single ring arranged around the idler housing 308, facilitates engagement between the timing ring 312 and the support ring 332 stop members 336, 340.

[0086] Referring to Figure 13, the plunger 220 is received and held in the idler housing 308. The idler housing 308 provides an internal channel 334 that slidably receives the plunger 220 via a first end 336 of the idler housing. The biasing member 338 is received and held within the internal channel 334. The biasing member 338, shown as a spring 338, is operablely connected to the internal channel 334 and the plunger 220. More specifically, the biasing member 338 extends from the internal channel 334 of the idler housing to the internal channel 222 of the plunger 220. The biasing member 338 is configured to impart a biasing force to the plunger 220. Thus, the plunger 220 is configured to slide laterally along an axis 342 parallel to (or defined by) the rotating tube 204 (shown in Figure 7). The plunger 220 slides in a first direction along the axis 342 (or away from the idler housing 308 or away from the rotating tube 204) in response to a biasing force applied to the plunger 220 by the biasing member 338. Alternatively, the plunger 220 slides in a second direction along the axis 342 (or toward the idler housing 308 or into the rotating tube 204) in response to an external force applied to the plunger 220 that is sufficient to counteract the biasing force applied by the biasing member 338. An example of such external force may include the fingers of a user (or installer) pushing the plunger 220 toward the idler housing 308. The axis 342 of the rotating tube 204 should be understood to be the axis of rotation of the rotating tube 204 (or an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating tube 204).

[0087] It should be understood that the geometry of the movement of the plunger 220 (plunger movement) and the movement of the timing ring 312 relative to the idler housing 308 has certain advantages. For example, the threaded portion 324 in the idler housing 308 overlaps with the internal channel 334 provided by the idler housing 308. Therefore, the threaded portion 324 overlaps with the plunger movement. This facilitates a reduction in the overall dimensions of the idler assembly 300. This compact design allows for the installation and use of smaller roll shades (e.g., roll shade radius, building opening length and shade corresponding to the length, and / or building opening width and shade corresponding to the width, etc.) in addition to larger roll shades.

[0088] Referring to Figure 10, a first locking member 346 is provided at the second end 343 of the idler housing 308, which is opposite to the first end 336 (shown in Figures 9 and 13). The idler housing 308 provides an opening 348 (or aperture 348). The first locking member 346 includes a plurality of projections 350 and recesses 354 that are alternately arranged on the inner circumference surrounding the opening 348. The first locking member 346 is configured to engage with a corresponding second locking member 456 provided on the spring tension assembly 400, which will be described in further detail below. The first locking member 346 is shown as being provided on the inner circumference of the idler housing 308. In other embodiments, the first locking member 346 may be provided on the outer circumference of the idler housing 308.

[0089] Referring to Figures 16-17, a partially exploded perspective view of the spring tension assembly 400 is shown. The spring tension assembly 400 includes at least one spring assembly 404 and a spring drive unit 408 (or tube adapter 408). The spring tension assembly 400 is configured to apply a counterbalancing force to the roll shade (to balance with the roll shade).

[0090] Referring to Figures 18-20, the spring assembly 404 includes a housing 412, an end cap 416, a shaft 420, and a biasing member 424 (or spring member 424). Referring to Figures 18-19, the end cap 416 is fixed to the housing 412. In the illustrated embodiment, the end cap 416 is fixed to the housing 412 by ultrasonic welding. In other embodiments, the end cap 416 may be fixed to the housing 412 by any suitable fastening means (e.g., adhesive, interlocking joint, etc.). The end cap 416 is provided with an aperture 428 for receiving the first end 432 of the shaft 420 (or spindle 420). The housing 412 is provided with an aperture 434 (shown in Figure 20) for receiving the second end 436 of the shaft 420. The shaft 420 is configured to rotate relative to the housing portion 412 and the end cap 416. In other words, the shaft 420 is configured to rotate relative to the housing portion assembly 438. The housing portion assembly 438 includes the housing portion 412 and the end cap 416.

[0091] A slot 440 is provided in the housing portion 412. The slot 440 is located on the outer circumference of the housing portion 412. The slot 440 receives the first end 444 of the biasing member 424. The second end 448 of the biasing member 424 is received by a slot 452 of the shaft 420 (as shown in Figure 20). In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 424 is a spiral spring 424 (or roller spring 424). The spiral spring 424 may be provided extending from the slot 440 to the slot 452. Between the slot 440 and the slot 452, the spiral spring 424 may be provided along the inner circumferential surface of the housing portion 412 for at least one turn, and more specifically, for multiple turns. In other embodiments, the biasing member 424 may be any spring or means that applies a biasing force to the shaft 420 such that the rotation of the shaft 420 relative to the housing assembly 438 is restricted (or limited).

[0092] As shown in Figures 16 and 18, the housing assembly 438 is provided with the second locking member 456. More specifically, the end cap 416 is provided with the second locking member 456. The second locking member 456 is provided with a plurality of projections 460 and recesses 464 that are alternately arranged on the outer circumference surrounding the aperture 428. The second locking member 456 is engaged with the first locking member 346 by a keyed connection (or interlocking connection). In the illustrated embodiment, the second locking member 456 is configured to be received by the first locking member 346. Each projection 460 of the second locking member 456 is received by the corresponding recess 354 of the first locking member 346, and each projection 350 of the first locking member 346 is received by the corresponding recess 464 of the second locking member 456. The interlock joint (or keyed joint) formed by the first locking member 346 and the second locking member 456 facilitates the connection between the spring tension assembly 400 and the idler assembly 300, and more specifically, the connection between the spring assembly 404 and the idler housing 308. In addition to the interlock joint, the spring assembly 404 and the idler housing 308 may be further fixed to each other by at least one fixing means 359 (e.g., a screw, bolt, etc.) (a typical fixing means 359 is shown in Figure 17). Each fixing means 359 may be positioned in the idler housing 308 (see Figure 14) and the spring assembly 404 (see Figure 18), respectively, and received by aligned (or overlapping) fixing means apertures 358, 468.

[0093] The second locking member 456 is located on the first side surface 472 (or first end surface 472) of the spring assembly 404 (see Figure 16). The spring assembly 404 includes a second side surface 476 (or second end surface 476) (see Figure 17) opposite to the first side surface 472. Referring to Figure 17, on the second side surface 476, the housing assembly 438 is provided with the first locking member 346. More specifically, the housing 412 is provided with the first locking member 346. The first locking member 346 in the spring assembly 404 is substantially identical to the first locking member 346 in the idler housing 308 and should be understood to include the same components (e.g., alternately arranged protrusions 350 and recesses 354, fixing aperture 358, fixing means 359, etc.) to facilitate key-lock (or interlock) engagement with other components having a complementary second locking member 456.

[0094] Referring back to Figures 16-17, the spring drive unit 408 (or tube adapter 408) includes a housing 480 provided with a plurality of projections 482 (or members 482). The projections 482 are located on the outer circumference of the housing 480 of the spring drive unit 408. The projections 482 are configured to engage with corresponding engagement regions 240 within the rotating tube 204. More specifically, each projection 482 is configured to engage with a corresponding first engagement region 240a. This facilitates a rotatable connection between the rotating tube 204 and the spring drive unit 408, allowing the rotating tube 204 and the spring drive unit 408 to rotate together.

[0095] Referring to Figure 16, the spring drive unit 408 also includes a receptacle 484. The receptacle 484 is provided by a wall 486 and includes a drive shaft 488 (or shaft 488) positioned in the receptacle 484. The drive shaft 488 is fixed to (or formed together with) the housing 480 of the spring drive unit 408. The drive shaft 488 does not rotate relative to the housing 480. In other words, the housing 480 and the drive shaft 488 rotate together, or the drive shaft 488 rotates with the housing 480. The drive shaft 488 is configured to interlock (or engage) with the shaft 420 of the spring assembly 404. More specifically, one end of the drive shaft 488 is configured to interlock (or engage) with one end of the shaft 420 of the spring assembly 404. To facilitate the interlock connection, the drive shaft 488 is provided with a first coupling portion 490 and the shaft 420 is provided with a second coupling portion 494 (see Figure 17). The first coupling portion 490 and the second coupling portion 494 are keyed to interlock (or axial interlock). Together, the first coupling portion 490 and the second coupling portion 494 may form a jaw-type interlock coupling or other preferred axial keyed interlock coupling. The interlock coupling is configured to transmit rotational force (torque) from the drive shaft 488 to the shaft 420, facilitating the shaft 420 to rotate responsively relative to the housing assembly 438.

[0096] Referring to Figures 16-17, when the first coupling portion 490 and the second coupling portion 494 interlock to form an axial coupling, the receptacle 484 receives a portion of the housing assembly 438 of the spring assembly 404. More specifically, the receptacle 484 of the spring drive unit 408 receives the first locking member 346 and the auxiliary wall 495 surrounding the first locking member 346. This allows the spring drive unit 408 to rotate relative to the housing assembly 438 of the spring assembly 404 while assisting the rotation of the shaft 420 of the spring assembly 404.

[0097] In the embodiment of the rotating tube assembly 200 shown in Figure 7, the spring tension assembly 400 includes a single spring assembly 404. As described above, the first side surface 472 of the spring assembly 404 is connected to the idler assembly 300, more specifically to the idler housing 308. The second side surface 476 of the spring assembly 404 is connected to the spring drive unit 408. While a single spring assembly 404 is preferred for the operation of a particular roll shade, in other embodiments, the spring tension assembly 400 may include multiple spring assemblies 404. For example, a roll shade with a larger diameter (to cover a larger or longer building opening) or a roll shade with a longer rotating tube (to cover a wider building opening) may require more than one spring assembly 404.

[0098] The spring tension assembly 400 may include at least one drive ring 496. For example, in an embodiment of the spring tension assembly 400 having a plurality of spring assemblies 404, the spring tension assembly 400 may include at least one drive ring 496. As shown in Figure 21, the drive ring 496 includes a central aperture 497 and a plurality of projections 498. The plurality of projections 498 (or members 498) are arranged on the outer circumference of the drive ring 496. The projections 498 are configured to engage with corresponding engagement regions 240 within the rotating tube 204. More specifically, each projection 498 is configured to engage with a corresponding first engagement region 240a (see Figure 8). This facilitates a rotatable connection between the rotating tube 204 and the drive ring 497 such that the rotating tube 204 and the drive ring 497 rotate together. The drive ring 496 may also be provided with radial apertures 499 (or passages 499). The apertures 499 provide access for inserting (or removing) fastening means 359 (see Figure 22) used to fasten (or connect) the spring assembly 404 to the idler housing 308, or to connect the connected spring assemblies 404 to each other.

[0099] The drive ring 496 provides an intermediate contact point with the rotating tube 204 and may be positioned at one or more locations between the idler member 304 and the spring drive unit 408. In an embodiment in which the idler member 304 and the spring drive unit 408 are spaced apart so that undesirable behavior (vibration or shaking) of the rotating tube 204 relative to the spring tension assembly 400 may occur, it is preferable to integrate one or more drive rings 496 with the spring tension assembly 400. In an embodiment of the spring tension assembly 400 having a plurality of spring assemblies 404, undesirable behavior (vibration or shaking) of the rotating tube 204 relative to the spring tension assembly 400 may occur. Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment of the spring tension assembly 400 having a plurality of spring assemblies 404a, 404b. In the above embodiment, two spring assemblies 404a and 404b are shown, but in other embodiments, it should be understood that two or more spring assemblies 404 may be integrated with the spring tension assembly 400.

[0100] The drive ring 496 may be positioned such that a portion of the idler housing 308 (shown in Figure 22) is received by the central aperture 497 (shown in Figure 21). Referring to Figure 22, the drive ring 496 can rotate relative to the idler housing 308 near the second end 343 where the first locking member 346 of the idler housing 308 engages with the second locking member 456 of the spring assembly 404a. Since neither the idler housing 308 nor the spring assembly 404a is in contact with the rotating tube 204, neither the idler housing 308 nor the spring assembly 404a rotates in response to the rotation of the rotating tube 204. Therefore, the drive ring 497 rotates freely relative to the idler housing 308 in response to the rotation of the rotating tube 204.

[0101] Referring to Figure 22, the drive ring 496 may also be positioned so as to receive a portion of the wall 495 surrounding the first locking member 346 of the spring assembly 404a at the central aperture 497 (shown in Figure 21). The drive ring 496 can rotate relative to the first spring assembly 404a around the wall 495 where the first locking member 346 of the first spring assembly 404a engages with the second locking member 456 of the second spring assembly 404b. Since neither the first spring assembly 404a nor the second spring assembly 404b is in contact with the rotating tube 204, neither the first spring assembly 404a nor the second spring assembly 404b rotates in response to the rotation of the rotating tube 204. Therefore, the drive ring 497 rotates freely relative to the first and second spring assemblies 404a and 404b in response to the rotation of the rotating tube 204.

[0102] The drive ring 496 may further be positioned such that the central aperture 497 (shown in Figure 21) receives a portion of the receptacle 484 of the spring drive unit 408. The drive ring 496 can rotate relative to the spring drive unit 408 around the receptacle 484 that receives the second locking member 456 of the second spring assembly 404b. Since the second spring assembly 404b is not in contact with the rotating tube 204, the second spring assembly 404b does not rotate in response to the rotation of the rotating tube 204, but the spring drive unit 408 is in contact with the rotating tube 204. Therefore, the drive ring 497 rotates relative to the second spring assembly 404b and rotates together with the spring drive unit 408 in response to the rotation of the rotating tube 204.

[0103] In an embodiment of the spring tension assembly 400 having a plurality of spring assemblies 404, the spring assemblies 404 may be connected (or interconnected) in parallel, in series, or both parallel and in series. In other words, the spring assemblies 404 are connected such that the biasing forces applied to each shaft 420 by the biasing member 424 are connected in parallel, in series, or both parallel and in series.

[0104] Figure 22 illustrates a plurality of spring assemblies 404 connected in parallel. For the sake of simplicity, the first spring assembly 404a and its associated components are identified by the letter “a” after the reference numeral, and the second spring assembly 404b and its associated components are identified by the letter “b” after the reference numeral. The first spring assembly 404a and the second spring assembly 404b, and their associated components, are identical. The “a” and “b” are simply associated with the first and second spring assemblies 404a and 404b and are added for clarity of explanation.

[0105] Referring to Figure 22, the shaft 420a (or first shaft 420a) of the first spring assembly 404a and the shaft 420b (or second shaft 420b) of the second spring assembly 404b are connected by an interlock joint. More specifically, one end of the shaft 420a is interlocked (or engaged) with one end of the shaft 420b. The interlock joint I1 (or locking joint) formed between the shafts 420a and 420b corresponds to the first locking member 346 of the first spring assembly 404a, which is positioned to engage with the second locking member 456 of the second spring assembly 404b. The interlock joint I1 formed between the shafts 420a and 420b facilitates the parallel connection of the biasing forces applied to the corresponding shafts 420a and 420b by the biasing members 424a and 424b, respectively. The spring drive unit 408 rotates in response to the rotation of the rotating tube 204. The drive shaft 488 of the spring drive unit 408, which is interlocked I2 with the second shaft 420b of the second spring assembly 404b, rotates together with the spring drive unit 408. The rotation of the spring drive unit 408 is transmitted to the second shaft 420b via the drive shaft 488, and then from the second shaft 420b to the first shaft 420a. In this way, the shafts 420a and 420b rotate in response to the rotation of the spring drive unit 408. The first biasing member 424a applies a first biasing force to the first shaft 420a, and the second biasing member 424b applies a second biasing force to the second shaft 420b. The biasing forces are connected in parallel by interlocking connections associated with the shafts 420a and 420b.

[0106] Figures 23-24 illustrate an embodiment of a spring tension assembly 400 in which multiple spring assemblies 404 are connected in series. Referring to Figure 23, the first spring assembly 404a is connected to the second spring assembly 404b by a series connection assembly 500. Referring to Figure 24, the series connection assembly 500 includes a housing 504 and a connector 508. The connector 508 is received within the housing 504. The connector 508 is also configured to rotate relative to the housing 504. The connector 508 includes a first end 512 and a second end 516 on the opposite side.

[0107] Referring to Figures 24-25, the first end 512 of the connector 508 includes a receptacle 520. The receptacle 520 includes a shaft 528 provided by a wall 524 and positioned within the receptacle 520. The shaft 528 is fixed to (or formed together with) the receptacle 520 of the connector 508. Therefore, the shaft 528 does not rotate relative to the connector 508, but rather rotates with the connector 508 (or the shaft 528 and the connector 508 rotate together). One end of the shaft 528 is configured to interlock (or engage) with one end of the shaft 420a of the first spring assembly 404a. To facilitate the aforementioned interlocking connection, the shaft 528 is provided with a first coupling portion 490, while the shaft 420a is provided with a second coupling portion 494 (see Figure 24). The first coupling portion 490 and the second coupling portion 494 are locked together by interlocking (axial interlocking) such that the first locking member 346a of the first spring assembly 404a is received by the receptacle 520. The first coupling portion 490 and the second coupling portion 494 together may form a jaw-type interlocking coupling or other suitable axial locking interlocking coupling. The interlocking coupling is formed to transmit rotational force (or torque) between the shaft 528 and the first shaft 420a.

[0108] Referring to Figures 24 and 26, a first locking member 346 is provided at the second end 516 of the connector 508. The first locking member 346 includes a plurality of projections 350 and recesses 354 that are alternately arranged on the inner circumference surrounding the opening 532. The first locking member 346 is configured to engage with a corresponding second locking member 456 provided on the second spring assembly 404b. The first locking member 346 of the connector 508 and the second locking member 456 of the second spring assembly 404b facilitate the key-locked (or interlocked) engagement and fixing of the connector 508 to the housing assembly 438b of the second spring assembly 404b.

[0109] The connection of the connector 508 to the first spring assembly 404a and the second spring assembly 404b facilitates the series connection of the biasing forces applied to the corresponding shafts 420a and 420b by the biasing members 424a and 424b, respectively. Referring to Figure 24, the first shaft 420a of the first spring assembly 404a rotates, for example, in response to the rotation of the spring drive unit 408 (as described above). When the first shaft 420a rotates, the rotational force is transmitted to the shaft 528 of the connector 508. Therefore, the shaft 528 rotates in response to the rotation of the first shaft 420a. The rotation of the shaft 528 facilitates the rotation of the connector 508. The connector 508 rotates relative to the housing unit 504. Since the housing assembly 438b is connected to the connector 508 by the locking member 1 346 and the locking member 456 which are locked to each other, when the connector 508 rotates, the housing assembly 438b of the second spring assembly 404b rotates. Therefore, as the second shaft 420b rotates, the biasing forces of the first spring assembly 404a and the second spring assembly 404b are connected to the second shaft 420b in series. It should be understood that this series connection may also occur in the reverse order described above, that is, from the second spring assembly 404b to the first spring assembly 404a.

[0110] The spring tension assembly 400 should be understood to include a single spring assembly 404 or a plurality of spring assemblies 404. The modular configuration of each spring assembly 404 facilitates the addition (or removal) of spring assemblies 404 as needed. Furthermore, while Figure 22 illustrates spring assemblies 404 connected in parallel, and Figures 23-24 illustrate spring assemblies 404 connected in series, in other embodiments, the plurality of spring assemblies may be connected in parallel and in series. For example, in an embodiment having at least three spring assemblies 404 (or three or more spring assemblies 404), the first spring assembly 404 and the second spring assembly 404 may be connected in parallel, as described in conjunction with Figure 22, and the second spring assembly 404 and the third spring assembly 404 may be connected in series, as described in conjunction with Figures 23-24. In other embodiments, at least two spring assemblies 404 may be connected in series, and at least two spring assemblies 404 may be connected in parallel. In yet another embodiment, it should be understood that the first group of spring assemblies 404 (e.g., two or more spring assemblies) may be connected in parallel, and the second group of spring assemblies 404 (e.g., two or more spring assemblies) may be connected in series. The modularity of the spring assemblies 404 facilitates adjustment for selecting (or changing) a suitable (or desired) counterbalancing force applied to the roll shade by the spring tension assembly 400.

[0111] Figures 27-29 illustrate other embodiments of the idler assembly 300a. The idler assembly 300a has many of the same components as the idler assembly 300. For clarity, similar numbers indicate similar components. Similar components with structural differences are identified by the same reference numeral followed by "a". These differences are described in more detail below. Referring to Figure 27, the idler assembly 300a includes an idler member 304a and an idler housing 308. The idler member 304a is provided with a plurality of protrusions 306. The plunger 220 is slidably received and held by the idler housing 308. Referring to Figures 28-29, the idler housing 308 includes an annular bearing 316 that engages with the idler member 304a. The idler member 304a is configured to rotate relative to the idler housing 308 by the annular bearing 316. The idler housing portion 308 also includes a screw portion 324 and a support ring 332.

[0112] Referring to Figure 29, the idler member 304a is integrated with (or incorporated into) the timing ring 312a. In other words, instead of the timing ring 312 directly engaging with the rotary tube 204, as described in conjunction with the idler assembly 300 shown in Figures 9-15, the timing ring 312a engages with the idler member 304a. The timing ring 312a is provided with a timing ring threaded portion 328a that extends along the inner circumference of the timing ring 312a. The timing ring threaded portion 328a is configured to engage with the threaded portion 324. The timing ring 312a is configured to rotate together with the idler member 304a. The idler member 304a is configured to rotate together with the rotary tube 204. When the timing ring 312a rotates together with the idler member 304a, the timing ring 312a moves laterally (horizontally) along the idler housing 308. The aforementioned lateral movement corresponds to the engagement of the timing ring threaded portion 328a with the threaded portion 324 in the idler housing 308. Therefore, when the timing ring 312a rotates relative to the idler housing 308, the timing ring 312 passes through the idler housing 308 and moves further laterally within (or along) the idler member 304a. For example, the timing ring 312a moves laterally along a channel provided in the idler member 304a (not shown, but similar to the engagement region 240 of the rotating tube 204). This facilitates simultaneous rotation of the timing ring 312a and the idler member 304a. The timing ring 312a rotates and moves laterally in response to the rotation of the idler member 304a.The direction of movement corresponds to the rotation direction of the timing ring 312a (for example, rotation of the timing ring 312a in a first direction results in movement of the timing ring 312a in a first direction relative to the idler housing 308, and rotation of the timing ring 312a in a second direction opposite to the first direction results in movement of the timing ring 312a in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the idler housing 308). In the illustrated embodiment, the timing ring threaded portion 328a extends to make multiple turns around the inner circumference of the timing ring 312a. In other embodiments, the timing ring threaded portion 328a may extend to make one turn around the inner circumference of the idler member 304a (i.e., it may be a single thread 328a). The timing ring 312a should also be understood to include a second stop member 340 (shown in Figure 15, not shown in Figure 29) configured to engage with the first stop member 336.

[0113] Referring to Figures 30-39, the brake assembly 600 is illustrated in more detail. The brake assembly 600 includes the idler assembly 300, along with other brake components. Referring, for example, to Figures 30-32 and 39, the brake assembly 600 includes an idler member 304, an idler housing 308, and a plunger 220 slidably received within the idler housing 308. The idler member 304, the idler housing 308, and the plunger 220 are identical to the components attached to the idler assembly 300 and are operated in the same manner as described above. For simplicity, further related components (e.g., the annular bearing 316, the biasing member 338, etc.) are also operated in the same manner as the idler assembly 300, and for simplicity, a repetition of similar descriptions with respect to the brake assembly 600 is omitted.

[0114] The brake housing 604 is connected to the idler housing 308. Referring to Figure 33, the brake housing 604 includes a second locking member 456. The second locking member 456 is configured to engage with a corresponding first locking member 346 provided on the idler housing 308. The locking members 346, 456 form a keying (interlocking) engagement, and as described in detail above (for example, in conjunction with the idler housing 308 and the spring tension assembly 400), the formed keying (interlocking) engagement may be further connected by at least one fastening means (not shown).

[0115] The brake housing 604 includes a first shell portion 608a and a second shell portion 608b. The first shell portion 608a and the second shell portion 608b are identical and mirror images of each other. The shell portions 608a and 608b are connected and may be further fixed by at least one fixing means 612 (e.g., a screw, bolt, etc.) as shown in Figure 35.

[0116] The shell portion 608 is provided with a threaded portion 616 and a brake storage portion 620, respectively. Referring to Figures 37 and 39, the threaded portion 616 is provided with a set screw 624 (also referred to as a brake force adjustment member 624) and, more specifically, a helical thread configured to engage with the threaded portion 628 of the set screw 624. The set screw 624 also includes a bearing surface 632 located at the first end of the set screw 624 and a screw head 636 located at the second end opposite the set screw 624. In the illustrated embodiment, the screw head 636 is a hexagonal socket configured to receive a hex wrench. In other embodiments, the screw head 636 may be any head or socket configured to receive (or engage) a suitable tool (e.g., Phillips, flat, star, etc.). The set screw 624 is configured to rotate relative to the shell portions 608a, 608b. When the set screw 624 rotates, it moves laterally either into or out of the brake storage compartment 620. The direction of this lateral movement is determined by the rotation direction of the set screw 624.

[0117] The bearing surface 632 is configured to contact an adjustment member 638. The adjustment member 638 is in contact with one end of a biasing member 640. The opposite end of the biasing member 640 is in contact with a plurality of brake surfaces 644. Referring to Figures 38-39, the plurality of brake surfaces 644 include a plurality of alternatingly arranged first washers 648 and second washers 652. The first washers 648 are formed of a first material, and the second washers 652 are formed of a second material different from the first material. Friction occurs due to the interaction between the washers 648 and 652, thereby promoting the generation of a braking force. The illustrated embodiment should be understood as an arrangement (or sandwich) of four first washers 648 and three second washers 652 arranged alternately. In other embodiments, fewer (or more) washers 648 and 652 may be used to generate a lower (or higher) braking force. For example, a larger or longer rotating tube 204 may require a higher braking force, and therefore more washers 648, 652 may be required. For this reason, the multiple braking surfaces 644 may be referred to as a disc brake assembly 644.

[0118] The washers 648 and 652 are mounted on the bearing 656. More specifically, the washers 648 and 652 are positioned on the outermost surface (or outer circumferential surface) of the bearing 656. The bearing 656 is preferably a one-way bearing (or an anti-reverse bearing, needle roller bearing, or one-way clutch). The bearing 656 receives the brake shaft 660. A disc spring 664 (or finger spring 664) may be positioned between the brake surface 644 and the biasing member 640. The amount of friction between the washers can be adjusted by increasing (or decreasing) the biasing force applied to the brake surface 644 by the biasing member 640. In the illustrated embodiment, the first washer is a nylon washer and the second washer is a steel washer. In other embodiments, the washers may be formed from any material capable of interacting to generate a desired amount of friction to facilitate the generation of braking force.

[0119] Referring back to Figures 32-36, a portion of the brake shaft 660 extends from the brake housing 604. The brake shaft 660 is connected to the brake cap 664. The brake cap 664 is configured to engage with the rotating tube 204. Referring to Figure 34, the brake cap 664 is provided with a plurality of projections 668 (or members 668). The projections 668 are located on the outer circumference of the brake cap 664. The projections 668 are configured to engage with corresponding engagement regions 240 within the rotating tube 204. More specifically, each projection 668 is configured to engage with a corresponding first engagement region 240a. This facilitates a rotatable connection between the rotating tube 204 and the brake cap 664, such as allowing the rotating tube 204 and the brake cap 664 to rotate together.

[0120] Referring to Figures 33 and 39, the set screw 624 is received in the idler housing 308. More specifically, the set screw 624 is received in an internal channel 334 provided by the idler housing 308. Furthermore, the set screw 624 is received in an internal channel 222 of the plunger 220. The set screw 624 also supports the biasing member 338 of the plunger 220.

[0121] Referring only to Figure 39, the set screw 624 is configured to be accessed via an access aperture 223. This facilitates selective adjustment of the braking force (or braking tension) applied to the rotating tube 204 for fine-tuning the brake without removing any components. More specifically, a user can insert a tool (e.g., a hex wrench, screwdriver, or customized tool) into the internal channel 222 through the aperture 223. The tool is configured to engage with the screw head 636 of the set screw 624. The tool can be rotated in a first direction to increase the braking force, or in a second direction to decrease the braking force.

[0122] In response to the rotation of the tool in a first direction, the set screw 624 rotates in the first direction in a responsive manner. As the set screw 624 rotates, the threaded portion 628 of the set screw 624 passes laterally through the threaded portion 616 of the shell portion 608. In response, the bearing surface 632 moves toward the brake surface 644 into the brake housing 620. As a result, the adjustment member 638 slides toward the brake surface 644 into the brake housing 620. The adjustment member 638 compresses the biasing member 640. The biasing member 640 responsively applies a biasing force to the brake surface 644. More specifically, the biasing member 640 applies a biasing force to the alternately arranged first washer 648 and second washer 652. By simultaneously compressing the washers 648 and 652, the braking force (or brake tension) applied to the bearing 656, and subsequently to the brake shaft 660 and brake cap 664, increases. The increased braking force is transmitted from the brake cap 664 to the rotating pipe 204.

[0123] In response to the rotation of the tool in the second direction, the set screw 624 rotates responsively in the second direction. As the set screw 624 rotates, the threaded portion 628 of the set screw 624 passes laterally through the threaded portion 616 of the shell portion 608. Accordingly, the bearing surface 632 moves outward from the brake housing 620 and away from the brake surface 644. As a result, the adjustment member 638 slides outward from the brake housing 620 and away from the brake surface 644. The adjustment member 638 reduces the pressure on the biasing member 640. The biasing member 640 responsively reduces the biasing force applied to the brake surface 644. More specifically, the biasing member 640 reduces the biasing force on the alternately arranged first washer 648 and second washer 652. By releasing the compression on the washers 648 and 652 (reducing the pressure), the braking force (or brake tension) applied to the bearing 656, and subsequently to the brake shaft 660 and brake cap 664, is reduced. The reduced braking force is transmitted from the brake cap 664 to the rotating pipe 204.

[0124] Referring to Figures 40-42, a clutch assembly 700 for driving the rotating pipe assembly 200 is illustrated. Referring to Figure 40, the clutch assembly 700 includes a clutch housing 704, a clutch sprocket 708, a continuous loop operating means 712, and a hold-down means 716. As illustrated in Figure 42, the clutch housing 704 (or clutch bail 704) is provided with a channel 720 surrounding a ring 724. The clutch sprocket 708 is configured to engage with the clutch housing 704 and rotate relative to the ring 724. The clutch sprocket 708 includes a plurality of radial projections 728, each having a plurality of pockets 732. Each pocket 732 is configured to selectively receive a portion of the continuous loop operating means 712. In the illustrated embodiment, the continuous loop operating means 712 is illustrated as a bead chain 712, and one of the beads on the bead chain 712 is illustrated to be selectively received by each pocket 732. An aperture 736 is provided on the sprocket 708. The aperture 736 receives the ring 724 to facilitate a rotatable connection between the clutch sprocket 708 and the clutch housing 704. More specifically, the clutch sprocket 708 is configured to rotate relative to the clutch housing 704. The clutch sprocket 708 is also provided with a plurality of mounting clips 740. As shown in Figures 41-42, the mounting clips 740 are arranged around the aperture 736 and configured to engage with a portion of the idler member 304. More specifically, the mounting clips 740 are configured to selectively receive into mounting slots 305 shown in Figure 43. As shown in Figures 9 and 30, the plurality of mounting slots 305 are provided on the idler member 304 and extend around the plunger 220. The idler member 304 attached to both the idler assembly 300 and the brake assembly 600 incorporates a mounting slot 305.Thus, the clutch assembly 700 can be mounted (attached) to either end of the rotating pipe assembly 200. Therefore, the clutch assembly 700 advantageously incorporates a non-handed system for operation. In commercially available clutches, the clutch is mounted on either the right-hand or left-hand side of the roll shade. This is because commercially available clutches rotate in different directions to facilitate operation of the roll shade at the end of the attachment. The clutch assembly 700 is configured to be operated from either the left-hand or right-hand side of the rotating pipe assembly 200 (i.e., the clutch assembly 700 is non-handed and not limited to operation on either the left-hand or right-hand side). The clutch assembly 700 simply needs to engage with the idler member 304 at either end of the rotating pipe assembly 200 (either the first end 208 of the rotating pipe 204 or the second end 212 of the rotating pipe 204), and the clutch assembly 700 is configured to be operable.

[0125] Referring in Figures 40-44, the hold-down means 716 is configured to selectively engage with the continuous loop operating means 712. Referring in particular to Figures 44-45, the hold-down means 716 includes a first member 744 provided with a first aperture 748 and a second member 752 provided with a second aperture 756. The second member 752 is received by the first member 744. One end of the biasing member 760 is connected to the first member 744, and the opposite end is connected to the second member 752 (as shown in Figure 44).

[0126] Figure 44 illustrates the hold-down means 716 in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the apertures 748 and 756 of the hold-down means 716 are not aligned. This is because the biasing member 760 biases the second member 752 relative to the first member 744, and positions the apertures 748 and 756 so that they are not aligned. The apertures 748 and 756 restrain the continuous loop operating means 712. That is, the continuous loop operating means 712 cannot move freely through the apertures 748 and 756.

[0127] Figure 45 illustrates the hold-down means 716 in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the apertures 748 and 756 of the hold-down means 716 are aligned. This corresponds to the arrangement such that the biasing force applied by the biasing member 760 is canceled out and the apertures 748 and 756 are aligned. The apertures 748 and 756 do not restrain the continuous loop operating means 712. That is, the continuous loop operating means 712 can move freely through the apertures 748 and 756. The biasing force can be canceled out by attaching the hold-down means 716 to the surface of a wall or other structure near the opening of the building where the roll shade assembly 100 is installed.

[0128] The hold-down means 716 is configured to be mounted on a surface to facilitate operation in the second configuration. To facilitate mounting, in the first configuration, the hold-down means 716 moves together with the continuous loop operating means 712. The hold-down means 716 eventually comes into contact with the clutch housing 704 and / or clutch sprocket 708, which in turn restrains further movement of the continuous loop operating means 712. This prevents interference with the proper operation of the clutch assembly 700 and the associated rotating tube assembly 200. Proper mounting of the hold-down means 716 also reduces the risk of potential hazards posed by the continuous loop operating means 712 (e.g., the risk of tripping and falling, or tightening due to a free-standing loop). In other embodiments, the hold-down means 716 may be any of the hold-down means disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,663,988, titled “Hold-down means for a loop operating means of a window cover”, or in U.S. Patent No. 10,415,304, also titled “Hold-down means for a loop operating means of a window cover”, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference in this specification.

[0129] Figures 46-47 illustrate an embodiment of a chain diverter 764 used with the clutch assembly 700. Referring to Figure 46, the chain diverter 764 is configured to be attached to (or connected to) the bracket member 122. Preferably, the chain diverter 764 is connected to the bracket member 122 attached to the ends 208, 212 of the rotating tube 204 to which the clutch assembly 700 is attached. The chain diverter 764 is provided with a first slot 768 and a second slot 772. A spacer member 776 is positioned between the first slot 768 and the second slot 772. Each slot 768, 772 is configured to receive one of two locations on the continuous loop operating means 712. The spacer member 776, together with the spaced-apart slots 768, 772, maintains the two separations of the continuous loop operating means 712. This facilitates the separation of the two locations and limits the risk of unwanted twisting or entanglement that would prevent the desired operation of the continuous loop operating means 712. The chain diverter 764 is positioned between the clutch housing 704 and the hold-down means 716, preferably closer to the clutch housing 704 than to the hold-down means 716.

[0130] In the operation of the roll shade assembly 100, the rotating pipe assembly 200 is selectively attached to the bracket assembly 120. Furthermore, the cover 216 is connected to the rotating pipe 204. In the first operating configuration, the cover material 216 is unwound (or fed) from the rotating pipe 204. This lowers the cover material 216 into the building opening. When the user operates the continuous loop operating means 712 in the first direction, the clutch sprocket 708 subsequently rotates relative to the clutch housing 704. The clutch sprocket 708 then rotates the connected idler member 304.

[0131] In the configuration in which the clutch assembly 700 is connected to the idler member 304 of the idler assembly 300 (or at the first end 208 of the rotating tube 204), the idler member 304 of the idler assembly 300 rotates in response to the rotation of the clutch sprocket 708. The idler member 304 rotates relative to the idler housing 308, and subsequently rotates the rotating tube 204. As the rotating tube 204 rotates, the idler member 304 of the brake assembly 600 rotates in response. More specifically, the idler member 304 rotates relative to the idler housing 308 of the brake assembly 600.

[0132] In another configuration in which the clutch assembly 700 is connected to the idler member 304 of the brake assembly 600 (or at the second end 212 of the rotating tube 204), the idler member 304 of the brake assembly 600 rotates in response to the rotation of the clutch sprocket 708. The idler member 304 rotates relative to the idler housing 308, and subsequently rotates the rotating tube 204. As the rotating tube 204 rotates, the idler member 304 of the idler assembly 300 rotates in response. More specifically, the idler member 304 rotates relative to the idler housing 308 of the brake assembly idler assembly 300.

[0133] When the rotating tube 204 rotates in response to the idler member 304 driven by the clutch assembly 700, the timing ring 312 rotates in response. In the configuration of the idler assembly 300 in which the timing ring 312 is engaged with the rotating tube 204, the timing ring 312 rotates in response to the rotation of the rotating tube 204. In the configuration of the idler assembly 300a in which the timing ring 312a is engaged with the idler member 304a, the timing ring 312a rotates in response to the rotation of the idler member 304a (in response to the rotation of the rotating tube 204 or the rotation from the clutch assembly 700). When the timing rings 312 and 312a rotate relative to the idler housing 308, the timing rings 312 and 312a pass through the idler housing 308. In response to the timing ring threaded portion 328 moving along the threaded portion 324 of the idler housing 308, the timing rings 312 and 312a pass through the idler housing 308. The timing rings 312 and 312a pass through the idler housing 308 until the cover 216 is fully (or completely) unwound from the rotating tube 204 (the timing rings 312 and 312a pass away from the second stop member 336), or until the first stop member 332 engages with or contacts the second stop member 336 (the timing rings 312 and 312a pass toward the second stop member 336).

[0134] Furthermore, when the rotating tube 204 rotates in response to the idler member 304 driven by the clutch assembly 700, the spring drive unit 408 rotates in response. When the spring drive unit 408 rotates, the drive shaft 488 also rotates. The rotation of the drive shaft 488 subsequently rotates the shaft 420 of the connected spring assembly 404. When the shaft 420 rotates relative to the spring assembly 404, the biasing member 424 imparts a biasing force to the shaft 420. This spring biasing force imparts tension back to the rotating tube 204, helping to maintain the selected position of the cover 216 relative to the building opening. As described above, in other embodiments, the multiple spring assemblies 404 may be connected in parallel, in series, or both in parallel and in series. The operation of multiple spring assemblies 404 connected in parallel, in series, or both in parallel and in series is performed as described above.

[0135] Furthermore, when the rotating tube 204 rotates in response to the idler member 304 driven by the clutch assembly 700, the brake cap 664 rotates in response. When the brake cap 664 rotates, the brake shaft 660 rotates in response. When the brake shaft 660 rotates, the brake shaft 660 rotates relative to the one-way bearing 656. Normally, the direction of rotation of the brake shaft 660 attached to the cover material 216 unwound from the rotating tube 204 is the direction of torque transmission from the one-way bearing 656 to the brake shaft 660. Therefore, when the cover material 216 is unwound from the rotating tube 204 to a position suitable for the building opening, the braking force generated by the brake surface 644 is transmitted to the brake shaft 660 via the one-way bearing 656. The braking force is further transmitted from the brake shaft 660 to the rotating tube 204 via the brake cap 664, and the cover material 216 restricts "creep down" or unintended descent (or further unintended unwinding from the rotating tube 204 without the user operating the clutch assembly 700).

[0136] In the second operating configuration, the cover material 216 is wrapped around (or wound up) the rotating tube 204. This causes the cover material 216 to rise relative to the building opening. When the user operates the continuous loop operating means 712 in the second direction, the clutch sprocket 708 subsequently rotates relative to the clutch housing 704. The clutch sprocket 708 then rotates the connected idler member 304. The rotation of the clutch sprocket 708 and the idler member 304 is substantially the same as described above relating to unwinding the cover material 216 from the rotating tube 204, except that the clutch sprocket 708, the idler member 304, and the rotating tube 204 rotate in opposite directions.

[0137] When the rotating tube 204 rotates in response to the idler member 304 driven by the clutch assembly 700, the timing rings 312 and 312a rotate in response. When the timing rings 312 and 312a rotate relative to the idler housing 308, the timing rings 312 and 312a pass through the idler housing 308. The timing rings 312 and 312a pass through the idler housing 308 until the cover 216 is sufficiently (or completely) wrapped around the rotating tube 204 (the timing rings 312 and 312a pass away from the second stop member 336), or until the first stop member 332 engages with or contacts the second stop member 336 (the timing rings 312 and 312a pass toward the second stop member 336). In the illustrated embodiment, as the cover material 216 wraps around (winds up) the rotating tube 204, the timing rings 213 and 312a pass through the idler housing 308 toward the second stop member 336. The contact between the first stop member 332 and the second stop member 336 suppresses further rotation of the timing rings 312 and 312a, so that the passage of the timing rings 213 and 312a through the idler housing 308 toward the second stop member 336 prevents the hem bar (or other end structure) of the cover material 216 from rising too high (or wrapping too much around the rotating tube 204). This suppression of further rotation is transmitted to the rotating tube 204 and the idler member 304, and ultimately to the clutch assembly 700.

[0138] Furthermore, when the rotating tube 204 rotates in response to the idler member 304 driven by the clutch assembly 700, the spring drive unit 408 rotates in response. The rotation of the spring drive unit 408 causes the drive shaft 488 to rotate, which in turn causes the shaft 420 of the connected spring assembly 404 to rotate. When the shaft 420 rotates relative to the spring assembly 404, the biasing member 424 reduces the biasing force on the shaft 420. This spring biasing force reduces the tension on the rotating tube 204.

[0139] Furthermore, when the rotating tube 204 rotates in response to the idler member 304 driven by the clutch assembly 700, the brake cap 664 rotates in response. When the brake cap 664 rotates, the brake shaft 660 rotates in response. When the brake shaft 660 rotates, the brake shaft 660 rotates relative to the one-way bearing 656. Normally, the direction of rotation of the brake shaft 660 associated with the cover material 216 wrapped around the rotating tube 204 is the direction of free rotation of the brake shaft 660 by the one-way bearing 656 (i.e., opposite to the torque transmission direction). Therefore, in order to facilitate the wrapping of the cover material 216 around the rotating tube 204 with minimal interference from the brake surface 644, the brake shaft 660 rotates freely relative to the one-way bearing 656.

[0140] Figures 48-50 illustrate other embodiments of the bracket assembly 900 for use with the rotating pipe assembly 200. It should be understood that the components of the bracket assembly 900 shown in Figure 48 form half (1 / 2) of the bracket assembly 900. The components shown in Figure 48 are configured to connect to one end of the rotating pipe assembly 200. A duplicate of the same components shown in Figure 48 is configured to connect to the other end of the rotating pipe assembly 200. Thus, the bracket assembly 900 has two sets of the components shown in Figure 48.

[0141] Referring to Figure 48, the bracket assembly 900 includes a mounting bracket 904, a first bracket cover 908, and a second bracket cover 912. The mounting bracket 904 is provided with an aperture 916 and a mounting portion 920. The mounting portion 920 includes a first mounting surface 924 and a second mounting surface 928. The mounting surfaces 924 and 928 are typically arranged to be orthogonal (or perpendicular) to each other. Each mounting surface 924 and 928 is provided with a plurality of mounting apertures 932. The mounting apertures 932 are formed to receive attached fastening means (e.g., screws, nails, bolts, etc.). The fastening means are configured to selectively attach (or mount) the corresponding mounting bracket 904 to the building opening (for example, to facilitate attachment to the periphery of the building opening, outside the periphery of the building opening, a window frame, another wall or other structure outside the window frame, etc.). Each mounting surface 924, 928 also includes at least one cover aperture 936.

[0142] The aperture 916 is configured to receive the plunger 220 of the rotating tube assembly 200. The aperture 916 includes a plurality of radial members 134 (or radial teeth 134) arranged on the outer circumference of the aperture 916 and extending from the mounting bracket 904 to the aperture 916 (projecting toward the aperture 916). Each radial member 134 is spaced apart from adjacent radial members 134 and forms a serrated (or sawtooth) shape. The aperture 916 also includes at least one projection 138. Each projection 138 may be actuated relative to the mounting bracket 904 (for example, by a screwdriver or other means).

[0143] Furthermore, the bracket assembly 900 includes a pair of substantially identical mounting brackets 904. The mounting brackets 904 are positioned opposite each other (i.e., one mounting bracket 904 is positioned to be rotated 180 degrees (180°) relative to the other mounting bracket 904, or one mounting bracket 904 is positioned to be a mirror image of the other mounting bracket 904). The pair of mounting brackets 904 may be referred to as the first mounting bracket 904 and the second mounting bracket 904. The first mounting bracket 904 is configured to engage with the plunger 220 received at the first end 208 of the rotating tube 204, and the second mounting bracket 904 is configured to engage with the plunger 220 received at the second end 212 of the rotating tube 204.

[0144] The mounting bracket 904 is configured to be slidably received by the first bracket cover 908. The first bracket cover 908 is provided with a recess 940. Referring to Figure 49, the first bracket cover 908 is also provided with a slot 944 connected to the recess 940. The mounting bracket 904 is inserted (or received) by the slot 944 such that a portion of the mounting bracket 904 having the aperture 916 is positioned within the recess 940.

[0145] The second bracket cover 912 is configured to selectively engage with the mounting portion 920 of the mounting bracket 904. The second bracket cover 912 includes a first surface 948 and a second surface 952. The surfaces 948 and 952 are typically arranged to be orthogonal (or perpendicular) to each other. Furthermore, the surfaces 948 and 952 are arranged to have a geometry complementary to the mounting surfaces 924 and 928. The first surface 948 is provided with a plurality of mounting apertures 932a that complement the mounting apertures 932 of the mounting surfaces 924 and 928. The second surface 952 is provided with a member 956 configured to be received by one of the cover apertures 936.

[0146] The first bracket cover 908 and the second bracket cover 912 both decoratively cover the mounting bracket 904. In other words, the mounting bracket 904 is not normally exposed. Only a portion of the mounting bracket 904 facing the rotating tube 204 is not exposed, which is necessary to facilitate the engagement of the plunger 220 with the aperture 916. However, the rotating tube 204 and the components of the accompanying exit tube assembly 200 usually block the partially exposed portion of the mounting bracket 904 from view. To facilitate the covering of the mounting bracket 904, the mounting bracket 904 is received by the first bracket cover 908. The second bracket cover 912 is then positioned to engage with the mounting bracket 904 based on the mounting surfaces 924, 928 used to mount the mounting bracket 904.

[0147] In the first mounting configuration, the first mounting surface 924 is used to mount the mounting bracket 904, the second bracket cover 912 is positioned such that the mounting aperture 932a of the first surface 948 is aligned with the mounting aperture 932 of the first mounting surface 924. The member 956 of the second surface 952 is received by the cover aperture 936 of the second mounting surface 928. This allows the second surface 952 to decoratively cover the second mounting surface 928 (see Figure 50) while facilitating the reception of one or more fastening means by the aligned mounting apertures 932, 932a of the first mounting surface 924.

[0148] In a second mounting configuration in which the second mounting surface 928 is used to mount the mounting bracket 904, the second bracket cover 912 is positioned such that the mounting aperture 932a of the first surface 948 is aligned with the mounting aperture 932 of the second mounting surface 928. The member 956 of the second surface 952 is received by the cover aperture 936 of the first mounting surface 924. This allows the second surface 952 to decoratively cover the first mounting surface 924 while facilitating the reception of one or more fastening means by the aligned mounting apertures 932, 932a of the second mounting surface 928.

[0149] Referring to Figures 51-53, other embodiments of the roll shade assembly 1000 are illustrated. The roll shade assembly 1000 is shown as a shear shade. The shade assembly 1000 includes a head rail 1004 that receives a rotating pipe assembly 200 (see Figure 53). The rotating pipe assembly 200 is identical to the rotating pipe assembly 200 described above and includes the rotating pipe 204, the idler assembly 300, the spring tension assembly 400, and the brake assembly 600 (illustrated in Figure 7). The idler assembly 300 and the spring tension assembly 400 are configured to be received at the first end 208 of the rotating pipe 204 (illustrated in Figure 7). The brake assembly 600 is configured to be received at the second end 212 of the rotating pipe 204 (illustrated in Figure 7). The rotating pipe assembly 200 is configured to engage with a bracket member 122b. Referring to Figure 52, each bracket member 122b is provided with an aperture 130 configured to receive the plunger 220 of the rotating pipe assembly 200, as described above. The bracket member 122b has a different geometry from the bracket members 122 and 122a and is not configured to be attached to the building opening. Instead, the headrail 1004 is attached to the building opening which has a mounting bracket 1006 configured to engage with a portion of the headrail 1004. The mounting bracket 1006 is fixed to the building opening by a plurality of fastening means 1007 (e.g., screws, nails, bolts, etc.).

[0150] The cover 216a (or shade 216a or building cover 216a) is connected to the rotating pipe 204. More specifically, the cover 216a includes a first end 1008 (shown in Figure 53) connected to the rotating pipe 204. The cover 216a extends from the rotating pipe 204 to an adjustable bottom rail 1012 (shown in Figure 51). The bottom rail 1012 houses a cylindrical rod (or roller, not shown) to which the cover 216a is partially wrapped, and which is detached from the bottom rail 1012 and returned to the head rail 1004. The second end 1016 of the cover 216a is attached to the head rail 1004.

[0151] Unlike known shear shades in which the second end of the cover material is attached inside (or within) the headrail, the roll shade assembly 1000 is advantageous in which the second end 1016 of the cover 216a is attached to the rear surface 1020 of the headrail 1004. In other words, the second end 1016 is attached outside the headrail 1004. Because the attachment is not made inside the headrail 1004, more space is available inside the headrail 1004. This allows for the accommodation of a larger diameter rotating tube assembly 200 and / or a larger amount of cover 216a that is wrapped around the rotating tube assembly 200.

[0152] The headrail 1004 includes a housing 1018, which is partially provided with an enclosure 1020. The enclosure 1020 receives the rotating pipe assembly 200. The housing 1018 includes a first side surface 1024 and a second side surface 1028 on the opposite side. The first side surface 1024 is within the enclosure 1020 and faces the rotating pipe assembly 200. The second side surface 1028 is outside the headrail 1004. The housing 1018 is provided with a channel 1032 located on the second side surface of the headrail 1004. The channel 1032 is a longitudinal channel configured to receive the second end 1016 of the cover 216a. A spline (not shown) is configured to be received by the channel 1032 to hold the second end of the cover 216a. The cover 216a extends from the channel 1032, over a portion of the second side surface 1028 of the housing 1018, to the bottom rail 1012. From the second end 1016 to the bottom rail 1012, the cover 216a is positioned outside the head rail 1004. Once the head rail 1004 is installed, the channel 1032 and the portion of the cover 216a positioned outside the head rail 1004 are normally invisible. This is because the portion of the cover 216a is sandwiched between the head rail 1004 and the surface to which the head rail 1004 is installed.

[0153] During operation, the user moves the bottom rail 1012 relative to the head rail 1004. As the bottom rail 1012 moves away from the head rail 1004, the cover material 216a is unwound from the rotating tube 204 of the rotating tube assembly 200. More specifically, since the second end 1016 of the cover material 216a is attached to the head rail 1004, as the bottom rail 1012 moves away from the head rail 1004, the cylindrical rod imparts a downward force to the cover material 216a. This force is transmitted to the rotating tube assembly 200, facilitating the unwinding of the cover material 216 from the rotating tube 204. As the bottom rail 1012 continues to move away from the head rail 1004, the cover material 216a slides around the cylindrical rod. Moving the bottom rail 1012 toward the head rail 1004 facilitates the wrapping of the cover material 216 around the rotating tube 204.

Claims

1. A rotating tube; Idler assembly and A roller shade assembly comprising: the rotating tube includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the rotating tube is provided with an opening extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end; the idler assembly is received in the opening at the first end; the idler assembly includes an idler housing, a plunger received in the idler housing, and a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the plunger; The plunger is configured to slide relative to the idler receptacle, and the plunger is configured to selectively engage a bracket member. A roller shade assembly comprising:

2. 2. The roller shade assembly of claim 1, wherein the plunger is configured to slide along an axis relative to the idler housing, the axis being the axis of rotation of the rotating tube.

3. further including an idler member carried in the idler receiving portion; The roller shade assembly of claim 1 , wherein the idler member is configured to rotate relative to the idler housing.

4. further comprising a bearing coupled to the idler housing; 4. The roller shade assembly of claim 3, wherein the idler member engages the bearing for rotation relative to the idler receptacle.

5. 5. The roller shade assembly of claim 4, wherein the bearing is received by an annular groove provided in the idler receiving portion.

6. a timing ring coupled to the idler housing; The roller shade assembly of claim 1 , wherein the timing ring is configured to rotate relative to the idler housing.

7. 7. The roll shade assembly of claim 6, wherein the idler accommodating portion is provided with a helical thread portion, the timing ring is provided with a timing ring thread portion, and the timing ring thread portion is configured to engage with the helical thread portion.

8. 8. The roller shade assembly of claim 7, wherein the timing ring moves laterally along the idler housing in response to rotation of the timing ring relative to the idler housing.

9. 9. The roller shade assembly of claim 8, wherein the idler housing includes a support ring and the timing ring, a first stop member is provided on the support ring, and a second stop member is provided on the timing ring, and rotational movement of the timing ring relative to the idler housing in a first direction is limited in response to the second stop member contacting the first stop member.

10. a spring assembly; a spring drive, the spring assembly includes a housing, a shaft received in the housing, and a spring member, the spring member being connected to the housing at one end and to the shaft at an opposite end, the spring assembly being received in the rotary tube; the spring drive includes a drive shaft, the spring drive is received by the rotating tube; 2. The roller shade assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring assembly is configured to interlock with the idler housing, the drive shaft of the spring drive is configured to engage with the shaft of the spring assembly, and the spring assembly is configured to apply a counterbalance force to the rotating tube.

11. In response to rotation of the rotary tube, the spring drive rotates with the rotary tube, the spring drive rotates relative to the spring assembly housing, and the shaft rotates relative to the spring assembly housing; 11. The roller shade assembly of claim 10, wherein the spring member applies a biasing force to the shaft to generate the counterbalancing force in response to rotation of the shaft.

12. a first spring assembly; a second spring assembly; and Spring drive unit Further comprising: the first spring assembly includes a first housing, a first shaft received in the first housing, and a first spring member, the first spring member being connected to the first housing at one end and to the first shaft at the opposite end, and the first spring assembly being received by the rotary tube; the second spring assembly includes a second housing, a second shaft received in the second housing, and a second spring member, the second spring member being connected to the second housing at one end and to the second shaft at the opposite end, and the second spring assembly being received in the rotary tube; the spring drive includes a drive shaft, the spring drive is received in the rotating tube; a first housing of the first spring assembly configured to interlock with the idler housing, a second shaft of the second spring assembly configured to engage with the first shaft of the first spring assembly, and a drive shaft of the spring drive configured to engage with the second shaft of the spring assembly; 2. The roller shade assembly of claim 1, wherein the first spring assembly and the second spring assembly are each configured to provide a counterbalance force to the rotating tube.

13. 13. The roller shade assembly of claim 12, wherein the counterbalance forces generated by each of the first and second spring assemblies are arranged in parallel.

14. a first spring assembly; a second spring assembly; a series connection assembly; and Spring drive unit Further comprising: the first spring assembly includes a first housing, a first shaft received in the first housing, and a first spring member, the first spring member being connected to the first housing at one end and to the first shaft at the opposite end, and the first spring assembly being received by the rotary tube; the second spring assembly includes a second housing, a second shaft received in the second housing, and a second spring member, the second spring member being connected to the second housing at one end and to the second shaft at an opposite end, and the second spring assembly being received by the rotary tube; the series connection assembly includes a third receiving portion and a third shaft, the series connection assembly is connected to the first spring assembly and the second spring assembly, the spring drive includes a drive shaft, the spring drive is received in the rotating tube; a first housing of the spring assembly configured to interlock with the idler housing, a first shaft of the first spring assembly configured to engage with a third shaft of the series connection assembly, a second housing of the second spring assembly configured to interlock with the third housing of the series connection assembly, and a drive shaft of the spring drive configured to engage with the second shaft of the spring assembly; the first spring assembly and the second spring assembly are each configured to apply a counterbalance force to the rotating tube; 2. The roller shade assembly of claim 1, wherein the counterbalance forces generated by each of the first and second spring assemblies are arranged in series.

15. a brake assembly received on the rotating tube; The brake assembly Brake housing, a brake shaft partially received by the brake receiving portion; a brake cap connected to the brake shaft; a plurality of braking surfaces carried by the brake shaft and received by the brake housing; and a braking force adjusting member partially received in the brake receiving portion and operably engaged with the plurality of braking surfaces; Including, the brake cap is configured to engage with the rotating tube; 2. The roller shade assembly of claim 1, wherein the braking force applied to the rotating tube by the plurality of braking surfaces is adjusted in response to rotation of the braking force adjustment member relative to the brake housing.

16. 16. The roller shade assembly according to claim 15, wherein the braking force adjusting member is a threaded portion that engages with the brake receiving portion.

17. the idler assembly is a first idler assembly, and the roller shade assembly further includes a second idler assembly; 16. The roll shade assembly of claim 15, wherein the second idler assembly is partially received in the opening at the second end of the rotating tube, the second idler assembly including a second idler housing, a second plunger received by the second idler housing, and a second biasing member, the second biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the plunger, the second plunger configured to slide relative to the second idler housing, the second plunger configured to selectively engage with a second bracket member, the second idler housing engaged with the brake housing, and a portion of the brake force adjustment member received by the second idler.

18. a spring assembly; and Spring drive unit Further comprising: the spring assembly includes a housing, a shaft received in the housing, and a spring member, the spring member being connected to the housing at one end and to the shaft at the opposite end, and the spring assembly being received in the rotating tube; the spring drive includes a drive shaft, the spring drive is received by the rotating tube; 16. The roller shade assembly of claim 15, wherein the spring assembly is configured to interlock with the idler housing, and the drive shaft of the spring drive is configured to engage the shaft of the spring assembly.

19. 19. The roller shade assembly of claim 18, wherein in response to rotation of the rotating tube, the spring drive rotates with the rotating tube, the spring drive rotates relative to the spring assembly housing, the shaft rotates relative to the spring assembly housing, and in response to rotation of the shaft, the spring member applies a biasing force to the shaft.

20. a first spring assembly; a second spring assembly; and Spring drive unit Further comprising: the first spring assembly includes a first housing, a first shaft received in the first housing, and a first spring member, the first spring member being connected to the first housing at one end and to the first shaft at the opposite end, and the first spring assembly being received in the rotary tube; the second spring assembly includes a second housing, a second shaft received in the second housing, and a second spring member, the second spring member being connected at one end to the second housing and at an opposite end to the second shaft, and the second spring assembly being received in the rotary tube; the spring drive includes a drive shaft, the spring drive is received in the rotating tube; 16. The roller shade assembly of claim 15, wherein the first housing of the first spring assembly is configured to interlock with the idler housing, the second shaft of the second spring assembly is configured to engage with the first shaft of the first spring assembly, and the drive shaft of the spring drive unit is configured to engage with the second shaft of the second spring assembly.

Images