Window treatment system having an exposed drapery rod

Abstract

A drapery system may comprise a drapery fabric, a drapery rod, and a plurality of carriers that extend through a slot in a lower surface of the drapery rod and support the drapery fabric. The drapery system may comprise a drive end assembly, an idler end assembly, and a track portion that are all located in a track channel of the drapery rod. The track portion may have a carrier channel that receives the carriers and belt channels that receive a belt for moving the carriers through the carrier channel. The drapery system may comprise two or more mounting brackets, such as an intermediate mounting bracket located between a first end and a second end of the drapery rod. The drapery system may comprise a light source (e.g., a tape or strip light source) that extends along the drapery rod and emits light away from the drapery rod.

Description

WINDOW TREATMENT SYSTEM HAVING AN EXPOSED DRAPERY RODCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of Provisional U.S. Patent Application No.63 / 760,354, filed February 19, 2025, of Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 872,009, filed August 28, 2025, and of Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 966,726, filed January 23, 2026, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Drapery systems allow for movement of a suspended drapery fabric covering, for example, a window or other opening. Drapery systems may be manual or motorized. A typical motorized drapery system includes a drive system having a reversible motor that turns a drive pulley for moving a drive belt within an elongated track. The drive belt is connected to a master carrier to provide for movement of the master carrier in two opposite directions depending on the direction that the reversible motor is driving the drive belt. The drapery fabric is attached to the master carrier and a plurality of auxiliary carriers that may not engage the drive belt. The master carrier and auxiliary carriers include wheels received within the track to provide rolling movement of the carriers. The master carrier and the auxiliary carriers may support the drapery fabric to provide for movement of the drapery fabric along the track. An elongated slot is provided in the track for connection between the carriers positioned within the track and the suspended drapery fabric. A typical manual drapery system may include an elongated track and a plurality of carriers (e.g., such as the auxiliary carriers) that support the drapery fabric and include wheels received within the track to provide rolling movement of the carriers in response to manual movement of the drapery fabric.SUMMARY

[0003] As described herein, a drapery system for supporting a drapery fabric may comprise a drapery rod that extends from a first end to a second end in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to support the drapery fabric. The drapery rod may include a track portion that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, and a slot that extends through a lower surface of the drapery rod. The plurality of fabric-support carriers may be received in the track portion of the drapery rod and may extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod. The track portion of the drapery rod may enable the plurality of fabric-support carriers to move through the track portion to move the drapery fabric along the drapery rod. The drapery system may further comprise a belt that extends through the track portion from the first end of the drapery rod to the second end of the drapery rod, and is configured to operatively couple to at least one of the plurality of fabric-support carriers.

[0004] The drapery rod may comprise a front surface that has a curved profile and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The drapery rod may also comprise an upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface, and a lower surface opposite the upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface. The lower surface may be a planar surface. The slot may extend through the lower surface of the drapery rod such that the lower surface comprises a first lower surface portion and a second lower surface portion on opposing sides of the slot, where the first surface and the second surface may be coplanar. The drapery rod may comprise an elongated portion that extends between the front surface and the rear surface, such that a distance between the front surface and the rear surface of the drapery rod is greater than a distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the drapery rod. For example, the drapery rod may be characterized by a periphery that is defined by the front surface, the rear surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the drapery rod and may be shaped like a pill, an oval, or a racetrack.

[0005] In addition, the drapery system may comprise a drive end assembly including a drive pulley that is received within the drapery rod and engages the belt at the first end of the drapery rod, and an idler end assembly including an idler pulley that is received within the drapery rod andengages the belt at the second end of the drapery rod. For example, a center of the drive pulley of the drive end assembly and a center of the idler pulley of the idler end assembly may be aligned with the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod. In some examples, the drive end assembly may comprise a drive housing for housing the drive pulley and an idler housing for the idler pulley, The drive pulley may be configured to rotate with respect to the drive housing and the idler pulley is configured to rotate with respect to the idler housing. The drive end assembly may also comprise a shaft extending through the slot in the lower surface the drapery rod between the drive pulley and a motor drive unit of the drapery system that may be configured to rotate the shaft to rotate the drive pulley.

[0006] In some examples, the drapery system may comprise a locating plate located outside of the drapery rod below the lower surface of the drapery rod. The locating plate may be coupled to the lower idler housing portion via a fastener received through the locating plate, through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, and through the idler housing. The lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate when the fastener is tightened. The locating plate may be configured to be moved along the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod when the fastener is received through the locating plate and the idler housing and is not tightened to move the idler end assembly and adjust tensioning in the belt of the drapery system. The idler housing may be locked in position in the drapery rod and the tensioning in the belt of the drapery system may be maintained when the fastener is tightened such that the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate. The drive housing of the drive end assembly may comprise at least one wing that abut the first end of the drapery rod to locate the drive end assembly at a defined location within the drapery rod at the first end.

[0007] In addition, the drapery rod may comprise a track channel that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and comprises a carrier channel and first and second belt channels that extend through the track portion. The drive end assembly, the idler end assembly, and the track portion may be received within the track channel of the drapery rod. The slot of the drapery rod may extend through the lower surface of the drapery rod to expose the carrier channel ofthe track portion. The plurality of fabric-support carriers may be received in the carrier channel of the track portion, and the belt may extend through the first and second belt channels of the track portion. In some examples, the track portion may extend from a first end to a second end, and may be positioned between the drive end assembly and the idler end assembly within the track portion, such that the drive end assembly is located adjacent to the first end of the track portion and the idler end assembly is located adjacent to the second end of the track portion. The belt may extend linearly through the first and second belt channels of the track portion between the drive pulley and the idler pulley. The belt may comprise a plurality of teeth extending from an inner surface of the belt, and the drive pulley may comprise a drum defining a plurality of teeth surrounding a perimeter of the drum. The teeth of the drive pulley may engage with the teeth of the belt as the drive pulley rotates for causing the belt to move through the first and second belt channels of the track portion. For example, a distance between the inner surface of the belt within the first belt channel of the track portion and the inner surface of the belt within the second belt channel of the track portion may be spaced apart by a distance that is approximately equal to an outside diameter of the drive pulley and an outside diameter of the idler pulley.

[0008] Further, the drapery system may comprise two or more mounting brackets configured to be mounted to a structure of a building in which the drapery system is located, where the two or more mounting brackets may include an intermediate mounting bracket comprising a base configured to be mounted to the structure and an arm that extends from the base in a lateral direction. The intermediate mounting bracket may be configured to support the drapery rod at a location between the first and second ends of the drapery rod. The drapery rod may comprise an attachment channel extending along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction. The drapery rod may comprise flange portions that form an attachment slot that extends through the drapery rod into the attachment channel. The intermediate mounting bracket may be coupled to a connection member that is received within the attachment channel of the drapery rod. The intermediate mounting bracket may comprise an attachment member that engages with the attachment channel of the drapery rod. The connection member may comprise a neck portion that extends through the attachment slot in the drapery rod and an enlarged portion received in the attachment channel suchthat the flange portions of the drapery rod are captured between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the attachment member.

[0009] In some examples, the attachment slot may extend into the attachment channel through a rear surface of the drapery rod. The attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket may comprise wings that extend from the arm in the longitudinal direction at a distal end of the arm. The wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket may be configure to be attached to the connection member via fasteners received through respective openings in the wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket and respective openings in the connection member in the lateral direction. The flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel may be clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the wings of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

[0010] In other examples, the attachment slot may extend into the attachment channel through a recessed surface located between a rear surface and an upper surface of the drapery rod. The attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket may comprise a bar that extends from a distal end of the arm and may be attached to the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod. The attachment member may further comprise a fastener that may be received through a respective opening in the bar and a respective opening in the connection member in a transverse direction. The flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel may be clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the bar of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

[0011] In other examples, the drapery system may comprise a light source that extends along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and emits light away from the drapery rod. The light source may comprise an elongated substrate extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of emitters mounted to the substrate along a length of the elongated substrate. For example, the light source may be a tape light source or a strip light source. The drapery rod may further comprise a lighting channel that extends in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the upper surface of the drapery rod. The light source may be located at least partially within the lighting channel and extendalong all or a portion of the lighting channel. The lighting channel may further comprise a mounting surface to which the elongated substrate of the light source is mounted. The mounting surface may be oriented at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, for example, to cause the light source to emit light in an upwards and a rearward direction from the drapery rod.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. l is a top perspective view of an example of a drapery system that allows for movement of a drapery fabric for covering an opening (e.g., such as a window).

[0013] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the drapery system of FIG. 1 without the drapery fabric and a plurality of carriers (e.g., master carriers and / or auxiliary carriers) shown.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of the drapery system of FIG. 1 without the drapery fabric shown.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of auxiliary carriers that may be received in a drapery rod of the drapery system of FIG. 1 and may support the drapery fabric.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a side cross-section view of the drapery system of FIG. 1 showing an auxiliary carrier of FIG. 4 received in the drapery rod.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a front cross-section view of a portion of the drapery system of FIG. 1 showing the auxiliary carriers of FIG. 4 received in the drapery rod.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a top front perspective view of another example of a drapery system that includes a light source and allows for movement of a drapery fabric for covering an opening e.g., such as a window).

[0019] FIG. 8 is a top rear perspective view of the drapery system of FIG. 7.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a front view of the drapery system of FIG. 7.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a side cross-section view of the drapery system of FIG. 7 taken through a center of an intermediate mounting bracket of the drapery system.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the intermediate mounting bracket of FIGs. 7 and 10.

[0023] FIG. 12 is an enlarged top rear perspective view of a portion of the drapery system of FIG. 7 illustrating a light source assembly of the drapery system in greater detail.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a bottom front perspective view of another example of a drapery system that allows for movement of a drapery fabric for covering an opening (e.g., such as a window).

[0025] FIG. 14 is a top rear perspective view of the drapery system of FIG. 13.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a front view of the drapery system of FIG. 13.

[0027] FIG. 16A is a partial rear perspective view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing a first end mounting bracket in greater detail.

[0028] FIG. 16B is a partial rear perspective view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing a second end mounting bracket in greater detail.

[0029] FIG. 16C is a partial rear perspective view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing an intermediate mounting bracket in greater detail.

[0030] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the drapery system of FIG. 13.

[0031] FIG. 18A is a partial exploded view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing the first end mounting bracket, a drive end assembly, and a motor drive unit.

[0032] FIG. 18B is a partial exploded view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing the second end mounting bracket.

[0033] FIG. 18C is a partial exploded view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing the intermediate mounting bracket.

[0034] FIGs. 19A is a side cross-section view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 illustrating a first example track portion of the drapery system.

[0035] FIGs. 19B is a side cross-section view of another example drapery system illustrating a second example track portion of the drapery system.

[0036] FIGs. 20 and 21 are partial front cross-section views of the drapery system of FIG. 13.

[0037] FIGs. 22 and 23 are partial top cross-section views of the drapery system of FIG. 13 taken through the center of a drapery rod of the drapery system.

[0038] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of an example drive end assembly of the drapery system of FIG. 13.

[0039] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of an example idler end assembly of the drapery system of FIG. 13.

[0040] FIG. 26 is a partial side cross-section view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 taken through the center of the idler end assembly.

[0041] FIG. 27 is a bottom front perspective view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing the drapery system with no end mounting brackets and multiple intermediate mounting brackets.

[0042] FIG. 28 is a bottom front perspective view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing a drapery attachment assembly.

[0043] FIG. 29A is a partial bottom front perspective view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing the drapery attachment assembly of FIG. 28.

[0044] FIG. 29B is a partial top rear perspective view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing the drapery attachment assembly of FIG. 28.

[0045] FIG. 30 is a side cross-section view of the drapery system of FIG. 13 showing the drapery attachment assembly of FIG. 28 (e.g., taken through a center of the drapery attachment assembly).

[0046] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an example drive end assembly for use in a drapery system (e.g., such as the drapery systems of FIGs. 1, 7, and 13).

[0047] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an idler end assembly for use in a drapery system (e.g., such as the drapery systems of FIGs. 1, 7, and 13).

[0048] FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the drive end assembly of FIG. 31.

[0049] FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the drive end assembly of FIG. 32.

[0050] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an example drive end assembly for use in a drapery system e.g., such as the drapery systems of FIGs. 1, 7, and 13).

[0051] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an idler end assembly for use in a drapery system (e.g., such as the drapery systems of FIGs. 1, 7, and 13).

[0052] FIG. 37 is a partial rear perspective view a drapery system having first and second drapery rods that are coupled together via a splicing assembly.

[0053] FIG. 38 is a partial rear exploded view the drapery system of FIG. 35 showing the splicing assembly in greater detail.

[0054] FIG. 39 is a block diagram of a load control system including a motor drive unit of a drapery system (e.g., such as the drapery systems of FIGs. 1, 7, and 13) and a load control device for controlling a light source assembly of the drapery system.

[0055] FIG. 40 is a block diagram of a load control device for controlling a drapery fabric of a drapery system (e.g., such as the drapery systems of FIGs. 1, 7, and 13) and a light source assembly of the drapery system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] FIGs. 1-3 illustrate an example of a window treatment system, such as a drapery system 100, that allows for movement of a covering material, such as drapery fabric 101 (e.g., a suspended drapery fabric) for covering an opening (e.g., such as a window). FIG. l is a top perspective view of the drapery system 100 illustrating the drapery fabric 101. FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view and FIG. 3 is a front view of the drapery system 100 (e.g., each without the drapery fabric 101 installed). The drapery system 100 may be configured to be operated to move the drapery fabric 101 in a horizontal direction between a fully-retracted position (e.g., an open position or a fully-open position) in which the window is not covered by the drapery fabric and a fully-extended position (e.g., a closed position or a fully-closed position) in which window is completely covered by the drapery fabric 101 (e.g., the drapery fabric 101 extends across the window). The drapery fabric 101 may be sheer, opaque, etc. By way of example, the drapery fabric 101 may be a ripple-fold drapery fabric having a sine wave and / or zig-zag design in the extended position (e.g., when viewed from above). Additionally or alternatively, the drapery fabric 101 may be a pinch pleat fabric or an S-fold fabric.

[0057] The drapery system 100 may comprise a drapery rod 110 that may support the drapery fabric 101. The drapery rod 110 may extend in a longitudinal direction L from a first end to a second end 113 (e.g., opposite the first end 111) of the drapery rod 110 (e. ., for substantially the length of the window that the drapery fabric 101 is covering). For example, the drapery rod 110 may have a variable length, e.g., depending upon the width of the window that the drapery fabric 101 is covering. The drapery rod 110 may comprise a front surface 112 (e.g., a front side), a rear surface 114 ( .g., a rear side), an upper surface 116 (e.g., an upper side), and a lower surface 118 (e.g., a lower side). The front surface 112 may be opposite the rear surface 114, and the upper surface 116 may be opposite the lower surface 118. The drapery rod 110 may comprise a slot 115 (e.g., an elongated slot) in the lower surface 118. For example, the slot 115 may extend along (e.g., span along) the lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110 in the longitudinal direction L (e.g., between the first end 111 and the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110). The lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110 may comprise a first lower surface portion 118a and a second lower surfaceportion 118b on opposing sides of the slot 115 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). For example, the first lower surface portion 118a may be proximate to (e.g., connected to) the front surface 112 and the second lower surface portion 118b may be proximate to (e.g., connected to) the rear surface 114. When the drapery fabric 101 is in the fully-retracted position, the drapery fabric 101 may be located (e.g., bunched up) near the first end 111 of the drapery rod 110. As the drapery fabric 101 is adjusted from the fully-retracted position to the fully-extended position, the drapery fabric 101 may move towards the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110. When the drapery fabric 101 is in the fully-extended position, the drapery fabric 101 may extend from the first end 111 to, for example, the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110.

[0058] The drapery system 100 may be configured to be secured to a structure surrounding (e.g., above) the window via two or more mounting brackets. For example, the two or more mounting brackets of the drapery system 100 may comprise end mounting brackets (e.g., two end mounting brackets) including a first end mounting bracket 120a connected to the first end 111 of the drapery rod 110 and a second end mounting bracket 120b connected to the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110. The first and second end mounting brackets 120a, 120b may support the drapery rod 110 at the first and second ends 111, 113, respectively. The first and second end mounting brackets 120a, 120b may each comprise a respective base 122a, 122b that may be configured to mount the first and second end mounting brackets 120a, 120b, respectively, to the structure. For example, the respective base 122a, 122b of each of the first and second end mountingbrackets 120a, 120b may comprise one or more openings (not shown) for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws - not shown) for mounting the first and second end mounting brackets 120a, 120b to the structure. In some examples, the drapery system 100 may comprise respective base covers (not shown) that may each be attached to the respective base 122a, 122b of the first and second end mounting brackets 120a, 120b (e.g., to cover the openings and / or the fasteners received in the openings of the respective base 122a, 122b). The first and second end mounting brackets 120a, 120b may each comprise a respective arm 124a, 124b that extends from the respective base 122a, 122b (e.g., in a lateral direction A). Each of the arms 124a, 124b of the first and second mounting brackets 120a, 120b may comprise a respective attachment member (not shown) configured to bephysically coupled, attached, affixed, or otherwise joined to the first and second ends 111, 113 of the drapery rod 110. The first and second end mounting brackets 120a, 120b may support the drapery rod 110 and the drapery fabric 101.

[0059] In addition, the two or more mounting brackets of the drapery system 100 may comprise one or more intermediate mounting brackets (e.g., center mounting brackets), such as an intermediate mounting bracket 125, connected to the drapery rod 110 between the first and second ends 111, 113 of the drapery rod 110. The one or more intermediate mounting brackets 125 may each provide support for the drapery rod 110 in addition to the first and second end mounting brackets 120a, 120b. Providing support at intermediate points along the length of the drapery rod 110 assists in preventing deflection of drapery rod 110 over longer spans, such deflection may be caused by, for example, the weight of the drapery rod 110 and any drapery fabric 101 attached thereto. The center mounting bracket 125 may comprise a base 126 that may be configured to physically couple, attach, affix, anchor, or otherwise mount the center mounting bracket 125 to the structure. For example, the base 126 comprise one or more openings (not shown) for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws - not shown) for mounting the intermediate mounting bracket 126 to the structure. In some examples, one or more base covers (not shown) may be attached to the base 126 of the intermediate mounting bracket 125 (e.g, to conceal the openings and / or the fasteners received in the openings of the base 126 ).

[0060] The intermediate mounting bracket 125 may comprise an arm 128 that extends from the base 126 (e.g., in the lateral direction A). The arm 128 of the intermediate mounting bracket 125 may comprise an attachment member (not shown) attached to the drapery rod 110 at variable locations along the drapery rod 110, thereby configuring the intermediate mounting bracket to support the drapery rod 110 and the drapery fabric 101 attached thereto. While the drapery system 100 is shown with only a single intermediate mounting bracket 125 (e.g., a single center bracket), the drapery system 100 may comprise multiple intermediate mounting brackets 125 spaced at equal or unequal intervals along the drapery rod 110 between the first end 111 and the second end 113. The number of intermediate mounting brackets may depend on the length of the drapery rod 110, the physical size of the drapery rod 110, the material of construction of the drapery rod 110,the weight of any appliances or accessories physically coupled to the drapery rod 110, the weight of the drapery fabric 101, etc. In some examples, the drapery system 100 may not comprise the first and second end mounting brackets 120a, 120b, but may comprise two or more intermediate mounting brackets 125 spaced along the drapery rod 110 for mounting the drapery rod 110 to the structure. While the first and second end mounting brackets 120a, 120b are shown with the respective bases 122a, 122b and the intermediate mounting bracket 125 is shown with the respective base 126, other configurations are possible to mount the first and second end mountingbrackets 120a, 120b and / or the intermediate mounting bracket 125 to the structure, including configurations that use attachment devices or mechanisms to physically couple the drapery rod to the structure.

[0061] The drapery system 100 may comprise one or more fabric-support carriers (e.g, cars), including for example a master carrier 130 and a plurality of auxiliary carriers 140 ( .g., as shown in FIG. 3). Note that the master carrier 130 and auxiliary carriers 140 are not shown in FIG. 2). The master carrier 130 and the auxiliary carriers 140 may be supported by the drapery rod 110. In embodiments, at least a portion of each of the master carrier 130 and the auxiliary carriers 140 may extend through the slot 115 in the lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., in a transverse direction T). In other embodiments, each of the master carrier 130 and the auxiliary carriers 140 may be disposed internal to the drapery rod 110. The master carrier 130 may comprise a body 131 and a drapery-support bar 132 that extends from the body 131 parallel to the drapery rod 110 (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L). The body 131 and / or the drapery-support bar 132 of the master carrier 130 may include openings 133 to receive cooperating features, for example, that are physically coupled or otherwise attached to the drapery fabric 101, thereby connecting the master carrier 130 to the drapery fabric 101 and supporting the drapery fabric 101. Specifically, the drapery fabric 101 may comprise cooperating features configured to connect to the openings 133 of the body 131 and / or the drapery-support bar 132 of the master carrier 130. For example, the drapery fabric 101 may comprise hooks, clips, clamps, or similar physical coupling devices attachable to the drapery fabric 101 (not shown) and configured to be received in one or more of the openings 133 of the body 131 and / or drapery-support bar 132. Although the drapery system 100 depicts one mastercarrier 130, it should be appreciated that the drapery system 100 is not limited to this configuration and may comprise a plurality of master carriers.

[0062] The auxiliary carriers 140 may each support a respective connector 150 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3), which may be configured to connect to the drapery fabric 101. For example, each of the connectors 150 may comprise a head 151, a support portion 152 (e.g., which may be shaped as a ring), and a neck portion 153 extending between the head 151 and the support portion 152. The support portion 152 of each of the connectors 150 may comprise (e.g., define) a respective opening 154 configured to support the drapery fabric 101. For example, cooperating features, such as hooks, of the drapery fabric 101 may be received through the respective openings 154 of the support portions 152 of the connectors 150 supported by the auxiliary carriers 140. In some examples, the connectors 150 (e.g., the support portion 152) may each be a hook, a clasp, a catch, an eye, a snap, and / or the like. It should also be appreciated that the connectors 150 may be integral to and a part of each of the respective auxiliary carriers 140.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a number (e.g., three) of the auxiliary carriers 140 removed from the drapery rod 110 (e.g., without the connectors 150 shown). FIG. 5 is a side cross-section view of the drapery system 100 (e.g., the drapery rod 110) showing one of the auxiliary carriers 140 (e.g., without the respective connector 150 shown) received in the drapery rod 110 (e.g., taken through the line shown in FIG. 3). Note that the second end mounting bracket 120b, the center mounting bracket 125, and the master carrier 130 are not shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a front cross-section view of a portion of the drapery system 100 (e.g., the drapery rod 110) showing the auxiliary carriers 140 received in the drapery rod 110 (e.g., taken through the line shown in FIG. 5).

[0064] Each of the auxiliary carriers 140 may comprise a body 141 that includes a lower portion 142, an upper portion 144, and a connecting portion 146 the extends between the lower portion 142 and the upper portion 144. At least a portion of the connecting portion 146 may extend through the slot 115 of the drapery rod 110 when the auxiliary carriers 140 are received in the drapery rod 110. For example, the lower portion 142 may be accessible from outside of the drapery rod 110 when the auxiliary carriers 140 are received in the drapery rod 110. The auxiliarycarriers 140 (e.g., the lower portions 142) may each comprise (e.g., define) a cavity 143. The cavity 143 of each of the auxiliary carriers 140 may receive a respective connector (e.g., such as the head 151 of one of the connectors 150 shown in FIG. 3), for example, to connect the drapery fabric 101 to the respective auxiliary carrier 140. At least a portion of the upper portion 144 of each of the auxiliary carriers 140 may be located within the drapery rod 110.

[0065] Each of the auxiliary carriers 140 may comprise a pair of opposing wheels 148 that may each located on respective sides of the body 141 of the auxiliary carriers 140 and facilitate movement of the auxiliary carriers 140 along the drapery rod 110, for example, as the drapery fabric 101 of the drapery system 100 is operated between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position. Each of the respective pairs of wheels 148 may be secured to the respective auxiliary carrier 140 (e.g., the upper portion 144) by an axle 149. The axles 149 may each define an axis of rotation of the wheels 148. Each of the respective pairs of wheels 148 may rotate about the respective axle 149, for example, as the auxiliary carriers 140 move along the drapery rod 110. In some examples, the axle 149 may include a shaft that extends through an aperture formed in the upper portion 144 or connecting portion 146 of the auxiliary carrier 140 and to which each of the wheels 148 is either rigidly or rotatably attached. In other examples, the axle 149 may include shaft members that extend from opposing sides of the upper portion 144 or connecting portion 146 of the auxiliary carrier 140 and to which each of the wheels is rotatably attached.

[0066] The auxiliary carriers 140 may be attached to a cord assembly 134 at a predetermined spacing that separates each of the auxiliary carriers 140. The predetermined spacing may be configured such that the auxiliary carriers 140 are equally spaced along a length of the cord assembly 134. The cord assembly 134 may comprise a cord 135 with a plurality of cord fasteners 136. The cord 135 may be attached to the master carrier 130 of the drapery system 100. The cord fasteners 136 may be cylindrically-shaped disks (e.g., pucks). The cord fasteners 136 may be attached (e.g., molded) to the cord 135 at the predetermined spacing (e.g., such as 80 mm). Each of the auxiliary carriers 140 may be attached to the cord 135 (e.g., the cord assembly 134) via respective cord fasteners 136. For example, each of the auxiliary carriers 140 may be attached to arespective one of the cord fasteners 136. The auxiliary carriers 140 may be connected to the master carrier 130 via the cord 135.

[0067] The auxiliary carriers 140 may each comprise (e.g, define) a recess 145 in the upper portion 144. The recess 145 may receive a respective one of the cord fasteners 136 of the cord assembly 134 to attach the respective auxiliary carrier 140 to the cord 135 of the cord assembly 134 of the drapery system 100. For example, the recess 145 of each of the auxiliary carriers 140 of the drapery system 100 may receive, couple, or otherwise connect to a respective one of the cord fasteners 136 of the cord assembly 134. The recess 145 of each of the auxiliary carriers 140 may be configured to removably retain the respective cord fastener 136. For example, each of the cord fasteners 136 may snap into the recess 145 of the respective auxiliary carrier 140. Additionally or alternatively, each of the cord fasteners 136 may be secured within the respective recess 145 using an adhesive or fastening device. In some examples, the cord fasteners 136 may each be a part of (e.g., integral with) the respective auxiliary carriers 140 (e.g., such as the upper portion 144 of the body 141 of each of the auxiliary carriers 140). The auxiliary carrier 140 (e.g., the upper portion 142 of the body 141) may each include guides 147 that extend from opposing sides of the auxiliary carriers 140. The cord 135 may extend through a notch, channel, or aperture formed in, on, or through the guides 147. The guides 147 may captively retain the cord 135 within or along the auxiliary carriers 140.

[0068] The drapery system 100 may be mounted to the structure above the window such that the drapery rod 110 is exposed to the view of a user of the drapery system 100 when facing the window, for example. For example, the drapery rod 110 may be made of a rigid material (e.g., such as metal). The front surface 112 of the drapery rod 110 may have a curved profile (e.g., periphery) as shown in FIG. 5, for example. For example, the front surface 112 of the drapery rod 110 may be characterized by a radius, for example, such as approximately 0.625 inches (e.g., such that the front surface 112 is characterized by a diameter of approximately 1.25 inches). In some examples, the rear surface 114 of the drapery rod 110 may also have a curved profile (e.g., periphery), for example, as shown in FIG. 5. For example, the drapery rod 110 may be characterized by a distance DIA (e.g., approximately 1.85 inches) between an outermost edge of apex of the front surface 112 and anoutermost edge of apex of the rear surface 114 (e.g., measured between the furthest points apart on the front surface 112 and the rear surface 114 in the lateral direction A as shown in FIG. 5). In some examples, the front surface 112 an / d or the rear surface 114 of the drapery rod 110 may have a rectangularly-shaped profile, a square-shaped profile, a triangularly-shaped profile, apolygon-shaped profile, an oval-shaped profile, and / or other suitably shaped profile.

[0069] In some examples, the drapery rod 110 may include an attachment channel 155 that may receive a corresponding attachment member (not shown) of the intermediate mounting bracket 125 for connecting the intermediate mounting bracket 125 to the drapery rod 110 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). The attachment channel 155 may extend in the longitudinal direction L (e.g, along all or a portion of the length between the first end 111 and the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110). The drapery rod 110 may comprise flange portions 156 that form a slot 157 (e.g, an attachment slot) in rear surface 114 of the drapery rod 110 adjacent to the attachment channel 155 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). The slot 157 may extend through the rear surface 114 of the drapery rod 110 and into the attachment channel 155, such that the slot 157 provides access to the attachment channel 155 from outside the drapery rod 110. The attachment channel 155 accommodates the physical connection or coupling of the intermediate mounting bracket 125 to the drapery rod 110 at varying locations along the drapery rod 110. In addition, the attachment channel 155 may couple to multiple ones (e.g., more than one) of the intermediate mounting bracket 125.

[0070] The drapery rod 110 may also have an elongated portion 119 extending between the front surface 112 and the rear surface 114 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 5). The elongated portion 119 may define, for example, at least a portion of the upper surface 116 and at least a portion of the lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., the first and second lower surface portions 118a, 118b). For example, the upper surface 116 and the lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110 may be planar surfaces (e.g, substantially planar or flat surfaces). In addition, the first and second lower surface portions 118a, 118b may be coplanar (e.g, both located in a plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A). The elongated portion 119 may be characterized by a distance D2A between the upper surface 116 and the lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., in the transverse direction T), which may be approximately equal to thediameter of the front surface 112 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., approximately 1.25 inches). The elongated portion 119 may extend for a straight distance DSA (e.g., a straight distance) in the lateral direction A from the front surface 112 to the rear surface 114 (e.g., approximately 0.7 inches).Because the drapery rod 110 has the elongated portion 119 extending between the front surface 112 and the rear surface 114, the drapery rod 110 may be characterized by a periphery (e.g., as defined by the front surface 112, the rear surface 114, the upper surface 116, and the lower surface 118) that may be shaped like a pill, an oval, or a racetrack (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). The slot 115 may be located within the elongated portion 119 (e.g., in the lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110) and may be characterized by a width D4A (e.g., approximately 0.3 inches). The lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110 may be substantially planar on both sides of the slot 115. Because the lower surface 118 is substantially planar around (e.g., on both sides of) the slot 115 (e.g., because the drapery rod 110 may be characterized by a periphery that may be shaped like a pill, an oval, or a racetrack), the slot 115 may be more hidden from view of the user of the drapery system 100 (e.g., as compared to a lower surface 118 being curved and / or having a curved profile, e.g., a circular profile).

[0071] The drapery system 100 may comprise a track portion 160 in which the master carrier 130 and the auxiliary carriers 140 may be received. In some examples, the track portion 160 may be integrally formed with the drapery rod 110 (e.g., the drapery rod 110 may comprise the track portion 160). The track portion 160 may extend along the drapery rod 110 from a first end 161 to a second end 163 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). The track portion 160 may support the master carrier 130 and the auxiliary carriers 140 and to provide a pathway for movement of the master carrier 130 and the auxiliary carriers 140 along the drapery rod 110. The track portion 160 may include a first channel, such as a carrier channel 162, which may extend from the first end 161 to the second end 163 of the track portion 160. The slot 115 in the lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110 may extend through the lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110 and into the carrier channel 162, such that the slot 115 provides access to the carrier channel 162 from outside the drapery rod 110. The master carrier 130 and the auxiliary carriers 140 may be received within the carrier channel 162 of the track portion 160 and extend at least partially through the slot 115 of the drapery rod 110. Forexample, all or a portion of the upper portion 144 of the body 141 and the wheels 148 of each of the auxiliary carriers 140 may be received within the carrier channel 162 of the track portion 160 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 5 and 6). In some examples, the carrier channel 162 of the track portion 160 may include grooves 169 (e.g., two grooves) formed (e.g., in the drapery rod 110) on opposed sides of the slot 115 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 5). The grooves 169 may extend from the first end 161 to the second end 163 of the track portion 160. Respective wheels 148 of the auxiliary carriers 140 may engage, travel, operate, or be otherwise at least partially retained in and / or guided along the respective grooves 169 as the drapery fabric 101 is operated between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position. The grooves 169 may have any profile. For example, each of the grooves may be semi-circular as shown in FIG. 5. In some examples, the carrier channel 162 of the track portion 160 may not include the grooves 169.

[0072] The track portion 160 may further include second channels, such as a front belt channel 164a and a rear belt channel 164b (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). For example, the front and rear belt channels 164a, 164b may extend between the first end 161 and the second end 163 of the track portion 160 parallel to and on opposing sides of the carrier channel 162. The front belt channel 164a may be located adjacent to the carrier channel 162 towards the front surface 112 of the drapery rod 110, and the rear belt channel 164b may be located adjacent to the carrier channel 162 towards the rear surface 114 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). The drapery system 100 may further comprise a belt 138 (e.g., a drive belt) that may extend through the front and rear belt channels 164a, 164b of the track portion 160 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). For example, the belt 138 may be connected to the master carrier 130, such that the master carrier 130 and the auxiliary carriers 140 may move along the carrier channel 162 of the track portion 160 in response to movement of the belt 138 through the front and rear belt channels 164a, 164b. For example, the belt 138 may be a continuous loop coupled to the master carrier 130 at a location along the length of the continuous loop of the belt 138. In some examples, the belt 138 may not be a continuous loop, but may have first and second ends that are both attached to the master carrier 130 to form a loop.

[0073] Referring back to FIGs. 1-3, the drapery system 100 may further comprise a motor drive unit 102 that may be operatively coupled to the belt 138 for moving the master carrier 130 andthe auxiliary carriers 140 along the track portion 160 of the drapery rod 110 to thus adjust the drapery fabric 101 to any location between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position. The drapery system 100 may comprise a drive end assembly 170 (e.g., a drive box) located at the first end 111 of the drapery rod 110 and an idler end assembly 172 (e. , an idler box) located at the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110. In some examples, the drive end assembly 170 may be located at the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110 and the idler end assembly 172 may be located at the first end 111 of the drapery rod 110. In addition, the drive end assembly 170 and the idler end assembly 172 may both be located inside of the drapery rod 110. The belt 138 may extend through the drive end assembly 170 and the idler end assembly 172. The belt 138 may extend from the front belt channel 164a to the rear belt channel 164b of the track portion 160 through the drive end assembly 170 and the idler end assembly 172. The drive end assembly 170 may comprise a drive pulley (e.g., a rotatable drive pulley or belt gear - not shown) that may engage corresponding features, such as teeth (e.g., cogs), on the belt 138. The motor drive unit 102 may comprise a motor (not shown) that may be rotatably coupled to the drive pulley of the drive end assembly 170 for rotating the drive pulley to move the belt 138 through the front and rear belt channels 164a, 164b of the track portion 160. The belt 138 may also extend from the rear belt channel 164b to the front belt channel 164a of the track portion 160 through the idler end assembly 172. In some examples, the idler end assembly 175 may comprise a pulley (not shown) for facilitating movement from the belt 138 between the front and rear belt channels 164a, 164b.

[0074] The motor drive unit 102 may comprise a housing 104 for housing electrical circuitry of the motor drive unit 102. For example, the electrical circuitry of the motor drive unit 102 may include a motor drive circuit for controlling the motor, one or more control circuits for controlling the motor drive circuit, and one or more communication circuits for communicating wired or wireless signals (e.g., radio-frequency (RF) signals) with external devices, which signals may cause the motor drive unit 102 to move the belt 138. For example, the housing 104 of the motor drive unit 102 may be mounted to the drapery rod 110 and / or the drive end assembly 170, such that the motor of the motor drive unit 102 may be configured to rotate the drive pulley of the drive end assembly 170. The motor drive unit 102 may be electrically coupled to a power source, such as analternating-current (AC) power source and / or a direct-current (DC) power source, for powering the electrical circuitry of the motor drive unit 102 for controlling the motor.

[0075] The master carrier 130 and the auxiliary carriers 140 (e.g., and the drapery fabric 101) may move in response to movements of the belt 138. The master carrier 130 may be coupled to the belt 138. Since the master carrier 130 is connected to the auxiliary carriers 140 via the cord 135, the master carrier 130 may move in response to the movements of the drive belt 138 and the auxiliary carriers 140 may move in response to movements of the master carrier 130. The motor drive unit 102 may be configured to move the belt 138 for moving the master carrier 130 and thus the auxiliary carriers 140 through the carrier channel 162 of the track portion 160 to adjust the drapery fabric 101 between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position (e.g., to any location between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position).

[0076] The slot 115 of the drapery rod 110 may extend from the drive end assembly 170 to the idler end assembly 172 (e. , as shown in FIG. 2). The drive end assembly 170 may comprise a slot portion 174 in a lower surface 175 of the drive end assembly 170. The idler end assembly 172 may comprise a slot portion 176 in a lower surface 177 of the idler end assembly 172. The slot portion 174 in the lower surface 174 of the drive end assembly 170 and the slot portion 176 in the lower surface 177 of the idler end assembly 172 may both be aligned with the slot 115 in the lower surface 118 of the drapery rod 110, such that at least a portion of the master carrier 130 may move into the idler end assembly 172 at the fully open position and at least a portion of at least one of the auxiliary carriers may move into the drive end assembly 170.

[0077] The drapery fabric 101 may be mounted to the drapery system 100 in one or more configurations. For example, when the motor drive unit 102 is mounted proximate to (e.g., below) the first end 111 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., the left side of the drapery system 100 as shown in FIG. 1), the drapery fabric 101 may be mounted to the drapery system 100 in a left draw configuration, where one end of the drapery fabric 101 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the housing 104 of the motor drive unit 102 proximate to the first end 111 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., via a cover, such as cover 570) and the other end of the drapery fabric 101 may be coupled (e.g.,attached) to the master carrier 130. In the left draw configuration, the motor drive unit 102 may move the master carrier 130 toward the first end 111 of the drapery rod 110 to the control the drapery fabric 101 to the fully-retracted position and move the master carrier 130 toward the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110 to control the drapery fabric 101 to the fully-extended position. In some examples, when the motor drive unit 102 is mounted proximate to (e.g., below) the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., the right side of the drapery system 100), the drapery fabric 101 may be mounted to the drapery system 100 in a right draw configuration, where one end of the drapery fabric 101 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the housing 104 of the motor drive unit 102 proximate to the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., via a cover, such as cover 570) and the other end of the drapery fabric 101 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the master carrier 130. In the right draw configuration, the motor drive unit 102 may move the master carrier 130 toward the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110 to the control the drapery fabric 101 to the fully-retracted position and move the master carrier 130 toward the first end 111 of the drapery rod 110 to control the drapery fabric 101 to the fully-extended position.

[0078] In a further configuration, the drapery fabric 101 may be mounted to the drapery system 100 in a center draw configuration. The motor drive unit 102 may be located proximate to (e.g., proximate to either) the first end 111 or the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110 in the center draw configuration. In the center draw configuration, the drapery system 100 may comprise first and second separate pieces of the drapery fabric 101 and first and second master carriers, where the first master carrier may be attached to a first portion (e.g., a front portion) of the belt 138 that extends through the front belt channel 164a and the second master carrier may be attached to a second portion (e.g., a rear portion) of the belt 138 that extends through the rear belt channel 164b. In some examples, the belt 138 may comprise two pieces of belt coupled together at the first master carrier the second master carrier to form a loop. The first piece of the drapery fabric 101 may have one end coupled (e.g., attached) to the drapery system 100 proximate to the first end 111 of the drapery rod 110 and the other end coupled (e.g., attached) to one of the first and second master carriers. The second piece of the drapery fabric 101 may have one end coupled (e.g., attached) to the drapery system 100 proximate to the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110 and the other endcoupled (e.g., attached) to the other one of the first and second master carriers. The first and second pieces of drapery fabric 101 may also be coupled to respective sets (e.g., groups) of one or more auxiliary cars 140. As the motor drive unit 102 moves the belt in a first direction, the first and second master carriers may move towards the first and second ends 111, 113 of the drapery rod 110, respectively, to move the pieces of the drapery fabric 101 to the full -retracted position. As the motor drive unit 102 moves the belt in a second direction e.g., opposite the first direction), the first and second master carriers may move away the first and second ends 111, 113 of the drapery rod 110, respectively (e.g., towards a center of the drapery rod 110) to move the pieces of the drapery fabric 101 to the full-extended position. While the drapery system 100 is shown in the left draw configuration (e.g., in FIG. 1), the drapery system 100 of FIGs. 1-6 may be used in the left draw configuration, the right draw configuration, the center draw configuration, and other suitable draw configurations.

[0079] FIGs. 7-10 illustrate another example of a window treatment system, such as a drapery system 200, that allows for movement of a covering material, such as a drapery fabric (e.g., such as the drapery fabric 101 shown in FIG. 1) for covering an opening (e.g., such as a window). FIG. 7 is a top front perspective view, FIG. 8 is a top rear perspective view, and FIG. 9 is a front view of the drapery system 200 (e.g., each without the drapery fabric installed). The drapery system 200 may move the drapery fabric in a horizontal direction between a fully-retracted position (e.g., an open position or a fully-open position) in which at least a portion of the window is not covered by the drapery fabric and a fully-extended position (e.g., a closed position or a fully-closed position) in which window is completely covered by the drapery fabric (e.g., the drapery fabric 101 extends across the window). The drapery system 200 may comprise a light source assembly 300 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). For example, the light source assembly 300 may emit light (e.g., as shown by lines 302 in FIG. 7) to provide lighting (e.g., accent lighting) in the space around and / over the drapery system 200 (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below).

[0080] The drapery system 200 may comprise a drapery rod 210 that may support the drapery fabric. The drapery rod 210 may extend in a longitudinal direction L from a first end 211 to a second end 213 (e.g., opposite the first end 211) of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., for substantially thelength of the window that the drapery fabric is covering). For example, the drapery rod 210 may have a variable length, e.g., depending upon the width of the window that the drapery fabric is covering. The drapery rod 210 may comprise a front surface 212 (e.g., a front side), a rear surface 214 (e.g., a rear side), an upper surface 216 (e.g., an upper side), and a lower surface 218 (e.g., a lower side). The front surface 212 may be opposite the rear surface 214, and the upper surface 216 may be opposite the lower surface 218. The drapery rod 210 may comprise a slot 215 (e.g., an elongated slot) that may extend through (e.g., be formed or cut through) the lower surface 218 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). For example, the slot 215 may extend along (e.g., span along) the lower surface 218 of the drapery rod 210 in the longitudinal direction L (e.g., between the first end 211 and the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210). The lower surface 218 of the drapery rod 210 may comprise a first lower surface portion 218a and a second lower surface portion 218b on opposing sides of the slot 215 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). For example, the first lower surface portion 218a may be proximate to (e.g., connected to) the front surface 212 and the second lower surface portion 218b may be proximate to (e.g., connected to) the rear surface 214.

[0081] The drapery system 200 may be configured to be secured to a structure surrounding (e.g., above) the window via two or more mounting brackets. For example, the two or more mounting brackets of the drapery system 200 may comprise end mounting brackets (e.g., two end mounting brackets) including a first end mounting bracket 220a connected to the first end 211 of the drapery rod 210 and a second end mounting bracket 220b connected to the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210. In addition, the two or more mounting brackets of the drapery system 200 may comprise one or more intermediate mounting brackets (e.g., center mounting brackets), such as an intermediate mounting bracket 270 connected to the drapery rod 210 between the first and second ends 211, 213 of the drapery rod 210 for supporting the drapery rod 210 between the first and second end mounting brackets 220a, 220b. FIG. 10 is a side cross-section view of the drapery system 200 taken through the center of the intermediate mounting bracket 270 (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 9) to illustrate the drapery rod 210 in greater detail.

[0082] The first and second end mounting brackets 220a, 220b may support the drapery rod 210 at the first and second ends 211, 213, respectively. The first and second end mounting brackets 220a, 220b may each comprise a respective base 222a, 222b that may mount the first and second end mounting brackets 220a, 220b, respectively, to the structure (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). For example, the respective base 222a, 222b of each of the first and second end mounting brackets 220a, 220b may comprise one or more openings 228a, 228b for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws - not shown) for mounting the first and second end mounting brackets 220a, 220b to the structure. The first and second end mounting brackets 220a, 220b may each comprise a respective arm 224a, 224b that extends from the respective base 223a, 223b (e.g., in a lateral direction A). In some examples, the drapery system 200 may comprise respective base covers 226a, 226b that may be attached to the respective base 222a, 222b of the first and second end mountingbrackets 220a, 220b. For example, the respective base covers 226a, 226b may conceal (e.g., hide from view) the openings 228a, 228b and / or the fasteners received in the openings 228a, 228b of the respective bases 222a, 222b (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8).

[0083] Each of the first and second mounting brackets 220a, 220b may comprise a respective attachment member 225a, 225b connected to or integral with the respective arm 224a, 224b. The attachment member 225a, 225b may attach to the first and second ends 211, 213 of the drapery rod 210, respectively. The drapery rod 210 may comprise an attachment channel 255 that extends between the first and second ends 211, 213 of the drapery rod 210. The respective attachment members 225a, 225b of the first and second mounting brackets 220a, 220b may be attach to the attachment channel 255. The attachment channel 255 may extend in the longitudinal direction L between the first end 211 and the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). The drapery rod 210 may comprise slot flange portions 256 (e.g., two opposing flange portions) that together form a slot 257 (e.g., an attachment slot) in a recessed surface 217 of the drapery rod 210 adjacent to the attachment channel 255 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). The recessed surface 217 may extend between the first and second ends 211, 213 of the drapery rod 210 and may be proximate to the rear surface 214 and to the upper surface 216 (e.g., located between the rear surface 214 and the upper surface 216). The slot 257 may extend between the first and second ends 211, 213 of thedrapery rod 210 and may be proximate to the rear surface 214 and to the upper surface 216. The slot 257 may extend through the recessed surface 217 of the drapery rod 210 and into the attachment channel 255, such that the slot 257 provides access to the attachment channel 255 from outside the drapery rod 210. The recessed surface 217 may be located in a plane that extends in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A. The recessed surface 217 may be a planar surface that is offset from (e.g., located below or parallel to) the planar upper surface 216 of the drapery rod 210 (e. , as shown in FIG. 10). The attachment members 225a, 225b may each comprise a respective tab 227a, 227b that may extend into the attachment channel 255 at the first and second ends 211, 213 of the drapery rod 210, respectively (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8).

[0084] The intermediate mounting bracket 270 may comprise a base 272 that may be configured to mount the intermediate mounting bracket 270 to the structure (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). For example, the base 272 of the intermediate mounting bracket 270 may comprise one or more openings 278 for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws - not shown) for mounting the intermediate mounting bracket 270 to the structure. The intermediate mounting bracket 270 may comprise an arm 274 that extends from the base 272 (e.g., in the lateral direction A). For example, the base 272 may extend from both sides of the arm 274. In some examples, the base 272 may only be located on one side of the arm 274. In some examples, the drapery system 200 may comprise one or more base covers 276a, 276b that may each attach to the base 272 (e.g., on each side of the base 272 as shown in FIGs. 7 and 8). For example, the respective base covers 276a, 276b may cover or otherwise conceal (e.g., hide from view) the openings 278 and / or the fasteners received in the openings 278 of the base 272. While the drapery system 200 is shown with only the intermediate mounting bracket 270 (e.g., a single intermediate bracket), the drapery system 200 may comprise multiple intermediate mounting brackets 270 spaced evenly or unevenly along the drapery rod 210 at various locations between the first end 211 and the second end 213. The number of intermediate mounting brackets may depend on the length of the drapery rod 210, the weight of the drapery fabric, etc. In some examples, the drapery system 200 may not comprise the first and second end mounting brackets 220a, 220b, but may comprise two or more intermediate mounting brackets 270 spaced along the drapery rod 210 for mounting the drapery rod 210 to the structure. While the first andsecond end mounting brackets 220a, 220b are shown with the respective bases 222a, 222b and the intermediate mounting bracket 270 is shown with the respective base 272, other configurations are possible to mount the first and second end mounting brackets 220a, 220b and / or the intermediate mounting bracket 270 to the structure, including configurations that may not utilize such bases.

[0085] The drapery system 200 may comprise one or more fabric-support carriers (e.g., cars), such as a master carrier 230 and a plurality of auxiliary carriers 240 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9). Note that the master carrier 230 and auxiliary carriers 240 are not shown in FIGs. 7 and 8. The master carrier 230 and the auxiliary carriers 240 may be supported by the drapery rod 210. In some examples, at least a portion of each of the master carrier 230 and the auxiliary carriers 240 may extend through the slot 215 in the lower surface 218 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., in a transverse direction T). In other examples, each of the master carrier 230 and the auxiliary carriers 240 may be disposed internal to the drapery rod 210. The master carrier 230 may comprise a body 231 and a drapery-support bar 232 that extends from the body 231 parallel to the drapery rod 210 (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L). The body 231 and / or drapery-support bar 232 of the master carrier 230 may include openings 233 that may receive cooperating features, for example, that are physically coupled or otherwise attached to the drapery fabric, thereby connecting the master carrier 230 to the drapery fabric and supporting the drapery fabric. Specifically, the drapery fabric may comprise cooperating features configured to connect to the openings 233 of the body 231 and / or the draperysupport bar 232 of the master carrier 230. For example, the drapery fabric may comprise hooks, clips, clamps, or similar physical coupling devices attachable to the drapery fabric 101 (not shown) configured to be received in one or more of the openings 233 of the body 231 and / or drapery-support bar 232. Although the drapery system 200 depicts one master carrier 230, it should be appreciated that the drapery system 200 is not limited to this configuration and may comprise a plurality of master carriers.

[0086] The auxiliary carriers 240 may each support a respective connector 250 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9), which may be configured to connect to the drapery fabric. For example, each of the connectors 250 may comprise a head 251, a support portion 252 (e.g., which may be shaped as a ring), and a neck portion 253 extending between the head 251 and the support portion 252. Thesupport portion 252 of each of the connectors 250 may comprise (e.g., define) a respective opening 254 configured to support the drapery fabric. For example, cooperating features, such as the hooks, of the drapery fabric may be received through the respective openings 254 of the support portions 252 of the connectors 250 supported by the auxiliary carriers 240. In some examples, the connectors 250 (e.g., the support portion 252) may each be a hook, a clasp, a catch, an eye, a snap, and / or the like. It should also be appreciated that the connectors 250 may be integral to and a part of each of the respective auxiliary carriers 240.

[0087] Each of the auxiliary carriers 240 may comprise a body 241 that includes a lower portion 242, an upper portion 244, and a connecting portion 246 the extends between the lower portion 242 and the upper portion 244 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). At least a portion of the connecting portion 246 may extend through the slot 215 of the drapery rod 210 when the auxiliary carriers 240 received in the drapery rod 210. For example, the lower portion 242 may be accessible from outside of the drapery rod 210 when the auxiliary carriers 240 are received in the drapery rod 210. The auxiliary carriers 240 (e.g., the lower portions 242) may each comprise (e.g., define) a cavity (e.g., such as the cavity 143 shown in FIG. 4). The cavity of each of the auxiliary carriers 240 may receive a respective connector (e.g., such as the head 251 of one of the connectors 250 shown in FIG. 9), for example, to connect the drapery fabric to the respective auxiliary carrier 240. The upper portion 244 of each of the auxiliary carriers 240 may be located within the drapery rod 210. Each of the auxiliary carriers 240 may comprise a pair of opposing wheels 248 that are located on respective sides of the body 241 of the auxiliary carriers 240 and facilitate movement of the auxiliary carriers 240 along the drapery rod 210, for example, as the drapery fabric of the drapery system 200 is operated between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position. Each of the respective pairs of wheels 248 may be secured to the respective auxiliary carrier 240 (e.g., the upper portion 244) by an axle (e.g., such as the axle 149 shown in FIG. 4) that may define an axis of rotation of the wheels 248. Each of the respective pairs of wheels 248 may rotate about the respective axle, for example, as the auxiliary carriers 240 move along the drapery rod 210. In some examples, the axle may include a shaft that extends through an aperture formed in the upper portion 244 or connecting portion 246 of the auxiliary carrier 240 and to which each of thewheels 248 is either rigidly or rotatably attached. In other examples, the axle 149 may include shaft members that extend from opposing sides of the upper portion 244 or connecting portion 246 of the auxiliary carrier 140 and to which each of the wheels 248 is rotatably attached.

[0088] The drapery system 200 may comprise a cord assembly (e.g., such as the cord assembly 134 shown in FIG. 4) that has a cord 235 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10) and a plurality of cord fasteners (e.g., such as the cord fasteners 136). The auxiliary carriers 240 may be attached to the cord assembly at a predetermined spacing, which may be configured such that the auxiliary carriers 240 are equally spaced along a length of the cord assembly. The cord 235 may be attached to the master carrier 230 of the drapery system 200. The cord fasteners may be attached (e.g., molded) to the cord 235 at the predetermined spacing (e.g., such as 80 mm). Each of the auxiliary carriers 240 may be attached to the cord 235 via the cord fasteners. For example, each of the auxiliary carriers 240 may be attached to a respective one of the cord fasteners. The auxiliary carriers 240 may each comprise (e.g., define) a recess (e.g., such as the recess 145) in the upper portion 244. The recess may receive, couple, or otherwise connect to a respective one of the cord fasteners of the cord assembly to attach the respective auxiliary carrier 240 to the cord 235 (e.g., as a similar manner that the recess 145 receives a respective one of the cord fasteners 136 of the cord assembly 134). The auxiliary carriers 240 may be connected to the master carrier 230 via the cord 235. The auxiliary carrier 240 (e.g., the upper portion 242 of the body 241) may each include guides 247 that extend from opposed sides of the auxiliary carriers 240. The cord 235 may extend through a notch, channel, or aperture formed in, on, or through the guides 247. The guides 247 may captively retain the cord 235 within or along the auxiliary carriers 240.

[0089] The drapery system 200 may be mounted to the structure above the window such that the drapery rod 210 is exposed to the view of a user of the drapery system 200 when facing the window, for example. For example, the drapery rod 210 may be made of a rigid material (e.g., such as metal). The front surface 212 of the drapery rod 210 may have a curved profile (e.g., periphery) as shown in FIG. 10, for example. For example, the front surface 212 of the drapery rod 210 may be characterized by a radius, for example, such as approximately 0.625 inches (e.g., such that the front surface 212 is characterized by a diameter of approximately 1.25 inches). All or a portion of the rearsurface 214 (e.g., a lower portion of the rear surface 214 proximate to the lower surface 218) of the drapery rod 210 may also have a curved profile (e.g., periphery), for example, as shown in FIG. 10. For example, the drapery rod 210 may be characterized by a distance D (e.g., approximately 1.95 inches) between the front surface 212 and the rear surface 214 (e.g., between the furthest points apart on the front surface 212 and the rear surface 214 in the lateral direction A as shown in FIG. 10). In some examples, the front surface 212 an / d or the rear surface 214 of the drapery rod 210 may have a rectangularly-shaped profile, a square-shaped profile, a triangularly-shaped profile, apolygon-shaped profile, an oval-shaped profile, and / or other suitably shaped profile.

[0090] The drapery rod 210 may also have an elongated portion 219 extending between the front surface 212 and the rear surface 214 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). The elongated portion 219 may define, for example, at least a portion of the upper surface 216 and the lower surface 218 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., the first and second lower surfaceportions 218a, 218b). For example, the first and second lower surface portions 218a, 218b may be coplanar (e.g., both located in a plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A). The elongated portion 219 may be characterized by a distance DZB between the upper surface 216 and the lower surface 218 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., in the transverse direction T), which may be approximately equal to the diameter of the front surface 212 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., approximately 1.25 inches). The elongated portion 219 may extend for a distance Dais in the lateral direction A from the front surface 212 to the rear surface 214 (e.g., approximately 0.7 inches). The slot 215 may be located within the elongated portion 219 (e.g., in the lower surface 218 of the drapery rod 210) and may be characterized by a width D4B (e.g., approximately 0.3 inches). As can be seen from FIG. 10, the drapery rod may be characterized by a periphery (e.g., as defined by the front surface 212, the rear surface 214, the upper surface 216, and the lower surface 218) that may be shaped like a pill, an oval, or a racetrack. In other embodiments, the drapery rod can have a rectangular, square, or polygonal shape. The lower surface 218 of the drapery rod 210 may be substantially planar on both sides of the slot 215. Because the lower surface 218 is substantially planar around (e.g., on both sides of) the slot 215 (e.g., because the drapery rod 210 may be characterized by a periphery that may be shaped like a pill, an oval, or a racetrack), the slot 215 maybe more hidden from view of the user of the drapery system 200 (e.g, as compared to the lower surface 218 being curved and / or having a curved profile, e.g., a circular profile).

[0091] The drapery system 200 may comprise a track portion 260 in which the master carrier 230 and the auxiliary carriers 240 may be received. In some examples, the track portion 260 may be integrally formed with the drapery rod 210 (e.g., the drapery rod 210 may comprise the track portion 260). The track portion 260 may extend between ends of the drapery rod 210 (e.g, such as the first end 161 and the second end 163 of the track portion 160 shown in FIG. 2). The track portion 260 may support the master carrier 230 and the auxiliary carriers 240 to provide for movement of the master carrier 230 and the auxiliary carriers 240 along the drapery rod 210. The track portion 260 may include a first channel, such as a carrier channel 262, which may extend between ends of the track portion 260 (e.g, such as the first end 161 and the second end 163 of the track portion 160 shown in FIG. 2). The slot 215 in the lower surface 218 of the drapery rod 210 may extend through the lower surface 218 of the drapery rod 210 and into the carrier channel 262, such that the slot 215 provides access to the carrier channel 262 from outside the drapery rod 210. The master carrier 230 and the auxiliary carriers 240 may be received within the carrier channel 262 of the track portion 260 and at least partially extend through the slot 215 of the drapery rod 210. For example, all or a portion of the upper portion 244 and wheels 248 of the auxiliary carriers 240 may be received within the carrier channel 262 of the track portion 260 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). In some examples, the carrier channel 262 may include a grooves formed (e.g., in the drapery rod 210) on opposite sides of the slot 215. The wheels 248 of the auxiliary carriers 240 may engage, travel, operate, or be otherwise at least partially retained in and / or guided along the grooves within the carrier channel 262 of the track portion 260 as the drapery fabric is operated between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position.

[0092] The track portion 260 may further include second channels, such as a front belt channel 264a and a rear belt channel 264b (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). For example, the front and rear belt channels 264a, 264b may extend between the ends of the track portion 260 (e.g., such as the first end 161 and the second end 163 of the track portion 160 shown in FIG. 2) parallel to and on opposing sides of the carrier channel 262. The front belt channel 264a may be located adjacent tothe carrier channel 262 towards the front surface 212 of the drapery rod 210, and the rear belt channel 264b may be located adjacent to the carrier channel 262 towards the rear surface 214 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). The drapery system 200 may further comprise a belt 238 (e.g., a drive belt) that may extend through the front and rear belt channels 264a, 264b of the track portion 260 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). For example, the belt 238 may be connected to the master carrier 230, such that the master carrier 230 and the auxiliary carriers 240 may move along the carrier channel 262 of the track portion 260 in response to movement of the belt 238 through the front and rear belt channels 264a, 264b. For example, the belt 238 may be a continuous loop coupled to the master carrier 230 at a location along the length of the continuous loop of the belt 238. In some examples, the belt 238 may not be a continuous loop, but may have first and second ends that are both attached to the master carrier 230 to form a loop.

[0093] Referring back to FIGs. 7-9, the drapery system 200 may further comprise a motor drive unit 202 that may be operatively coupled to the belt 238 for moving the master carrier 230 and the auxiliary carriers 240 along the track portion 260 of the drapery rod 210 to thus adjust the drapery fabric between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position (e.g., to any location between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position). The drapery system 200 may comprise a drive end assembly (not shown) located inside of the drapery rod 210 at the first end 211 and an idler end assembly (not shown) located inside of the drapery rod 210 at the second end 213. In some examples, the drive end assembly and the idler end assembly may be located at least partially outside of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., as with the drive end assembly 170 and the idler end assembly 172 shown in FIGs. 1-3). In addition, the drive end assembly may be located at the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210 and the idler end assembly may be located at the first end 211 of the drapery rod 210. The belt 238 may extend through the drive end assembly. The belt 238 may extend from the front belt channel 264a to the rear belt channel 264b of the track portion 260 through the drive end assembly and the idler end assembly. The drive end assembly may comprise a drive pulley (e.g, a rotatable drive pulley or belt gear - not shown) configured to engage the belt 238. The motor drive unit 202 may comprise a motor (not shown) that may be rotatably coupled to the drive pulley of the drive end assembly for rotating the drive pulley to movethe belt 238 through the front and rear belt channels 264a, 264b of the track portion 260. The belt 238 may also extend from the rear belt channel 264b to the front belt channel 264a of the track portion 260 through the idler end assembly. In some examples, the idler end assembly may comprise a pulley (not shown) for facilitating movement from the belt 238 between the front and rear belt channels 264a, 264b.

[0094] The motor drive unit 202 may comprise a housing 204 for housing electrical circuitry of the motor drive unit 202. For example, the electrical circuitry of the motor drive unit 202 may include a motor drive circuit for controlling the motor, one or more control circuits for controlling the motor drive circuit, and one or more communication circuits for communicating wired or wireless signals (e.g., radio-frequency (RF) signals) with external devices, which signals may cause the motor drive unit 202 to move the belt 238. For example, the housing 204 of the motor drive unit 202 may be mounted to the drapery rod 210 and / or the drive end assembly, such that the motor of the motor drive unit 202 may be configured to rotate the drive pulley of the drive end assembly. The motor drive unit 202 may be electrically coupled to a power source, such as an alternating-current (AC) power source and / or a direct-current (DC) power source, for powering the electrical circuitry of the motor drive unit 202 for controlling the motor.

[0095] The master carrier 230 and the auxiliary carriers 240 (e.g., and the drapery fabric) may move in response to movements of the belt 238. The master carrier 230 may be physically coupled, attached, or affixed to the belt 238. Since the master carrier 230 is connected to the auxiliary carriers 240 via the cord 235, the master carrier 230 may move in response to the movements of the drive belt 238, and the auxiliary carriers 240 may move in response to movements of the master carrier 230. The motor drive unit 202 may be configured to move the belt 238 for moving the master carrier 230 and thus the auxiliary carriers 240 through the carrier channel 262 of the track portion 260 to adjust the drapery fabric between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position (e.g., to any location between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position).

[0096] The drapery fabric may be mounted to the drapery system 200 in one or more configurations. For example, when the motor drive unit 202 is mounted proximate to (e. , below) the first end 211 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., the left side of the drapery system 200 as shown in FIG. 7), the drapery fabric may be mounted to the drapery system 200 in a left draw configuration, where one end of the drapery fabric may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the housing 204 of the motor drive unit 202 proximate to the first end 211 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., via a cover, such as cover 570) and the other end of the drapery fabric may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the master carrier 230. In the left draw configuration, the motor drive unit 202 may move the master carrier 230 towards the first end 211 of the drapery rod 210 to the control the drapery fabric to the fully-retracted position and move the master carrier 230 towards the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210 to control the drapery fabric to the fully-extended position. In some examples, when the motor drive unit 202 is mounted proximate to (e.g., below) the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., the right side of the drapery system 200), the drapery fabric may be mounted to the drapery system 200 in a right draw configuration, where one end of the drapery fabric may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the housing 204 of the motor drive unit 202 proximate to the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., via a cover, such as cover 570) and the other end of the drapery fabric may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the master carrier 230. In the right draw configuration, the motor drive unit 202 may move the master carrier 230 towards the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210 to the control the drapery fabric to the fully-retracted position and move the master carrier 230 towards the first end 211 of the drapery rod 210 to control the drapery fabric to the fully-extended position.

[0097] In a further configuration, the drapery fabric may be mounted to the drapery system 200 in a center draw configuration. The motor drive unit 202 may be located proximate to (e.g., proximate to either) the first end 211 or the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210 in the center draw configuration. In the center draw configuration, the drapery system 200 may comprise first and second separate pieces of the drapery fabric and first and second master carriers, where the first master carrier may be attached to a first portion (e.g., a front portion) of the belt 238 that extends through the front belt channel 264a and the second master carrier may be attached to a secondportion (e.g., a rear portion) of the belt 238 that extends through the rear belt channel 264b. In some examples, the belt 238 may comprise two pieces of belt coupled together at the first master carrier the second master carrier to form a loop. The first piece of the drapery fabric may have one end coupled (e.g, attached) to the drapery system 200 proximate to the first end 211 of the drapery rod 210 and the other end coupled (e.g., attached) to one of the first and second master carriers. The second piece of the drapery fabric may have one end coupled (e.g., attached) to the drapery system 200 proximate to the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210 and the other end coupled e.g., attached) to the other one of the first and second master carriers. The first and second pieces of drapery fabric may also be coupled to respective sets (e.g., groups) of one or more auxiliary cars 240. As the motor drive unit 202 moves the belt in a first direction, the first and second master carriers may move towards the first and second ends 211, 213 of the drapery rod 210, respectively, to move the pieces of the drapery fabric to the full -retracted position. As the motor drive unit 202 moves the belt in a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction), the first and second master carriers may move away the first and second ends 211, 213 of the drapery rod 210, respectively (e.g., towards a center of the drapery rod 210) to move the pieces of the drapery fabric to the full-extended position. The drapery system 400 shown in FIGs. 7-12 may be used in the left draw configuration, the right draw configuration, the center draw configuration, and other suitable draw configurations.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the intermediate mounting bracket 270 detached from the drapery rod 210. The base cover 276a is removed from the base 272 to illustrate the openings 278 in the base 272 in greater detail. For example, the portions of the base 272 covered by the base cover 276b may look the same as or similar to the portion of the base 272 covered by the base cover 276a. The intermediate mounting bracket 270 (e.g., the arm 274) may comprise an attachment member 280 that may attach the drapery rod 210 to the intermediate mounting bracket 270 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 8 and 10). For example, the attachment member 280 of the intermediate mounting bracket 270 may engage with the attachment channel 255 of the drapery rod 210 at various locations along the length of the attachment channel 255 between the first and second ends 211, 213 of the drapery rod 210. The attachment member 280 may comprise a bar 282 that extends from a first end 281 to a second end 283. The bar 282 of the attachment member 280may be received in a trough 271 in the arm 274 of the intermediate mounting bracket 270. For example, the trough 271 may be formed in an upper surface 273 of the arm 274 of the intermediate mounting bracket 270. The bar 282 may comprise a slot 284 that may extend through the bar 282 from an upper surface 285 to a lower surface 287 of the bar 282. The slot 284 in the bar 282 may receive a fastener 286 (e.g., a threaded screw). The fastener 286 may also be received in an opening 275 (e.g., a threaded opening) in the arm 274 of the intermediate mounting bracket 230 e.g., as shown in FIG. 10).

[0099] The bar 282 (e.g., the first end 281) may extend beyond a distal end 279 of the arm 274 of the intermediate mounting bracket 270. The bar 282 (e.g., the lower surface 287) may contact the recessed surface 217 of the drapery rod 210 when the attachment member 280 is connected to the drapery rod 210. For example, the bar 282 may extend across the recessed surface 217 of the drapery rod 210. The recessed surface 217 of drapery rod 210 may be characterized by a width DSB (e.g., approximately 0.6 inches). The bar 282 (e.g., the lower surface 287 of the bar 282) may slide across a sliding surface 277 located at the bottom of the trough 271 in the arm 274 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). When the fastener 286 is not tightened in the opening 275 of the arm 274, the bar 282 may be adjusted (e.g., slid) along the trough 271 in the lateral direction A. The fastener 286 may be tightened in the opening 275 in the arm 274 to lock the bar 282 in place. The ability to move bar 282 allows a user to adjust for variability in the structure to which the drapery system 200 is mounted when installing drapery system 200.

[0100] The intermediate mounting bracket 270 may further comprise a connection member 290 (e.g., a nut) that may be received within the attachment channel 255 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 8 and 10). For example, the connection member 290 may extend from the lower surface 287 of the bar 282 at a distance from the first end 281 of the bar 282. The connection member 290 may comprise a neck portion 292 and an enlarged portion 294. The neck portion 292 may have a width less than a width of the slot 257 in the recessed surface 217 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., in the lateral direction A), such that the neck portion 292 may extend at least partially through the slot 257. The enlarged portion 294 may be located within the attachment channel 255 of the drapery rod 210. The connection member 290 may attached to the bar 282 suchthat the flange portions 256 of the drapery rod 210 are captured between the enlarged portion 294 of the connection member 290 and the lower surface 287 of the bar 282. For example, the connection member 290 may be attached to the bar 282 via a fastener 288 (e.g., a threaded screw) received through an opening 289 of the bar 282 (e.g., that extends between the upper surface 285 and the lower surface 287) and an opening 296 e.g., a threaded opening) of the connection member 290 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10). When the drapery rod 210 is not connected to either the attachment member 225a of the first mounting bracket 220a or the attachment member 225b of the second mounting bracket 220b, the connector member 290 may be inserted into the attachment channel 255 and slid to the location of the intermediate mounting bracket 270. The fastener 288 may then be inserted into the opening 296 of the connection member 290 and tightened until the flange portions 256 of the drapery rod 210 adjacent to the attachment channel 255 are clamped between the enlarged portion 294 of the connection member 290 and the lower surface 287 of the bar 282.

[0101] The trough 271 may be characterized, for example, by a distance Den (e.g., a depth) between the upper surface 273 of the arm 274 and the sliding surface 277 (e.g., approximately 0.2 inches). The bar 282 may be characterized by height between the upper surface 285 to the lower surface 287 that is, for example, less than (e.g., slightly less than) the distance D6B (e.g., a depth) between the upper surface 273 of the arm 274 and the sliding surface 277 of the trough 271, such that the bar 282 does not extend out of the trough 271 in the transverse direction T (e.g., beyond the upper surface 273 of the arm 274). In addition, the recessed surface 217 may be offset from (e.g., located below) the upper surface 216 of the drapery rod 210 by approximately the distance D6B (e.g., approximately 0.2 inches), such that the bar 282 does not extend above the upper surface 216 of the drapery rod 210 in the transverse direction T.

[0102] FIG. 12 is an enlarged top rear perspective view of a portion of the draperysystem 200 illustrating the light source assembly 300 in greater detail. As previously mentioned, the light source assembly 300 may emit light (e.g., as illustrated by lines 302 shown in FIG. 8) to provide lighting (e.g., accent lighting) in the space around and / over the drapery system 200. For example, the light source assembly 300 may comprise a light source 310, e.g., an elongated light source, such as a tape light source and / or a strip light source. The light source 310 may comprise aplurality of emitters 312 mounted to a substrate 314 (e.g., an elongated substrate). For example, the substrate 314 may comprise a rigid or flexible printed circuit board (PCB). The emitters 312 may comprise, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Each of the emitters 312 may emit light based on a magnitude of a drive current conducted through the respective emitter 312. The emitters 312 of the light source 310 are not limited to LEDs, and in some examples, other technology, such as OLEDs may be used.

[0103] The light source 310 may include multiple emitter circuits of the emitters 312. For example, the light source 310 may include one, two, three, four, five, or more emitter circuits, each of which may drive one or more of the emitters 312. The emitters of each emitter circuit of the light source 310 may be electrically coupled together in series and / or parallel connection. For example, the light source 310 may include multiple emitter circuits (e.g., chains or strings) of the emitters 312 e.g., series-coupled emitters). Each emitter circuit of the light source 310 may include emitters 312 that produce illumination at the same peak emission wavelength (e.g., emit light of the same color). The emitters 314 of different emitter circuits may emit light of different colors. For example, one or more of the emitters circuits of the light source 310 may include broad-spectrum LEDs that may each produce light (e.g., white light) at a particular color temperature, which may be on the black body curve. For example, one of the emitter circuits may represent a string of emitters at a first color temperature Ti (e.g., a cool -white color temperature, such as approximately 3000 K) and another one of the emitter circuits may represent a string of emitters at a second color temperature T2 (e.g., a warm-white color temperature, such as approximately 1800 K). In some examples, one or more of the emitter circuits of the light source 310 may include non-broad-spectrum LEDs that may each produce light at a peak emission wavelength, which may specify the color (e.g., the color value) of the light emitted by the respective emitter circuit. For example, one of the emitter circuits may represent a string of red emitters, one of the emitter circuits may represent a string of green emitters, and / or one of the emitter circuits may represent a string of blue emitters. Although described in context of these colors (e.g., color temperatures and / or full color values), the emitter circuits of the light source 310 may emit light at any color (e.g., at any wavelength and / or color temperature).

[0104] The light source 310 (e.g., the substrate 314) may extend along the drapery rod 210 in the longitudinal direction L from approximately the first end 211 to approximately the second end 213. The emitters 312 may be mounted in groups along a length of the substrate 314. For example, the emitter 312 may be mounted in pairs along the length of the substrate (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 8 and 12). In each group of the emitters 312, each emitter 312 of the group may be characterized by a different color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color value). For example, for each of the pairs of the emitters 312 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 12), a first one of the emitters 312 may be characterized by the first color temperature Ti (e.g., a cool -white color temperature, such as approximately 3000 K) and a second one of the emitters 312 may be characterized by the second color temperature T2 (e.g., a warm-white color temperature, such as approximately 1800 K).

[0105] The light source 310 may be located in a lighting channel 320 of the drapery rod 210. The lighting channel 320 may be located adjacent to the upper surface 216 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., above the track portion 160). For example, the lighting channel 320 may extend in the longitudinal direction L between the first end 211 and the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). The lighting channel 320 may be located adjacent to the recessed surface 217 and / or the upper surface 216 and may extend through and / or the drapery rod 210 parallel to the attachment channel 255. The lighting channel 320 may comprise (e.g., define) a gap 324 through which the light emitted by the emitters 312 of the light source 310 may shine. The drapery rod 210 may comprise flange portions 322 (e.g, two opposing flange portions) that form the gap 324 through which the light emitted by the emitters 312 of the light source 310 may shine.

[0106] The lighting channel 320 may comprise a mounting surface 326 to which the light source 310 may be mounted. For example, the substrate 314 of the light source 310 may be attached to the mounting surface 326 using an adhesive, fasteners, clips, ties, or combinations thereof. The mounting surface 326 may be angled with respect to a horizontal plane (e.g, a plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A). For example, the mounting surface 326 may be oriented at an angle of approximately 30 degrees (e.g., although other angles may be used, including an angle of 0 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane) with respect to the horizontal plane. As a result, the light source 310 (e.g., the substrate 314) may also be oriented at the angle (e.g.,approximately 30 degrees) respect to the horizontal plane, such that the light source 310 may emit light upwards in the transverse direction T and rearwards in the lateral direction A, for example, to shine on a ceiling above the drapery system 200 and / or a wall to which the drapery system 200 is mounted. For example, the lighting channel 320 may be located and / or the mounting surface 326 may be angled, such that the light source 310 may emit light above the bar 282 of the attachment member 280 of the intermediate mounting bracket 270. One will appreciate the mounting surface 326 may also be oriented and / or angled such that light is emitted in the transverse direction T and forwards in the lateral direction A.

[0107] In some examples, the drapery system 200 (e.g, the drapery rod 210) may comprise a lens 330 located in the gap 324 between the flange portions 322 of the drapery rod 210. For example, the lens 330 may extend in the longitudinal direction L (e.g, between the first end 211 and the second end 213 of the drapery rod 210). The lens 330 may diffuse and / or direct the light emitted by the emitters 312 of the light source 310 upwards in the transverse direction T (e.g., towards the ceiling) and rearwards in the lateral direction A (e.g, toward the wall). In addition, the lens 330 may prevent the collection of dust and debris in the lighting channel 320, which could hinder and / or block the light emitted by the emitters 312 from shining through the gap 324 between the flange portions 322.

[0108] Referring back to FIGs. 7-9, the drapery system 200 may also comprise a lighting control device 340 for controlling the light source 310. For example, the lighting control device 340 may be a light-emitting diode (LED) driver for controlling the emitters 312 of the light source 310. The lighting control device 340 may be configured to control the light source 310 to control an intensity level (e.g, lighting intensity level and / or brightness) and / or color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color value) of a cumulative light emitted by the light source 310. The lighting control device 340 may comprise a housing 342 for housing electrical circuitry of the lighting control device 340. For example, the electrical circuitry of the lighting control device 340 may include one or more drive circuits for controlling the emitters 312 of the light source 310, one or more control circuits for controlling the drive circuits, and one or more communication circuits for communicating wired or wireless signals (e.g, RF signals) with external devices, which signals maybe used to control an intensity level and / or a color (e.g., a color temperature) of a cumulative light emitted by the light source 310. The housing 342 of the load control device 310 may be mounted to, for example, the motor drive unit 202 and / or another component of the drapery system 200. The lighting control device 340 (e.g., the drive circuits of the electrical circuitry housed in the housing 342) may be electrically coupled to the light source 310 (e.g., to the emitters 312 mounted to the substate 314) via a cable 344 (e.g. as shown in FIG. 8). The lighting control device 340 may be electrically coupled to a power source, such as an AC power source and / or a DC power source, for receiving power. For example, the lighting control device 340 may be coupled to the same power source as the motor drive unit 202. In some examples, the electrical circuitry of the lighting control device 340 may be housed within the housing 204 of the motor drive unit 202.

[0109] The lighting control device 340 (e.g., the drive circuits) may be configured to control respective magnitudes of the drive currents conducted through the emitters circuits of the light source 310 for controlling the intensity level and / or color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color value) of the cumulative light emitted by the light source 310. The lighting control device 340 may be configured to adjust the intensity level of the cumulative light emitted by the light source 310 between a low-end intensity level (e.g., a minimum intensity level) and a high-end intensity level (e.g., a maximum intensity level). The lighting control device 340 (e.g., the communication circuit) may be configured to receive messages (e.g., digital messages) via wired or wireless signals (e.g., RF signals). For example, the message may include commands for causing the lighting control device 340 to control the light source 310. The load control device may be configured to adjust the intensity level and / or the color (e.g., color temperature and / or color value) of the cumulative light emitted by the light source 310 in response to the commands received in the messages.

[0110] FIGs. 13-15 illustrate another example of a window treatment system, such as a drapery system 400, that allows for movement of a covering material, such as a drapery fabric (e.g., such as the drapery fabric 101 shown in FIG. 1) for covering an opening (e.g., such as a window). FIG. 13 is a bottom front perspective view, FIG. 14 is a top rear perspective view, and FIG. 15 is a front view of the drapery system 400 (e.g., each without the drapery fabric installed). The drapery system 400 may further comprise a motor drive unit 402 may be operated to move the draperyfabric in a horizontal direction between a fully-retracted position (e.g., an open position or a fully-open position) in which the window is not covered by the drapery fabric and a fully-extended position (e.g., a closed position or a fully-closed position) in which window is completely covered by the drapery fabric (e.g., the drapery fabric 101 extends across the window). For example, the drapery system 400 may comprise a motor drive unit 402, which may operate to move the drapery fabric between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position.

[0111] The drapery system 400 may comprise a drapery rod 410 that may support the drapery fabric. The drapery rod 410 may extend in a longitudinal direction L from a first end 411 to a second end 413 (e.g., opposite the first end 411) of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., for substantially the length of the window that the drapery fabric is covering). For example, the drapery rod 410 may have a variable length, e.g., depending upon the length of the window that the drapery fabric is covering. The drapery rod 410 may comprise a front surface 412 (e.g., a front side), a rear surface 414 (e.g., a rear side), an upper surface 416 (e.g., an upper side), and a lower surface 418 (e.g., a lower side). The front surface 412 may be opposite the rear surface 414, and the upper surface 416 may be opposite the lower surface 418. The drapery rod 410 may include a slot 415 (e.g., an elongated slot) that may extend through (e.g., be formed or cut through) the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410. For example, the slot 415 may extend along (e.g., span along) the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 in the longitudinal direction L (e.g., between the first end 411 and the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410). The lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 may comprise a first lower surface portion 418a and a second lower surface portion 418b on opposing sides of the slot 415 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13). For example, the first lower surface portion 418a may be proximate to (e.g., connected to) the front surface 412 and the second lower surface portion 418b may be proximate to (e.g., connected to) the rear surface 414.

[0112] The drapery system 400 may be configured to be secured to a structure surrounding (e.g., above) the window via two or more mounting brackets. For example, the two or more mounting brackets of the drapery system 400 may comprise end mounting brackets (e.g., two end mounting brackets) including a first end mounting bracket 420a connected to the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 and a second end mounting bracket 420b connected to the second end 413 of thedrapery rod 410. In addition, the two or more mounting brackets of the drapery system 400 may comprise one or more intermediate mounting brackets (e.g., center mounting brackets), such as an intermediate mounting bracket 470, connected to the drapery rod 410 between the first and second ends 411, 413 of the drapery rod 410 for supporting the drapery rod 410 between the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b.

[0113] FIG. 16A is a partial rear perspective view of the drapery system 400 showing the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410 and the second end mounting bracket 420b in greater detail. FIG. 16B is a partial rear perspective view of the drapery system 400 showing the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 and the first end mounting bracket 420a in greater detail (e.g., without the motor drive unit 402 shown). FIG. 16C is a partial rear perspective view of the drapery system 400 showing the drapery rod 410 and the intermediate mounting bracket 470 in greater detail. FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the drapery system 400. FIG. 18A is a partial exploded view of the drapery system 400 showing the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 and the first end mounting bracket 420a. FIG. 18B is an exploded view of the second end mounting bracket 420b. FIG. 18C is an exploded view of the intermediate mounting bracket 470. FIG. 19A is a side cross-section view of the drapery system 400 taken through the center of the intermediate mounting bracket 470 (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 15) to illustrate the drapery rod 410 in greater detail. FIG. 20 is a partial front cross-section view of the drapery system 400 taken through the center of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 19A) showing the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410. FIG. 21 is a partial front cross-section view of the drapery system 400 taken through the center of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 19A) showing the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410. FIG. 22 is a partial top cross-section view of the drapery system 400 taken through the center of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 21) showing the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410. FIG. 23 is a partial top cross-section view of the drapery system 400 taken through the center of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., through the line shown in FIG. 22) showing the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410.

[0114] The first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 220b may support the drapery rod 410 at the first and second ends 411, 413, respectively. The first and second end mountingbrackets 420a, 420b may each comprise a respective base 422a, 422b that may be configured to mount the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b, respectively, to the structure. For example, the respective bases 422a, 422b of the first and second end mounting brackets 220a, 220b may be attached to (e.g., mounted to) respective mounting plates 490a, 490b (e.g., cleats) prepositioned on the structure about the window. The mounting plates 490a, 490b may be mounted to the structure, for example, via fasteners 494a, 494b received through respectiveopenings 492a, 492b in the mounting plates 490a, 490b. The respective base 422a, 422b of each of the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b may comprise a respective recess 421a, 421b (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 16A and 16B) that may receive the respective mounting plate 490a, 490b. For example, the respective base 422a, 422b of each of the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b may comprise a respective tab 423a, 423b that may extend into the respective recess 421a, 421b and may hook over a respective lip 496a, 496b of the respective mounting plate 490a, 490b. In addition, each of the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b may comprise a fastener (not shown), such as a set screw, that may secure (e.g., lock) the base 422a, 422b of the respective mounting bracket 420a, 420b to the respective mounting plate 490a, 490b.

[0115] The first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b may each comprise a respective arm 424a, 424b that extends from the respective base 423a, 423b (e.g, in a lateral direction A). The respective arm 424a, 424b of each of the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b may comprise one or more respective openings 425a, 425b that may receive fasteners (e.g, screws - not shown) for attaching the drapery rod 410 to the respective mounting bracket 420a, 420b. The drapery bar 410 may comprise cylindrical walls 458a that form respective fastener channels 458b that may extend between the first and second ends 411, 413 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19A). The fasteners may be received through the respective openings 425a, 425b of the respective arm 424a, 424b of each of the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b and the respective fastener channel 458b of the drapery rod 410 for attaching the drapery rod 410 to the respective mounting bracket 420a, 420b. In some examples, the arm 424a, 424b of each of the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b may comprise a repetitive projection (not shown) that may be received in an alignment channel 459 of the draperybar 410. For example, the alignment channel 459 may be located between the front surface 412 and the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410.

[0116] In some examples, the drapery system 400 may comprise respective armcovers 426a, 426b that may each attach to the respective arm 424a, 424b of the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b. For example, the respective arm covers 426a, 426b may cover (e.g., hide from view) the openings 425a, 425b and / or the fasteners received in the openings 425a, 425b of the respective arms 424a, 424b (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13). Each of the arm covers 426a, 426b may comprise a respective side wall 427a, 427b that may surround the respective arm 424a, 424b when the arm cover 426a, 426b is attached to the respective arm 424a, 424b of the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b. Each of the arm covers 426a, 426b may also comprise respective flanges 428a, 428b extending from the side walls 427a, 427b (e.g., as shown on the arm cover 426b of the second end mounting bracket 420b in FIG. 18B). The flanges 428a, 428b of each of the respective arm cover 426a, 426b may engage (e.g., clip onto) respective notches 429a, 429b in the arms 422a, 422b of the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 20 and 21).

[0117] The intermediate mounting bracket 470 may comprise a base 472 that may be configured to mount the intermediate mounting bracket 470 to the structure. For example, the base 472 of the intermediate mounting bracket 470 may be attached to (e.g, mounted to) a mounting plate 490c (e.g, a cleat) prepositioned on the structure. The mounting plate 490c may be mounted, affixed, or otherwise attached to the structure, for example, via fasteners 494c received through openings 492c in the mounting plate 490c. The base 472 of the intermediate mounting bracket 470a may comprise a recess 471 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 16C) that may receive the mounting plate 490c. For example, the base 472 of the intermediate mounting bracket 470 may comprise a tab 473 that may extend into the recess 471 and may hook over a lip 496c of the mounting plate 490c. In addition, the intermediate mounting bracket 470 may comprise a fastener 498 (e.g., a set screw) that may secure (e.g., lock) the base 472 of the intermediate mounting bracket 470 to the mounting plate 490c (e.g, as shown in FIG. 19A). For example, the fastener 498 may extend through anopening 475 in a lower surface 477 of the base 472 of the intermediate mounting bracket 470 and an opening 499c in the mounting plate 490c (e.g, as shown in FIG. 19A).

[0118] The intermediate mounting bracket 470 may comprise an arm 474 that extends from the base 472 (e.g., in the lateral direction A). For example, the base 472 may extend from both sides of the arm 474. In some examples, the base 472 may only be located on one side of the arm 474. The intermediate mounting bracket 470 may further comprise an attachment member 476 at a distal end 479 of the arm 474. The attachment member 476 of the intermediate mounting bracket 470 may comprise wings 478 extending from the arm 474 in the longitudinal direction L on both sides of the arm 474 (e.g, in both directions) at the distal end 479 of the arm 474. The intermediate mounting bracket 470 may further comprise a connection member 480 (e.g, a nut) that may be attached, affixed, or otherwise coupled to the attachment member 476 (e.g, the wings 478) at the distal end 479 of the arm 474. The connection member 480 may engage with the drapery rod 410 and the attachment member 476 may engage with the connection member 480 to couple (e.g, physically connect or couple) the drapery rod 410 to the intermediate mounting bracket 470.

[0119] While the drapery system 400 is shown with only the intermediate mounting bracket 470 (e.g, a single intermediate bracket), the drapery system 400 may comprise multiple intermediate mounting brackets 470 spaced evenly or unevenly along the drapery rod 410 at various locations between the first end 411 and the second end 413. The number of intermediate mounting brackets 470 may depend on the length of the drapery rod 410, the weight of the drapery fabric, etc. In some examples, the drapery system 400 may not comprise the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b, but may comprise two or more intermediate mounting brackets 470 spaced along the drapery rod 410 for mounting the drapery rod 410 to the structure. While the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b are shown with the respective bases 422a, 422b and the intermediate mounting bracket 470 is shown with the respective base 472, other configurations are possible to mount the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b and / or the intermediate mounting bracket 470 to the structure, including configurations that may not utilize such bases.

[0120] The drapery rod 410 may comprise an attachment channel 455 that may extend in the longitudinal direction L between the first end 411 and the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14). The drapery rod 410 may comprise flange portions 456 (e.g., two opposing flange portions) that form a slot 457 (e.g., an attachment slot) in the rear surface 414 of the drapery rod 410 adjacent to the attachment channel 455 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19A). The slot 457 may extend through the rear surface 414 of the drapery rod 410 and into the attachment channel 455, such that the slot 457 provides access to the attachment channel 455 from outside the drapery rod 410. The connection member 480 may be received within the attachment channel 455 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 16C and 19). For example, the connection member 480 may extend from the distal end 479 of the arm 474 of the intermediate mounting bracket 470.

[0121] The connection member 480 may comprise a neck portion 482 and an enlarged portion 484 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 18C and 19A). The neck portion 482 may have a width that is less than a width of the slot 457, such that the neck portion 482 may extend through the slot 457 in the rear surface 414 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., in the lateral direction A). The enlarged portion 484 of the connection member 480 may be located within the attachment channel 455 of the drapery rod 410. The connection member 480 may be attached, affixed, or otherwise coupled to the attachment member 476 (e.g., the wings 478) of the intermediate mounting bracket 470 such that the flange portions 456 of the drapery rod 410 are captured between the enlarged portion 484 of the connection member 480 and the attachment member 476 (e.g., the wings 478) of the intermediate mounting bracket 470. For example, the connection member 480 may be attached to the attachment member 476 (e.g., the wings 478) of the intermediate mounting bracket 470 via fasteners 485 (e.g., threaded screws) passed through respective openings 481 in the wings 478 of the attachment member 476 of the intermediate mounting bracket 470 and received by respective openings 486 (e.g., threaded openings) of the connection member 480 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 18C). When the drapery rod 410 is not connected to either the first end mounting bracket 420a or the second end mounting bracket 420b, the connector member 480 may be inserted into the attachment channel 455 and slid to the location of the intermediate mounting bracket 470. The fasteners 485 may then be inserted through the respective openings 481 in the wings 478 of the attachment member 476 of theintermediate mounting bracket 470 and into the respective openings 486 of the connection member 480, and then tightened until the flange portions 456 of the drapery rod 410 adjacent to the attachment channel 455 are clamped between the enlarged portion 484 of the connection member 480 and the wings 476 of the attachment member 476 of the intermediate mounting bracket 470.

[0122] While the drapery system 400 is shown with only the intermediate mounting bracket 470 (e.g., a single intermediate bracket), the drapery system 400 may comprise multiple intermediate mounting brackets 470 evenly or unevenly spaced apart along the drapery rod 410 at various locations between the first end 411 and the second end 413. The number of intermediate mounting brackets may depend on the length of the drapery rod 410, the weight of the drapery fabric, etc. While the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b are shown with the respective bases 422a, 422b and the intermediate mounting bracket 470 is shown with the respective base 472, other configurations are possible to mount the first and second end mountingbrackets 420a, 420b and / or the intermediate mounting bracket 470 to the structure, including configurations that may not utilize such bases. In some examples, the drapery system 400 may include only the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b (e.g. , without using the intermediate mounting bracket 470). In other examples, the drapery system 400 may include multiple intermediate mounting brackets 470 positioned close, but not at the first end 411 and / or the second end 413 of the drapery track 410 (e.g., without using the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b).

[0123] The drapery system 400 may comprise one or more fabric-support carriers (e.g., cars), such as a master carrier 430 and a plurality of auxiliary carriers 440 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15). Note that the master carrier 430 and auxiliary carriers 440 are not shown in FIGs. 13, 14,and 16A-18C. The drapery rod 410 may comprise a track channel 417 that extends from the first end 411 to the second end 413 of the drapery track 410 (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L). The slot 415 may extend through the rear surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 and into the track channel 417, such that the slot 415 provides access to the track channel 417 from outside the drapery rod 410. The master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 may be supported by the draperyrod 410. In some examples, at least a portion of each of the master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 may extend through the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g, in a transverse direction T). In other examples, each of the master carrier 130 and the auxiliary carriers 140 may be disposed internal to the drapery rod 110. The master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 may be received in the track channel 417 and may move along the track channel 417 (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below).

[0124] The master carrier 430 may comprise a body 431 and a drapery-support bar 432 that extends from the body 431 parallel to the drapery rod 410 (e.g, in the longitudinal direction L). The body 431 and / or drapery-support bar 432 of the master carrier 430 may include openings 433 that may receive cooperating features, for example, that are physically coupled or otherwise attached to the drapery fabric, thereby connecting the master carrier 430 to the drapery fabric and supporting the drapery fabric. Specifically, the drapery fabric may comprise cooperating features configured to connect to the openings 433 of the body 431 and / or the drapery-support bar 432 of the master carrier 430. For example, the drapery fabric may comprise hooks, clips, clamps, or similar physical coupling devices attachable to the drapery fabric 101 (not shown) and configured to be received in one or more of the openings 433 of the body 431 and / or drapery-support bar 432. Although the drapery system 400 depicts one master carrier 430, it should be appreciated that the drapery system 400 is not limited to this configuration and may comprise a plurality of master carriers.

[0125] The auxiliary carriers 440 may each support a respective connector 450 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15), which may be configured to connect to the drapery fabric. For example, each of the connectors 450 may comprise a head 451, a support portion 452 (e.g, which may be shaped as a ring), and a neck portion 453 extending between the head 451 and the support portion 452. The support portion 452 of each of the connectors 450 may comprise (e.g, define) a respective opening 454 configured to support the drapery fabric. For example, cooperating features, such as the hooks, of the drapery fabric may be received through the respective openings 454 of the support portions 452 of the connectors 450 supported by the auxiliary carriers 440. In some examples, the connectors 450 (e.g, the support portion 452) may each be a hook, a clasp, a catch, an eye, a snap,and / or the like. It should also be appreciated that the connectors 450 may be integral to and a part of each of the respective auxiliary carriers 440.

[0126] Each of the auxiliary carriers 440 may comprise a body 441 that includes a lower portion 442, an upper portion 444, and a connecting portion 446 the extends between the lower portion 442 and the upper portion 444 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19A). The connecting portion 446 may extend through the slot 415 of the drapery rod 410 when the auxiliary carriers 440 received in the drapery rod 410. For example, the lower portion 442 may be accessible from outside of the drapery rod 410 when the auxiliary carriers 440 are received in the drapery rod 410. The auxiliary carriers 440 (e.g, the lower portions 442) may each comprise (e.g, define) a cavity (e.g, such as the cavity 143 shown in FIG. 4). The cavity of each of the auxiliary carriers 440 may receive a respective connector (e.g., such as one of the connectors 450 shown in FIG. 15), for example, to connect the drapery fabric to the respective auxiliary carrier 440. The upper portion 444 of each of the auxiliary carriers 440 may be located within the drapery rod 410. Each of the auxiliary carriers 440 may comprise a pair of opposing wheels 448 that are located on respective sides of the body 441 of the auxiliary carriers 440 and facilitate movement of the auxiliary carriers 440 along the drapery rod 410, for example, as the drapery fabric of the drapery system 400 is operated between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position. Each of the respective pairs of wheels 448 may be secured to the respective auxiliary carrier 440 (e.g., the upper portion 444) by an axle (e.g, such as the axle 149 shown in FIG. 4) that may define an axis of rotation of the wheels 448. Each of the respective pairs of wheels 448 may rotate about the respective axle, for example, as the auxiliary carriers 440 move along the drapery rod 410. In some examples, the axle 149 may include a shaft that extends through an aperture formed in the upper portion 444 or connecting portion 446 of the auxiliary carrier 440 and to which each of the wheels 448 is either rigidly or rotatably attached. In other examples, the axle 149 may include shaft members that extend from opposing sides of the upper portion 444 or connecting portion 446 of the auxiliary carrier 440 and to which each of the wheels 448 is rotatably attached

[0127] The drapery system 400 may comprise a cord assembly (e.g, such as the cord assembly 134 shown in FIG. 4) that has a cord 435 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19A) and a plurality ofcord fasteners (e.g., such as the cord fasteners 436). The auxiliary carriers 440 may be attached to the cord assembly at a predetermined spacing, which may be configured such that the auxiliary carriers 440 are equally spaced along a length of the cord assembly. The cord 435 may be attached to the master carrier 430 of the drapery system 400. The cord fasteners may be attached (e.g., molded) to the cord 435 at the predetermined spacing (e.g., such as 80 mm). Each of the auxiliary carriers 440 may be attached to the cord 435 via the cord fasteners. For example, each of the auxiliary carriers 440 may be attached to a respective one of the cord fasteners. The auxiliary carriers 440 may each comprise (e.g., define) a recess (e.g., such as the recess 145) in the upper portion 444. The recess may receive a respective one of the cord fasteners of the cord assembly to attach the respective auxiliary carrier 440 to the cord 435 (e.g., as a similar manner that the recess 145 receives a respective one of the cord fasteners 136 of the cord assembly 134). The auxiliary carriers 440 may be connected to the master carrier 430 via the cord 435. The auxiliary carrier 440 (e.g., the upper portion 442 of the body 441) may each include guides 447 that extend from opposed sides of the auxiliary carriers 440. The cord 435 may extend through the guides 447. The guides 447 may captively retain the cord 435 within or along the auxiliary carriers 440.

[0128] The drapery system 400 may be mounted to the structure above the window such that the drapery rod 410 is exposed to the view of a user of the drapery system 400 when facing the window, for example. For example, the drapery rod 410 may be made of a rigid material (e.g., such as metal). The front surface 412 of the drapery rod 410 may have a curved profile (e.g., periphery) as shown in FIG. 19A, for example. For example, the front surface 412 of the drapery rod 410 may be characterized by a radius, for example, such as approximately 0.625 inches (e.g., such that the front surface 412 is characterized by a diameter of approximately 1.25 inches). In some examples, the rear surface 414 of the drapery rod 410 may also have a curved profile (e.g., periphery), for example, as shown in FIG. 19A. For example, the drapery rod 410 may be characterized by a distance Die (e.g., approximately 1.85 inches) between the front surface 412 and the rear surface 414 (e.g., between the furthest points apart on the front surface 412 and the rear surface 414 in the lateral direction A as shown in FIG. 19A). In some examples, the front surface 412 an / d or the rear surface 414 of the drapery rod 410 may have a rectangularly-shaped profile, a square-shaped profile,a triangularly-shaped profile, a polygon-shaped profile, an oval-shaped profile, and / or other suitably shaped profile.

[0129] The drapery rod 410 may also have an elongated portion 419 extending between the front surface 412 and the rear surface 414 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19A). The elongated portion 419 may define, for example, the upper surface 416 and the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., the first and second lower surface portions 418a, 418b). For example, the upper surface 416 and the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 may be planar surfaces (e.g., substantially planar surfaces). In addition, the first and second lower surface portions 418a, 418b may be coplanar (e.g., both located in a plane extending in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A). The elongated portion 419 may be characterized by a distance D c between the upper surface 416 and the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., in the transverse direction T), which may be approximately equal to the diameter of the front surface 412 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., approximately 1.25 inches). The elongated portion 419 may extend for a distance Dsc in the lateral direction A from the front surface 412 to the rear surface 414 (e.g., approximately 0.7 inches). The slot 415 may be located within the elongated portion 419 (e.g., in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410) and may be characterized by a width D4C (e.g., approximately 0.3 inches). As can be seen from FIG. 19A, the drapery rod may be characterized by a periphery (e.g., as defined by the front surface 412, the rear surface 414, the upper surface 416, and the lower surface 418) that may be shaped like a pill, an oval, or a racetrack. The lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 may be substantially planar on both sides of the slot 415. Because the lower surface 418 is substantially planar around (e.g., on both sides of) the slot 415 (e.g., because the drapery rod 410 may be characterized by a periphery that may be shaped like a pill, an oval, or a racetrack), the slot 415 may be more hidden from view of the user of the drapery system 400 (e.g., as compared to the lower surface 418 being curved and / or having a curved profile, e.g., a circular profile).

[0130] The drapery system 400 may further comprise a track portion 460 (e.g., a sleeve) in which the master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 may be received. For example, the track portion 460 may be received within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410. In some examples,the track portion 460 may be insertable (e.g., slidably insertable) within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410, and / or may be removeable from the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 17). For example, the track portion 460 may be made of a different material than the drapery rod 410 e.g., such as plastic). The track portion 460 may extend along the drapery rod 410 from a first end 461 to a second end 463 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 17). The track portion 460 may include a first channel, such as a carrier channel 462, which may extend between the first and second ends 461, 463 of the track portion 460. The track portion 460 may define a comprise a track slot 465 (e.g., a gap) that may be oriented with respect to (e.g., aligned with) the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410, such that the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 and / or the track slot 465 of the track portion 460 expose (e.g., provide access to) the carrier channel 462 from outside the drapery rod 410.

[0131] The track portion 460 may further include second channels, such as a front belt channel 464a and a rear belt channel 464b (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19A), which may extend between the first and second ends 461, 463 of the track portion 460. For example, the front and rear belt channels 464a, 464b may extend through the track portion 460 parallel to and on opposing sides of the carrier channel 462. The front belt channel 464a may be located adjacent to the carrier channel 462 towards the front surface 412 of the drapery rod 410, and the rear belt channel 464b may be located adjacent to the carrier channel 462 towards the rear surface 414 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19A). The carrier channel 462 may be separated from the front belt channel 464a by a first pair of interior walls 466a and from the rear belt channel 464b by a second pair of interior walls 466b. The first pair of the interior walls 466a may extend towards each other between the carrier channel 462 and the first belt channel 464a, such there is a gap 467a between the interior walls 466a. The second pair of the interior walls 466b may extend towards each other between the carrier channel 462 and the second belt channel 464b, such there is a gap 467b between the interior walls 466b.

[0132] The track portion 460 may receive the master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 to provide for movement of the master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 along the drapery rod 410. The master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 may be received withinthe carrier channel 462 of the track portion 460 and extend at least partially through the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 and the track slot 465 of the track portion 460. For example, the upper portion 444 and wheels 448 of each of the auxiliary carriers 440 may be received within the carrier channel 462 of the track portion 460 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19A). The drapery system 400 may comprise carrier support members 468 (e.g., wheel support members) located within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410 on opposed sides of the slot 415. The carrier support members 468 may support the master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 on opposed sides of the slot 415. For example, the wheels 448 of the auxiliary carriers 440 may travel along the carrier support members 468 as the master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 move along the drapery rod 410. The carrier support members 468 may have respective guiding features, such as grooves 469, formed (e.g., in the drapery rod 110) on opposed sides of the slot 415. In some examples, the guiding features of the carrier support members may comprise tracks, depression, recesses, or other suitable guiding features. The wheels 448 of the auxiliary carriers 440 may travel along the grooves 469 of the carrier support members 468 within the carrier channel 462 of the track portion 460 as the drapery fabric is adjusted between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position. For example, the carrier support members 468 may be integral with the drapery rod 410 (e.g., formed as part of the drapery rod 410) as shown in FIG. 19A. When the carrier support members 468 are integral with the drapery rod 410, the interior walls 466a, 466b may abut the carrier support members 468 to maintain alignment of the track portion 460 within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., in the lateral direction A). In some examples, the carrier support members 468 may not include the grooves 169 (e.g., the carrier support member 468 may be flat).

[0133] In some examples, the carrier support members 466 may be integral with the track portion 460 (e.g., formed as part of the track portion 460). FIG. 19B is a side cross-section view of a drapery system 400' having a drapery rod 410' and a track portion 460'. The track portion 460' may be received within a track channel 417' of the drapery rod 410'. The track portion 460' may include a first channel, such as a carrier channel 462', and second channels, such as a front beltchannel 464a' and a rear belt channel 464b', which may be oriented parallel to and on opposing sidesof the carrier channel 462'. The track portion 460' may comprise a track slot 465' (e.g., a gap) that may be oriented with respect to (e.g., aligned with) a slot 415' in a lower surface 418' of the drapery rod 410'. The track portion 460' may receive a master carrier e.g., such as the master carrier 430) and auxiliary carriers 440' to provide for movement of the master carrier and the auxiliary carriers 440' along the drapery rod 410'. The master carrier and the auxiliary carriers 440' may be received within the carrier channel 462' of the track portion 460' and at least partially extend through the slot 415' of in the lower surface 418' of the drapery rod 410' and the track slot 465' of the track portion slot 460'. For example, an upper portion 444' and wheels 448' of each of the auxiliary carriers 440' may be received within the carrier channel 462' of the track portion 460', and a lower portion 442' of each of the auxiliary carriers 440' may be located outside of the drapery rod 410'. The drapery system 400' (e.g., the track portion 460') may comprise carrier support members 468' that may support the master carrier and the auxiliary carriers 440' on opposed sides of the slot 415' in the lower surface 418' of the drapery rod 410' and the track slot 465' of the track portion 460'. For example, the carrier support members 468' may be integral with the track portion 460' (e.g., formed as part of the track portion 460') as shown in FIG. 19B. The wheels 448' of the auxiliary carriers 440' may travel along the carrier support members 468' as the master carrier and the auxiliary carriers 440' move along the drapery rod 410'. The carrier support members 468' may include respective grooves 469' on opposed sides of the slot 415' in the lower surface 418' of the drapery rod 410' and the track slot 465' of the track portion 460'. The wheels 448' of the auxiliary carriers 440' may operate through the grooves 469' of the carrier support members 468' within the carrier channel 462' of the track portion 460'. In some examples, the carrier support members 468' may not include the grooves 169' (e.g., the carrier support member 468' may be flat).

[0134] Referring back to FIG. 19A, the drapery system 400 may further comprise a belt 438 (e.g., a drive belt) that may extend through the front and rear belt channels 464a, 464b of the track portion 460. For example, the belt 438 may be connected to the master carrier 430, such that the master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 may move along the carrier channel 462 of the track portion 460 in response to movement of the belt 438 through the front and rear belt channels 464a, 464b. For example, the belt 438 may be a continuous loop coupled to the master carrier 430 at alocation along the length of the continuous loop of the belt 438. In some examples, the belt 438 may not be a continuous loop, but may have first and second ends that are both attached to the master carrier 430 to form a loop. The motor drive unit 402 of the drapery system 400 may be operatively coupled to the belt 438 for moving the master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 along the track portion 460 of the drapery rod 410 to thus adjust the drapery fabric between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position (e.g, to any position between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position). For example, the master carrier 430 may be coupled to the belt 438 through the gap 467a between the interior walls 466a of the track portion 460 and / or a gap 467b between the interior walls 466b of the track portion 460. For example, the belt 438 may comprise teeth 439 (e.g, cogs) arranged on an inner surface 437a of the belt 438 along the length of the belt 438 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 22 and 23) to allow for engagement with the motor drive unit 402 (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below). In some examples, the belt 438 may comprise a flat belt (e.g., the belt 438 may not comprise the teeth 439).

[0135] The drapery system 400 may comprise a drive end assembly 500 located inside of the drapery rod 410 (e.g, and / or substantially inside of) at or near the first end 411 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 20 and 22) and an idler end assembly 600 located inside of (e.g., entirely and / or substantially inside of) the drapery rod 410 at or near the second end 413 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 21 and 23). The belt 438 may extend through the drive end assembly 500 and the idler end assembly 600. The belt 438 may extend from the front belt channel 464a to the rear belt channel 464b of the track portion 460 through the drive end assembly 500. The drive end assembly 500 may comprise a drive housing having an upper housing portion 510 (e.g., a upper drive housing portion) and a lower housing portion 520 (e.g., a lower drive housing portion). The drive end assembly 500 may further comprise a drive pulley 530 (e.g., a rotatable drive pulley or belt gear) that may be housed in the drive housing (e.g, between the upper housing portion 510 and the lower housing portion 520) and may engage the belt 438 for facilitating movement from the belt 438 between the front and rear belt channels 464a, 464b. The drive pulley 530 may be located (e.g., entirely located) within the drapery rod 410. For example, the drive pulley 530 may be located between the first and secondends 411, 413 of the drapery rod and surrounded by the periphery of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., asdefined by the front surface 412, the rear surface 414, the upper surface 416, and the lower surface 418). The motor drive unit 402 may comprise a motor (not shown) that may be coupled (e.g., rotatably) coupled to the drive pulley 530 of the drive end assembly 500 for rotating the drive pulley 530 to move the belt 438 through the front and rear belt channels 464a, 464b of the track portion 460. The belt 438 may also extend from the rear belt channel 464b to the front belt channel 464a of the track portion 460 through the idler end assembly 600.

[0136] The idler end assembly 600 may comprise an idler housing having an upper housing portion 610 (e.g., an upper idler housing portion) and a lower housing portion 620 (e.g., a lower idler housing portion). The idler end assembly 600 may further comprise an idler pulley 630 (e.g., a rotatable idler pulley or belt gear) that may be housed in the idler housing (e.g., between the upper housing portion 610 and the lower housing portion 620) and may also engage the belt 438 for facilitating movement from the belt 438 between the front and rear belt channels 464a, 464b. The idler pulley 630 may also be located (e.g., entirely located) within the drapery rod 410. For example, the idler pulley 630 may be located between the first and second ends 411, 413 of the drapery rod and surrounded by the periphery of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., as defined by the front surface 412, the rear surface 414, the upper surface 416, and the lower surface 418). In some examples, the drive end assembly 500 may be located at the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410 and the idler end assembly 600 may be located at the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410.

[0137] The motor drive unit 402 may comprise a housing 404 for housing electrical circuitry of the motor drive unit 402. For example, the electrical circuitry of the motor drive unit 402 may include a motor drive circuit for controlling the motor, one or more control circuits for controlling the motor drive circuit, and one or more communication circuits for communicating wired or wireless signals (e.g., radio-frequency (RF) signals) with external devices, which signals may cause the motor drive unit 402 to move the belt 438. For example, the housing 404 of the motor drive unit 402 may be mounted to the drive end assembly 500 at the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410, such that the motor of the motor drive unit 402 may be configured to rotate the drive pulley 530 of the drive end assembly 500. The motor drive unit 402 may be electrically coupled to a powersource, such as an alternating-current (AC) power source and / or a direct-current (DC) power source, for powering the electrical circuitry of the motor drive unit 402 for controlling the motor.

[0138] The master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 (e.g., and the drapery fabric) may move in response to movements of the belt 438. The master carrier 430 may be coupled to the belt 438. Since the master carrier 430 is connected to the auxiliary carriers 440 via the cord 435, the master carrier 430 and the auxiliary carriers 440 may move in response to the movements of the drive belt 438. The motor drive unit 402 may be configured to move the belt 438 for moving the master carrier 430 and thus the auxiliary carriers 440 through the carrier channel 462 of the track portion 460 to adjust the drapery fabric to any position between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position.

[0139] The drapery fabric may be mounted to the drapery system 400 in one or more configurations. For example, when the motor drive unit 402 is mounted proximate to (e.g., below) the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 e.g., the left side of the drapery system 400 as shown in FIG. 13), the drapery fabric may be mounted to the drapery system 400 in a left draw configuration, where one end of the drapery fabric may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the housing 404 of the motor drive unit 402 proximate to the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., via a cover, such as cover 570) and the other end of the drapery fabric may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the master carrier 430. In the left draw configuration, the motor drive unit 402 may move the master carrier 430 towards the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 to the control the drapery fabric to the fully-retracted position and move the master carrier 430 towards the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410 to control the drapery fabric to the fully-extended position. In some examples, when the motor drive unit 402 is mounted proximate to (e.g., below) the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., the right side of the drapery system 400), the drapery fabric may be mounted to the drapery system 400 in a right draw configuration, where one end of the drapery fabric may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the housing 404 of the motor drive unit 402 proximate to the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., via a cover, such as cover 570) and the other end of the drapery fabric may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the master carrier 430. In the right draw configuration, the motor drive unit 402 may move the master carrier 430 towards the second end 413 of the draperyrod 410 to the control the drapery fabric to the fully-retracted position and move the master carrier 430 towards the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 to control the drapery fabric to the fully-extended position.

[0140] In a further configuration, the drapery fabric may be mounted to the drapery system 400 in a center draw configuration. The motor drive unit 402 may be located proximate to (e.g, proximate to either) the first end 411 or the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410 in the center draw configuration. In the center draw configuration, the drapery system 400 may comprise first and second separate pieces of the drapery fabric and first and second master carriers, where the first master carrier may be attached to a first portion (e.g, a front portion) of the belt 438 that extends through the front belt channel 464a and the second master carrier may be attached to a second portion (e.g, a rear portion) of the belt 438 that extends through the rear belt channel 464b. In some examples, the belt 438 may comprise two pieces of belt coupled together at the first master carrier the second master carrier to form a loop. The first piece of the drapery fabric may have one end coupled (e.g., attached) to the drapery system 400 proximate to the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 and the other end coupled (e.g., attached) to one of the first and second master carriers. The second piece of the drapery fabric may have one end coupled e.g., attached) to the drapery system 400 proximate to the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410 and the other end coupled (e.g., attached) to the other one of the first and second master carriers. The first and second pieces of drapery fabric may also be coupled to respective sets (e.g., groups) of one or more auxiliary cars 440. As the motor drive unit 402 moves the belt in a first direction, the first and second master carriers may move towards the first and second ends 411, 413 of the drapery rod 410, respectively, to move the pieces of the drapery fabric to the full -retracted position. As the motor drive unit 402 moves the belt in a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction), the first and second master carriers may move away the first and second ends 411, 413 of the drapery rod 410, respectively (e.g., towards a center of the drapery rod 410) to move the pieces of the drapery fabric to the full-extended position. The drapery system 400 of FIGs. 1-19A and 20-23 and the drapery system 400' of FIG. 19B may be used in the left draw configuration, the right draw configuration, the center draw configuration, and other suitable draw configurations. While the drapery system 400 may comprisetwo belts in the center draw configuration, the belt 438 may be referred to herein as a single belt even though the belt 438 may comprise two or more belts coupled together to form a loop.

[0141] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the drive end assembly 500. The drive end assembly 500 may be characterized by a first axis 502 (e.g., a central axis) that may extend through a center of the drive pulley 530. When the drive end assembly 500 is installed in the track portion 417 of the drapery rod 410, the axis 502 of the drive end assembly 500 may extend through the slot 415 (e.g., a center of the slot 415) in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 and / or may extend through the track channel 417 (e.g., a center of the track channel 417) of the drapery rod 410, such that the drive pulley 530 (e.g., the center of the drive pulley 530) is aligned with the slot 415 (e.g., the center of the slot 415) and / or the track channel 417 (e.g., the center of the track channel 417).

[0142] The upper housing portion 510 may comprise a base portion 511 and first and second side walls 512a, 512b that extend from the base portion 511 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 511. The upper housing portion 510 (e.g., the base portion 511 and the first and second side walls 512a, 512b) may comprise (e.g., define) a recess 513 between the first and second side walls 512a, 512b. The upper housing portion 510 may further comprise a column 514 (e.g., a cylindrical drum) extending from the base portion 511 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) within the recess 513 of the upper housing portion 510. The column 514 of the upper housing portion 510 may be coaxially aligned with the first axis 502 of the drive end assembly 500.

[0143] The lower housing portion 520 may comprise a base portion 521 and first and second side walls 522a, 522b that extend from the base portion 521 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 521. The lower housing portion 520 (e.g., the base portion 521 and the first and second side walls 522a, 522b) may comprise (e.g., define) a recess 523 between the first and second side walls 522a, 522b. The lower housing portion 520 may further comprise a column 524 (e.g., a cylindrical drum) extending from the base portion 521 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) within the recess 523 of the lower housing portion 520. The column 524 of the lower housing portion 520 may be centered about the first axis 502 of the drive end assembly 500. The lower housing portion 520 may comprise an interface portion 528, which may allow for connectionto the motor drive unit 402 (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below). The lower housing portion 520 may comprise (e.g., define) an opening 527 that extends through the column 524, the base portion 521, and the interface portion 528 of the lower housing portion 520

[0144] The upper housing portion 510 may be attached to the lower housing portion 520, such that the drive pulley 530 is captured between the upper housing portion 510 and the lower housing portion 520. For example, the upper housing portion 510 may be physically coupled, affixed, or otherwise attached to the lower housing portion 520 via one or more fasteners 505 (e.g., two screws) received through respective openings 515 in the upper housing portion 510 and respective openings 525 of the lower housing portion 520. The openings 515 of the upper housing portion 510 may extend through the first and second side walls 512a, 512b of the upper housing portion 510, respectively. The openings 525 of the lower housing portion 520 may extend into or through the first and second side walls 522a, 522b of the lower housing portion 520, respectively. The first and second side walls 512a, 512b of the upper housing portion 510 may abut the first and second side walls 522a, 522b of the lower housing portion 520 when the when the upper housing portion 510 is attached to the lower housing portion 520 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 20). For example, the column 514 of the upper housing portion 510, the column 522 of the lower housing portion 520, and the drive pulley 530 may be coaxially aligned along the first axis 502 of the drive end assembly 500 when the upper housing portion 510 is attached to the lower housing portion 520.

[0145] The drive pulley 530 may comprise a drum 532 (e.g., a cylindrical body) that extends from a first end 531 to a second end 533, and may be centered about the first axis 502 of the drive end assembly 500. The drum 532 of the drive pulley 530 may include a plurality of teeth 534 (e.g., cogs) surrounding a perimeter of the drum 532. The drive pulley 530 (e.g., the drum 532) may be characterized by an outer diameter DPLYI (e.g., as measured between ends of the teeth on opposing sides of the drum 532). For example, the outer diameter DPLYI of the drive pulley 530 may be approximately 0.092 inches. The drum 532 may comprise (e.g., define) a first opening 535 (e.g., a circular opening) at the first end 531 and a second opening 536 (e.g., a circular opening) at the second end 533 (e.g., as represented by a dashed line in FIG. 24). The drum 532 may also comprise(e.g., define) a cavity 537 that extends from the first opening 535 to the second opening 536 inside the drum 532.

[0146] The drive end assembly 500 may further comprise first and secondbearings 540a, 540b (e.g., ring bearings, ball bearings, roller bearings, etc.). Each of the first and second bearings 540a, 540b may comprise a respective outer bearing portion 542a, 542b that is configured to rotated about a respective inner bearing portion 544a, 544b. The first bearing 540a (e.g., the outer bearing portion 542a) and the second bearing 540b (e.g., the outer bearing portion 542b) may be attached to the drive pulley 530 inside the cavity 537 (e.g., via a press-fit connection). For example, the drive pulley 530 may comprise one or more ribs 538 (e.g., upper crush ribs) extending from an inner surface 539 of the drive pulley 530 adjacent to the first end 531 to facilitate the press-fit connection between the drive pulley 530 and the first bearing 540a. In addition, the drive pulley 530 may comprise one or more ribs (e.g., lower crush ribs), which may be similar to the ribs 538, but may extend from the inner surface 539 of the drive pulley 530 adjacent to the second end 533 to facilitate the press-fit connection between the drive pulley 530 and the second bearing 540b. The first bearing 540a may extend through the first opening 535 and into the cavity 537 of the drive pulley 530, and the second bearing 540b may extend through the second opening 536as and into the cavity 537 of the drive pulley 530.

[0147] The first and second bearings 540a, 540b may comprise respectiveopenings 546a, 546b located inside of the respective inner bearing portions 544a, 544b and extending through the first and second bearings 540a, 540b. The first bearing 540a (e.g., the inner bearing portion 544a) may be located within the recess 513 and attached to the column 514 of the upper housing portion 510 (e.g., via a press fit connection). The column 514 of the upper housing portion 510 may be received within the opening 546a of the first bearing 540a. The second bearing 540b (e.g., the inner bearing portion 544b) may be located within the recess 523 and attached to the column 524 of the lower housing portion 520 (e.g., via a press fit connection). The column 524 of the lower housing portion 520 may be received within the opening 546b of the second bearing 540b. When the first and second bearings 540a, 540b (e.g., the inner bearingportions 544a, 544b) are attached to the respective columns 514, 524, the first and second bearings 540a, 540b may coaxially aligned with the first axis 502 of the drive end assembly 500.

[0148] The drive end assembly 500 (e.g., at least a portion of the drive end assembly 500) may be received within the drapery rod 410. The drive end assembly 500 (e.g., at least a portion of the drive end assembly 500) may be received within, for example, the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410. For example, the upper housing portion 510, the drive pulley 530, and the base portion 521 and the sidewalls 522a, 522b of the lower housing portion 520 may be received within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410. The drive end assembly 500 may be supported by the drapery rod 410. For example, the drive end assembly 500 may be supported by the carrier support members 468. The base portion 521 of the lower housing portion 520 may extend, for example, at least partially into the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410. The interface portion 528 may be located outside of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., outside of the track channel 417 as shown in FIG. 20). The drive housing of the drive end assembly 500 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 510, 520) may be fixed (e.g., locked) in position within the track channel 417 at the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410. The drive pulley 530 (e.g., the outer bearing portions 542a, 542b) may rotate around the columns 514, 524 of the upper and lower housing portions 510, 520 (e.g., the inner bearing portions 544a, 544b), respectively. Accordingly, the drive pulley 530 may be configured to rotate with respect to the drive housing of the drive end assembly 500 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 510, 520) and thus with respect to the drapery rod 410. The teeth 534 of the drive pulley 530 may engage with the belt 438 (e.g., engage the teeth 439 of the belt 438) as the drive pulley 530 rotates. In some examples, when the belt 438 comprises a flat belt, the belt 438 may engage with a smooth surface of the drive pulley 530 via friction engagement (e.g., the drive pulley 530 may not comprise the teeth 534).[00149J The drive end assembly 500 may comprise one or more stopping members for preventing the drive end assembly 500 from being inserted too far into the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410. For example, the upper housing portion 510 may comprise one or more stopping members, such as a wing 516, which may extend from the base portion 510 (e.g., in the transverse direction T). In addition, the lower housing portion 520 may comprise one or more stoppingmembers, such as wings 526 (e.g., two wings), which may extend from the side wall 522a (e.g., in the lateral direction A). The wing 516 of the upper housing portion 510 and the wings 526 of the lower housing portion 520 may contact or abut a portion of the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 to locate the drive end assembly 500 at a defined location within the track channel 417 at the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410.

[0150] The drive end assembly 500 may further comprise a shaft 550. The shaft 550 may extend through the drive pulley 530, the second bearing 540b, and the lower housing portion 520 (e.g., the base portion 511, the column 524, and the interface portion 528), and may be centered about the first axis 502 of the drive end assembly 500. The shaft 550 may comprise an upper portion 552, a lower portion 554, and a neck portion 556 extending between the upper portion 552 and the lower portion 554. The upper portion 552 of the shaft 550 may have a square-shaped periphery and may engage with an attachment member 558 of the drive pulley 530 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 20). For example, the attachment member 558 of the drive pulley 530 may comprise an opening 559 (e.g., a square opening) into which the upper portion 552 of the shaft 550 may be received (e.g., as shown in FIG. 20). The lower portion 556 of the shaft 550 may be received through the opening 527 in the lower housing portion 520 and may extend from the drive end assembly 500 towards the motor drive unit 402 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 18 A). The neck portion 556 may have width Wi (e.g., a diameter, such as approximately 0.20 inches) that is smaller than a width W2 of the upper portion 552 (e.g., approximately 0.3375 inches) and / or a width W3 of the lower portion 554 (e.g., approximately 0.25 inches), such that at least a portion of the neck portion 556 extends through the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 when the drive end assembly 500 is received within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410.

[0151] Referring back to FIG. 18A, the lower portion 556 of the shaft 550 of the drive end assembly 500 may engage with the motor drive unit 402 to allow for rotation of the drive pulley 530 by the motor of the motor drive unit 402. The drive end assembly 500 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 512a, 512b) may be coupled to the motor drive unit 402 (e.g., to the housing 404) via an adapter 560. For example, the adapter 560 may comprise a body 562 (e.g., a cylindrical body) that extends from an upper end 561 to a lower end 563. The body 562 of the adapter 560 maycomprise (e.g., define) an opening 564 (e.g., a square-shaped opening) in the upper end 561 of the body 562. The opening 564 in the upper end 561 of the body 562 of the adapter 560 may receive the interface portion 528 of the lower housing portion 520 of the drive end assembly 500. The interface portion 528 of the lower housing portion 520 may be connected to the adapter 560 via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws or pins - not shown) received through respective openings 565 in the body 562 of the adapter 560 and respective openings 529 in the interface portion 528 of the lower housing portion 520. In some examples, the interface portion 528 of the lower housing portion 520 of the drive end assembly 500 and the opening 564 in the upper end 561 of the adapter 560 may be keyed to mate with each other.

[0152] The drive end assembly 500 may support the motor drive unit 402 through the adapter 560. The motor drive unit 402 may comprise a mounting member 406 (e.g., a bayonet-type mount) extending from an upper surface 405 of the housing 404. The mounting member 406 may comprise a base 407 (e.g., circular or cylindrical base) and flange portions 408 extending from the baser 407 (e.g., in opposing directions). The mounting member 406 may be received within a recess 566 in the lower end 563 of the adapter 560 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 20). The flange portion 408 of the mounting member 406 may be supported by flange portions 567 of the adapter 560 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 20). To install the mounting member 406 of the motor drive unit 402 in the recess 566 of the adapter 560, the motor drive unit 402 may be rotated approximately 90 degrees (e.g, from the position shown in FIG. 18A), inserted through an opening 568 in the lower end 563 of the adapter 560, and then twisted 90 degrees until the flange portion 408 of the mounting member 406 are supported by flange portions 567 of the adapter 560 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 20). A collar 569 may be attached to the adapter 560 to cover the openings 565 of the adapter 560. For example, the collar 559 may be formed in a circular or ring shape using a flexible material. The collar 569 may be made of a material that allows the collar to deform and snap around the body 562 of the adapter 560 and then undeform in order to attach the collar 569 to the body 562 of the adapter 560.

[0153] The drapery system 400 may further comprise a cover 570 that covers an upper portion 403 of the motor drive unit 402. The cover 570 may be coupled to (e.g., attached) to thehousing 404 (e.g., the upper portion 403) of the motor drive unit 402. For example, the cover 570 may comprise side walls 572 that surround the upper portion 403 of the motor drive unit 402 when the cover 570 is attached to the housing 404. The side walls 572 may be coupled (e.g., connected) together via one or more coupling members 574 (e.g., two coupling members). The side walls 582 may comprise respective front portions 571 (e.g., curved walls) that are curved towards each other (e.g., in front of the motor drive unit 402) and respective rear portions 573 (e.g., angled walls) that are angled towards each other (e.g., behind the motor drive unit 402). The side walls 572 may further comprise respective tabs 575 that extend from the respective front portions 571 and overlap with each other (e.g., in front of the motor drive unit 402). The tabs 575 may comprise respective openings 577 that may receive a fastener (e.g., a screw - not shown) for connecting the side walls 572 (e.g., the front portions 571) together. The cover 570 may comprise clips 586 that may attach to sides of the housing 404 of the motor drive unit 402. For example, the clips 586 may be biased towards the housing 404 of the motor drive unit 402 and may grip the housing 404 of the motor drive unit of the motor drive unit 402.

[0154] As previously mentioned, the drapery fabric may be coupled to the drapery system 400 proximate to the first end 111 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., in the left draw configuration or in the center draw configuration) and / or proximate to the second end 113 of the drapery rod 110 (e.g., in the right draw configuration or in the center draw configuration). For example, the drapery fabric may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the cover 570 for coupling the drapery fabric to the drapery system 400. The cover 570 may further comprise, for example, one or more fastener receptacles 578 (e.g., snap fastener receptables). The fastener receptables 578 may be configured to receive snap fasteners (not shown) that are attached to the drapery fabric for attaching the drapery fabric (e.g., an end of the drapery fabric) to the cover 570. For example, the fastener receptacles 578 may be located on the respective front portions 571 of the side walls 572. Since the front portions 571 of the side walls 572 are curved, the drapery fabric may take on a curved appearance that is similar to the curved folds of the drapery fabric. In addition, the fastener receptacles 578 may also be located on the respective rear portions 572 of the side walls 572. For example, one of the snap fasteners of the drapery fabric may be connected to one of the fastener receptables 578 on the rear portions 573 ofthe side walls 572 for wrapping the drapery fabric around the respective side wall 572 of the cover 570.

[0155] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the idler end assembly 600. The idler end assembly 600 may be characterized by a second axis 602 (e.g., a central axis) that may extend through a center of the idler pulley 630. When the idler end assembly 600 is installed in the track portion 417 of the drapery rod 410, the axis 602 of the idler end assembly 600 may extend through the slot 415 (e.g., the center of the slot 415) in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 and / or may extend thorough the track channel 417 (e.g., the center of the track channel 417) of the drapery rod 410, such that the idler pulley 630 (e.g., the center of the idler pulley 630) is aligned with the slot 415 (e.g., the center of the slot 415) and / or the track channel 417 (e.g., the center of the track channel 417).

[0156] The upper housing portion 610 may comprise a base portion 611 and first and second side walls 612a, 612b that extend from the base portion 611 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 611. The upper housing portion 610 (e.g., the base portion 611 and the first and second side walls 612a, 612b) may comprise (e.g., define) a recess 613 between the first and second side walls 612a, 612b. The upper housing portion 610 may further comprise a column 614 (e.g., a cylindrical drum) extending from the base portion 611 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) within the recess 613 of the upper housing portion 610. The column 614 of the upper housing portion 610 may be coaxially aligned with the central axis 602 of the idler endassembly 600.

[0157] The lower housing portion 620 may comprise a base portion 621 and first and second side walls 622a, 622b that extend from the base portion 621 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 621. The lower housing portion 620 (e.g., the base portion 621 and the first and second side walls 622a, 622b) may comprise (e.g., define) a recess 623 between the first and second side walls 622a, 622b. The lower housing portion 620 may further comprise a first column 624 (e.g., a cylindrical drum) extending from the base portion 621 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) and a second column 626 (e.g., a cylindrical drum) extending from the first column 624within the recess 623 of the lower housing portion 620. The first and second columns 624, 626 of the lower housing portion 620 may be coaxially aligned with the second axis 602 of the idler end assembly 600. The lower housing portion 620 may comprise (e.g., define) an opening 627 that extends through the first and second columns 624, 626 and the base portion 621 of the lower housing portion 620

[0158] The upper housing portion 610 may be attached to the lower housing portion 620, such that the idler pulley 630 is captured between the upper housing portion 610 and the lower housing portion 620. For example, the upper housing portion 610 may be attached to the lower housing portion 620 via fasteners 605 (e.g., two screws) received through respective openings 615 in the upper housing portion 610 and respective openings 625 of the lower housing portion 620. The openings 615 of the upper housing portion 610 may extend through the first and second side walls 612a, 612b of the upper housing portion 610, respectively. The openings 625 of the lower housing portion 620 may extend into or through the first and second side walls 622a, 622b of the lower housing portion 620, respectively. The first and second side walls 612a, 612b of the upper housing portion 610 may physically contact or abut the first and second side walls 622a, 622b of the lower housing portion 620 when the when the upper housing portion 610 is physically coupled or attached to the lower housing portion 620 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 21). For example, the column 614 of the upper housing portion 610, the column 622 of the lower housing portion 620, and the idler pulley 630 may be coaxially aligned with the second axis 602 of the idler end assembly 600 when the upper housing portion 610 is attached to the lower housing portion 620.

[0159] The idler pulley 630 may comprise a drum 632 (e.g., a cylindrical body) that extends from a first end 631 to a second end 633. The idler pulley 630 may be coaxially aligned with the second axis 602 of the idler end assembly 600. The drum 632 of the idler pulley 630 may comprise a plurality of teeth 634 (e.g, cogs) surrounding a perimeter of the drum 632. The idler pulley 630 (e.g., the drum 632) may be characterized by an outer diameter DPLY2 (e.g., as measured between ends of the teeth on opposing sides of the drum 632). For example, the outer diameter DPLY2 of the idler pulley 630 may be approximately 0.092 inches. The drum 632 may comprise (e.g., define) a first opening 635 (e.g., a circular opening) at the first end 631 and a second opening 636 (e.g., acircular opening) at the second end 633 (e.g., as represented by a dashed line in FIG. 25). The drum 632 may also comprise (e.g., define) a cavity 637 that extends from the first opening 635 to the second opening 636 inside the drum 632.

[0160] The idler end assembly 600 may further comprise first and secondbearings 640a, 640b (e.g., ring bearings). Each of the first and second bearings 640a, 640b may comprise a respective outer bearing portion 642a, 642b that may rotate about a respective inner bearing portion 644a, 644b. The first bearing 640a (e.g., the outer bearing portion 642a) and the second bearing 640b (e.g., the outer bearing portion 642b) may be physically coupled, affixed, or otherwise attached to the idler pulley 630 inside the cavity 637 (e.g., via a press-fit connection). For example, the idler pulley 630 may comprise one or more ribs 638 (e.g., upper crush ribs) extending from an inner surface 639 of the idler pulley 630 adjacent to the first end 631 to facilitate the press-fit connection between the idler pulley 630 and the first bearing 640a. In addition, the idler pulley 630 may comprise one or more ribs (e.g., lower crush ribs), which may be similar to the ribs 638, but may extend from the inner surface 639 of the idler pulley 630 adjacent to the second end 633 to facilitate the press-fit connection between the idler pulley 630 and the secondbearing 640b. The first bearing 640a may extend through the first opening 635 and into the cavity 637 of the idler pulley 630, and the second bearing 640b may extend through the second opening 636 and into the cavity 637 of the idler pulley 630.

[0161] The first and second bearings 640a, 640b may comprise respectiveopenings 646a, 646b located inside of the respective inner bearing portions 644a, 644b and extending through the first and second bearings 640a, 640b. The first bearing 640a (e.g., the inner bearing portion 644a) may be located within the recess 613 and attached to the column 614 of the upper housing portion 610 (e.g., via a press fit connection). The column 614 of the upper housing portion 610 may be received within the opening 646a of the first bearing 640a. The first bearing 640a (e.g., the inner bearing portion 644a) may be disposed proximate, contact, or abut the base portion 614 of the upper housing portion 610 when the first bearing 640a is attached to the column 614. The second bearing 640b (e.g., the inner bearing portion 644b) may be located within the recess 623 and attached to the first column 624 of the lower housing portion 620 (e.g., via a pressfit connection). The first column 624 (e.g., and the second column 626) of the lower housing portion 620 may be received within the opening 646b of the second bearing 640b. The second bearing 640b (e.g., the inner bearing portion 644b) may be disposed proximate, contact, or abut the base portion 621 of the lower housing portion 620 when the second bearing 640a is attached to the first column 624. When the first and second bearings 640a, 640b e.g., the inner bearing portions 644a, 644b) are attached to the respective columns 614, 624, the first and second bearings 640a, 640b may be coaxially aligned with the second axis 602 of the idler endassembly 600.

[0162] The idler end assembly 600 (e.g., at least a portion of the idler end assembly 600) may be received within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410. For example, the upper housing portion 610, the idler pulley 630, and the lower housing portion 620 may be received within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410. The idler end assembly 600 may be supported by the drapery rod 410. For example, the idler end assembly 600 may be supported by the carrier support members 468. The base portion 621 of the lower housing portion 620 may extend, for example, at least partially into the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410. The idler housing of the idler end assembly 600 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 610, 620) may be fixed (e.g., locked) in position within the track channel 417 at the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410. The idler pulley 630 (e.g., the outer bearing portions 642a, 642b) may rotate around thecolumns 614, 624 of the upper and lower housing portions 610, 620 (e.g., the inner bearing portions 644a, 644b), respectively. Accordingly, the idler pulley 630 may be configured to rotate with respect to the idler housing of the idler end assembly 600 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 610, 620) and thus with respect to the drapery rod 410. The teeth 634 of the idler pulley 630 may engage with the belt 438 (e.g., engage the teeth 439 of the belt 438) as the idler pulley 630 rotates. In some examples, when the belt 438 comprises a flat belt, the belt 438 may engage with a smooth surface of the idler pulley 630 via friction engagement (e.g., the idler pulley 630 may not comprise the teeth 634).

[0163] The track portion 460 of the drapery system 400 may be located between the drive end assembly 500 and the idler end assembly 600 within the track channel 417 of the draperyrod 410. The track portion 460 may extend between the drive end assembly 500 and the idler end assembly 600 within the track channel 417, such that the drive end assembly 500 is located adjacent to the first end 461 of the track portion and the idler end assembly 600 is located adjacent to the second end 463 of the track portion 460. The belt 438 may extend around through the first and second belt channels 464a, 464b of the track portion 460, around the drive pulley 530 of the drive end assembly 500 (e.g., through the upper and lower housing portions 510, 520), and around the drive pulley 630 of the idler end assembly 600 (e.g, through the upper and lower housing portions 610, 620). Because the track portion 460, the drive end assembly 500, and the idler end assembly 600 are located within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410, the drapery rod 410 may be an extrusion (e.g, a single metal extrusion produced from an extrusion process), which may reduce the cost and complexity of the drapery rod 410. When the drapery rod 410 is an extrusion, the drapery rod 410 may have a continuous and / or identical cross-section along the length of the drapery rod 410 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 19A).

[0164] The drive pulley 530 (e.g, the outer diameter DPLYI of the drive pulley 530) and the idler pulley 630 (e.g, the outer diameter DPLY2 of the idler pulley 630) may be sized such that the belt 438 may be able to extend linearly through the first and second belt channels 464a, 464b (e.g, at approximately the centers of the first and second belt channels 464a, 464b), such that the belt 438 in the first belt channel 464a is parallel to the belt 438 in the second belt channel 464b (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 22 and 23). For example, the outer diameter DPLYI of the drive pulley 530 and the outer diameter DPLY2 of the idler pulley 630 may be approximately equal (e.g., approximately 0.092 inches). An offset distance DOFF between the inner surface 437 of the belt 438 in the first belt channel 464a and the inner surface 437 of the belt 438 in the second belt channel 464b may be approximately equal to the outer diameter DPLYI of the drive pulley 530 and the outer diameter DPLY2 of the idler pulley 630 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 22 and 23). Because of this, the drive end assembly 500 and / or the idler end assembly 600 may not require additional pulleys to route the belt 438 from the first and second belt channels 464a, 464b and around the drive pulley 530 and the idler pulley 630.

[0165] The idler end assembly 600 may further comprise a locating plate 650, which may hold (e.g, lock) the idler end assembly 600 in position within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410. FIG. 26 is a partial side cross-section view of the drapery system 400 taken through the center of the idler end assembly 600 (e.g, through the line shown in FIG. 21) (e.g, without the second end bracket 420b shown). The locating plate 650 may be located outside of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., outside of the track channel 417 as shown in FIG. 21). The locating plate 650 may comprise a body 652 (e.g, an elongated body) having an upper surface 651 and a lower surface 653. The locating plate 650 may comprise a boss 654 (e.g, a square projection) extending from the upper surface 651 of the body 652. The locating plate 650 may comprise (e.g., define) an opening 655 (e.g, a threaded opening) that extends through the boss 654 and the body 652 of the locating plate 650. The locating plate 650 may be attached to the lower housing portion 620 via a fastener 656 (e.g, a threaded screw) received through the opening 655 in the locating plate 650, the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410, and the opening 627 in the lower housing portion 620 (e.g., as show in FIG. 26). The lower housing portion 620 of the idler end assembly 600 may comprise a recess 628 in which the boss 654 of the locating plate 650 may be located when the locating plate 650 is attached to the lower housing portion 620. The locating plate 650 may be wider than the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 such that the locating plate 650 may not pass through the slot 415, but may be held in position outside the drapery rod 410 when the locating plate 650 is attached to the lower housing portion 620 via the fastener 656.

[0166] The idler end assembly 600 may be moved (e.g, adjusted) along the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410 to adjust tensioning of the belt 438. For example, when the fastener 656 is received through the opening 655 in the locating plate 650 and the opening 627 in the lower housing portion 620, a user may grip the locating plate 650 to move the idler end assembly 600 through the track channel 417 towards and away from the drive end assembly 500 to adjust the tensioning of the belt 438. The wing 516 of the upper housing portion 510 and the wings 526 of the lower housing portion 520 of the drive end assembly 500 may abut the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 to hold the drive end assembly 500 in position in the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410 while the tensioning of the belt 438 is being adjusted. When thetensioning of the belt 438 is at a desired level (e.g., tension), the fastener 656 may be tightened until the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410 is clamped between the lower housing portion 620 of the idler end assembly 600 and the locating plate 650, such that the lower housing portion 620 of the idler end assembly 600 is held (e.g., locked) in position within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410 and the tensioning of the belt 438 may be maintained at the desired level. Although discussed in detail above with respect to drapery rod 410, one will readily appreciate the drive end assembly 500 and / or the idler end assembly 600 may be used with the drapery rod 110 and / or the drapery rod 210. In addition, the drive end assembly 500 and / or the idler end assembly 600 may be used in drapery systems in the left draw configuration, the right draw configuration, the center draw configuration, and other suitable draw configurations.

[0167] As previously mentioned, the drapery system 400 may not comprise the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b, but may comprise two or more intermediate mounting brackets 470 spaced along the drapery rod 410 for mounting the drapery rod 410 to the structure. FIG. 27 is a bottom front perspective view the drapery system 400 having two or more intermediate mounting brackets 470 (e.g., three intermediate mounting brackets). The outermost ones of the intermediate mounting brackets 470 may be spaced apart from the first and second ends 411, 413 of the drapery rod 410. The drive end assembly 500 may be located inside of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., and / or substantially inside of) at or near the first end 411 and an idler end assembly 600 located inside of (e.g., and / or substantially inside of) the drapery rod 410 at or near the second end 413 (e.g., in a similar manner as when the drapery system 400 includes the first and second end mounting brackets 420a, 420b (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 20-23). The drapery system 400 may comprise end caps 445 coving the first and second ends 411, 410 of the drapery rod 410. The end caps 445 may couple to the drapery rod 410 in a similar manner as the first and second end mountingbrackets 420a, 420b attach to the drapery rod 410. For example, the end caps 445 may comprise posts (e.g., two cylindrical posts - not shown) that may be received in the fastener channels 458b of the drapery rod 410. In some examples, the drapery system 400 may comprise more than three intermediate mounting brackets 470 spaced evenly or unevenly along the drapery rod 410 at various locations between the first end 411 and the second end 413, where the number of intermediatemounting brackets 470 may depend on the length of the drapery rod 410, the weight of the drapery fabric, etc.

[0168] When the drapery fabric is mounted to the drapery system 400 in the center draw configuration, a first piece of the drapery fabric may be coupled to the drapery system 400 proximate to the motor drive unit 404 and the drive end assembly 500 (e.g., proximate the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410 as shown in FIG. 13) and a second piece of the drapery fabric may be coupled to the drapery system 400 proximate to the idler end assembly 600 (e.g., proximate the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410 as shown in FIG. 13). FIG. 28 is a bottom front perspective view of the drapery system 400 having a drapery attachment assembly 660 for coupling the drapery fabric (e.g., the second piece of the drapery fabric) to the drapery system 400 proximate to the idler end assembly 600. FIG. 29A is a partial bottom front perspective view and FIG. 29B is a partial top rear perspective of the drapery system 400 illustrating the drapery attachment assembly 660 in greater detail. FIG. 30 is a side cross-section view of the drapery system 400 taken through a center of the drapery attachment assembly 660 (e.g., without the second end bracket 420b shown). The cover 570 (e.g., a first cover) may couple (e.g., attach) the first piece of the drapery fabric to the drapery system 400 at the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410, and the drapery attachment assembly 660 may couple (e.g., attach) the second piece of the drapery fabric to the drapery system 400 at the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 28).

[0169] The drapery attachment assembly 660 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the drapery rod 410 proximate the second end 413 of the drapery rod 413. The drapery attachment assembly 660 may comprise a support member 661 and a cover 670 (e.g, a second cover). The support member 661 may comprise a body 662 having a central wall 664, a side wall 666, and a drum 668 (e.g, a cylindrical portion). The side wall 664 may extend from the central wall 663 (e.g, downward in the transverse direction T). The side wall 662 may have a similar shape as (e.g, may mimic the shape of) the housing 404 (e.g., the upper portion 403) of the motor drive unit 402. The drum 665 may extend from the central wall 663 (e.g., upward in the transverse direction T). The drum 665 may have a similar shape as (e.g, may mimic the shape of) the body 562 of the adapter 560. A collar 669 may be attached to the drum 668 of the support member 661 to cover thedrum 668. For example, the collar 669 may be formed in a circular or ring shape using a flexible material. The collar 669 may be made of a material that allows the collar to deform and snap around the drum 668 of the support member 661 and then undeform in order to attach the collar 669 to the drum the drum 668 of the support member 611.

[0170] The cover 670 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to and cover the side wall 666 of the support member 661. In some examples, the cover 670 may be identical to the cover 570. The cover 670 may attach to the support member 661 (e.g., the side wall 666). For example, the cover 670 may comprise side walls 672 that surround the side wall 666 of the support member 661 when the cover 670 is attached to the support member 661. The side walls 672 may be coupled (e.g., connected) together via one or more coupling members 684 (e.g., two coupling members). The side walls 672 may comprise respective front portions 671 (e.g., curved walls) that may be curved towards each other (e.g., in front of the support member 661) and respective rear portions 673 (e.g., angled walls) that are angled towards each other (e.g., behind the support member 661). The side walls 672 may further comprise respective tabs 675 that extend from the respective front portions 671 and overlap with each other (e.g., in front of the support member 661). The tabs 675 may comprise respective openings 677 that may receive a fastener 679 (e.g., a screw) for connecting the side walls 672 (e.g., the front portions 671) together (e.g., in front of the support member 661). The cover 670 may comprise clips 676 that may attach to the side wall 666 of the support member 661. For example, the clips 676 may be biased towards the side wall 666 of the support member 661 and may grip the side wall 666 of the support member 661.

[0171] The cover 670 may further comprise one or more fastener receptacles 678 (e.g., snap fastener receptables). The fastener receptables 678 may be configured to receive snap fasteners (not shown) that are attached to the drapery fabric for attaching the drapery fabric (e.g., an end of the drapery fabric) to the cover 670. For example, the fastener receptacles 678 may be located on the respective front portions 671 of the side walls 672. Since the front portions 671 of the side walls 672 are curved, the drapery fabric may take on a curved appearance that is similar to the curved folds of the drapery fabric. In addition, the fastener receptacles 678 may also be located on the respective rear portions 672 of the side walls 672. For example, one of the snap fasteners of the drapery fabricmay be connected to one of the fastener receptables 688 on the rear portions 673 of the side walls 672 for wrapping the drapery fabric around the respective side wall 672 of the cover 670.

[0172] The drapery attachment assembly 660 may further comprise an attachment member 680 and a connection member 690 (e.g., a nut) that may couple (e.g., mount) the drapery attachment assembly 660 (e.g., the support member 661) to the drapery bar 610. The attachment member 680 may comprise a bar 682 that extends from a first end 681 to a second end 683 (e.g., in the transverse direction T). The first end 681 of the attachment member 680 (e.g., the bar 682) may attach to the drapery rod 410 and the second end 683 of the attachment member 680 (e.g., the bar 682) may attach to the support member 661 of the drapery attachment assembly 660. The attachment member 680 (e.g., the bar 682) may comprise (e.g., define) a first opening 684 proximate to the first end 681 of the bar 682 and a second opening 686 proximate to the second end 683 of the bar 682. For example, the attachment member 680 (e.g., the bar 682) may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the support member 661 via a fastener (e.g., a screw - not shown) received through the second opening 686 of the attachment member 680 and an opening 665 in the drum 668 of the support member 661 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 30).

[0173] The connection member 690 may engage with the drapery rod 410 to couple (e.g., physically connect or couple) the drapery rod 410 to the attachment member 680. The connection member 690 may be received within the attachment channel 455 of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 29B). The connection member 690 may comprise a neck portion 692 and an enlarged portion 694 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 30). The neck portion 692 may have a width less than a width of the slot 457 in the rear surface 414 of the drapery rod 410 adjacent to the attachment channel 455 (e.g., in the transverse direction T), such that the neck portion 692 may extend at least partially through the slot 457. The enlarged portion 694 may be located within the attachment channel 455 of the drapery rod 410. The connection member 690 may be attached, affixed, or otherwise coupled to the attachment member 680 (e.g., the bar 682) such that the flange portions 456 of the drapery rod 410 are captured between the enlarged portion 694 of the connection member 690 and the attachment member 680 (e.g., the bar 682). For example, the connection member 690 may be attached to the attachment member 680 (e.g., the bar 682) via a fastener (e.g., a threaded screw - notshown) received through the first opening 684 of the attachment member 680 (e.g., the bar 682) and an opening 696 (e.g., a threaded opening) of the connection member 690 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 30). When the drapery rod 410 is not connected to either the first end mounting bracket 420a or the second end mounting bracket 420b, the connector member 690 may be inserted into the attachment channel 455 and slid to the location of the drapery attachment assembly 660. The fastener may then be inserted into the opening 696 of the connection member 690 and tightened until the flange portions 456 of the drapery rod 410 adjacent to the attachment channel 455 are clamped between the enlarged portion 694 of the connection member 690 and the attachment member 680 (e.g., the bar 682).

[0174] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of another example drive end assembly 700 and FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another example idler end assembly 800 for using in a drapery system (e.g, such as the drapery systems 100, 200, 400). For example, the drive end assembly 700 may be located inside of (e.g., and / or substantially inside of) a drapery rod (e.g, the drapery rod 410 at or near the first end 411), and the idler end assembly 800 may be located inside of (e.g, and / or substantially inside of) the drapery rod (e.g., the drapery rod 410 at or near the second end 413). The drapery system may comprise a belt (e.g., the belt 438) that may extend through the drive end assembly 700 and the idler end assembly 800. In some examples, the drive end assembly 700 may be located at the second end of the drapery rod and the idler end assembly 800 may be located at the first end of the drapery rod.

[0175] The drive end assembly 700 may comprise a drive housing having an upper housing portion 710 (e.g., an upper drive housing portion) and a lower housing portion 720 (e.g., a lower drive housing portion). The drive end assembly 700 may further comprise a drive pulley 730 (e.g., a rotatable drive pulley or belt gear) that may be housed in the drive housing (e.g., between the upper housing portion 710 and the lower housing portion 720) and may engage the belt for facilitating movement from the belt between the front and rear belt channels. The drive pulley 730 of the drive end assembly 700 may be coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to a motor (not shown) of a motor drive unit of the drapery system (e.g., such as the motor drive unit 402) for rotating the drive pulley 730 to move the belt through front and rear belt channels of a track portion of the drapery system (e.g., thefront and rear belt channels 464a, 464b of the track portion 460). The belt may also extend from the rear belt channel to the front belt channel of the track portion through the idler end assembly 800. The idler end assembly 800 may comprise an idler housing having an upper housing portion 810 (e.g, an upper idler housing portion) and a lower housing portion 820 (e.g, a lower idler housing portion). The idler end assembly 800 may further comprise an idler pulley 830 (e.g., a rotatable idler pulley or belt gear) that may be housed in the idler housing (e.g., between the upper housing portion 810 and the lower housing portion 820) and may also engage the belt for facilitating movement from the belt between the front and rear belt channels. The drive pulley 730 and / or the idler pulley 830 may each be located (e.g., entirely located) within the drapery rod. For example, the drive pulley 730 and / or the idler pulley 830 may each be located between first and second ends of the drapery rod (e.g., between the first and second ends 411, 413 of the drapery rod 410) and surrounded by the periphery of the drapery rod (e.g., as defined by the front surface 412, the rear surface 414, the upper surface 416, and the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410).

[0176] FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the drive end assembly 700. The drive end assembly 700 may be characterized by a first axis 702 (e.g., a central axis) that may extend through a center of the drive pulley 730. When the drive end assembly 700 is installed in the track portion of the drapery rod, the axis 702 of the drive end assembly 700 may extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod (e.g., the center of the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410) and / or may extend through the track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., the center of the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410), such that the drive pulley 730 (e.g., the center of the drive pulley 730) is aligned with the slot (e.g., the center of the slot 415) and / or the track channel (e.g., the center of the track channel 417).

[0177] The upper housing portion 710 may comprise a base portion 711 and first and second side walls 712a, 712b that extend from the base portion 711 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 711. The upper housing portion 710 (e.g., the base portion 711 and the first and second side walls 712a, 712b) may comprise (e.g., define) a recess 713 between the first and second side walls 712a, 712b. The upper housing portion 710 may further comprise a column 714 (e.g., a cylindrical drum) extending from the base portion 711 (e.g., in the transversedirection T) within the recess 713 of the upper housing portion 710. The column 714 of the upper housing portion 710 may be coaxially aligned with the first axis 702 of the drive end assembly 700.

[0178] The lower housing portion 720 may comprise a base portion 721 and first and second side walls 722a, 722b that extend from the base portion 721 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 721. The lower housing portion 720 (e.g., the base portion 721 and the first and second side walls 722a, 722b) may comprise (e.g., define) a recess 723 between the first and second side walls 722a, 722b. The lower housing portion 720 may further comprise a column 724 (e.g., a cylindrical drum) extending from the base portion 721 e.g., in the transverse direction T) within the recess 723 of the lower housing portion 720. The column 724 of the lower housing portion 720 may be centered about the first axis 702 of the drive end assembly 700. The lower housing portion 720 may comprise an interface portion 728, which may allow for connection to the motor drive unit (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below). The lower housing portion 720 may comprise (e.g., define) an opening 727 that extends through the column 724, the base portion 721, and the interface portion 728 of the lower housing portion 720.

[0179] The upper housing portion 710 may be attached to the lower housing portion 720, such that the drive pulley 730 is captured between the upper housing portion 710 and the lower housing portion 720. For example, the upper housing portion 710 may be physically coupled, affixed, or otherwise attached to the lower housing portion 720 via one or more fasteners 705 (e.g., two screws) received through respective openings 715 in the upper housing portion 710 and respective openings 725 of the lower housing portion 720. The openings 715 of the upper housing portion 710 may extend through the first and second side walls 712a, 712b of the upper housing portion 710. The openings 725 of the lower housing portion 720 may extend into or through the first and second side walls 722a, 722b of the lower housing portion 720. The first and second side walls 712a, 712b of the upper housing portion 710 may abut the first and second side walls 722a, 722b of the lower housing portion 720 when the when the upper housing portion 710 is attached to the lower housing portion 720 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31). For example, the column 714 of the upper housing portion 710, the column 724 of the lower housing portion 720, and the drivepulley 730 may be coaxially aligned along the first axis 702 of the drive end assembly 700 when the upper housing portion 710 is attached to the lower housing portion 720.

[0180] The drive pulley 730 may comprise a drum 732 (e.g., a cylindrical body) that extends from a first end 731 to a second end 733, and may be centered about the first axis 702 of the drive end assembly 700. The drum 732 of the drive pulley 730 may include a plurality of teeth 734 (e.g., cogs) surrounding a perimeter of the drum 732. The drive pulley 730 (e.g., the drum 732) may be characterized by an outer diameter (e.g., as measured between ends of the teeth on opposing sides of the drum 732, which may be the same as the diameter DPLYI of the pulley 530 of the drive end assembly 500). For example, the outer diameter of the drive pulley 730 may be approximately 0.092 inches. The drum 732 may comprise (e.g., define) a first opening 735 (e.g., a circular opening) at the first end 531 and a second opening 736 (e.g., a circular opening) at the second end 733 (e.g., as represented by a dashed line in FIG. 31). The drum 732 may also comprise (e.g., define) a cavity 737 that extends from the first opening 535 to the second opening 736 inside the drum 732.

[0181] The drive end assembly 700 may further comprise first and secondbearings 740a, 740b (e.g., ring bearings, ball bearings, roller bearings, etc.). Each of the first and second bearings 740a, 740b may comprise a respective outer bearing portion 742a, 742b that may rotate about a respective inner bearing portion 744a, 744b. The first bearing 740a (e.g., the outer bearing portion 742a) and the second bearing 740b (e.g., the outer bearing portion 742b) may be coupled (e.g., physically coupled, affixed, or otherwise attached) to the drive pulley 730 inside the cavity 737 (e.g., via a press-fit connection). For example, the drive pulley 730 may comprise one or more ribs 738 (e.g., upper crush ribs) extending from an inner surface 739 of the drive pulley 730 adjacent to the first end 731 to facilitate the press-fit connection between the drive pulley 730 and the first bearing 740a. In addition, the drive pulley 730 may comprise one or more ribs (e.g., lower crush ribs), which may be similar to the ribs 738, but may extend from the inner surface 739 of the drive pulley 730 adjacent to the second end 733 to facilitate the press-fit connection between the drive pulley 730 and the second bearing 740b. The first bearing 740a may extend through the first opening 735 and into the cavity 737 of the drive pulley 730, and the second bearing 740b may extend through the second opening 736 as and into the cavity 737 of the drive pulley 730.

[0182] The first and second bearings 740a, 740b may comprise respectiveopenings 746a, 746b located inside of the respective inner bearing portions 744a, 744b and extending through the first and second bearings 740a, 740b. The first bearing 740a (e.g., the inner bearing portion 744a) may be located within the recess 713 and attached to the column 714 of the upper housing portion 710 (e.g., via a press fit connection). The column 714 of the upper housing portion 710 may be received within the opening 746a of the first bearing 740a. The second bearing 740b (e.g., the inner bearing portion 744b) may be located within the recess 723 and attached to the column 724 of the lower housing portion 720 (e.g., via a press fit connection). The column 724 of the lower housing portion 720 may be received within the opening 746b of the second bearing 740b. When the first and second bearings 740a, 740b (e.g., the inner bearing portions 744a, 744b) are attached to the respective columns 714, 724, the first and second bearings 740a, 740b may coaxially aligned with the first axis 702 of the drive end assembly 700.

[0183] The drive end assembly 700 (e.g., at least a portion of the drive end assembly 700) may be received within the drapery rod (e.g., within the drapery rods 110, 210, 410). In some examples, the drive end assembly 700 (e.g., at least a portion of the drive end assembly 700) may be received within, for example, a track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410). For example, the upper housing portion 710, the drive pulley 730, and the base portion 721 and the sidewalls 722a, 722b of the lower housing portion 720 may be received within the track channel of the drapery rod. The drive end assembly 700 may be supported by the drapery rod (e.g., such as by the carrier support members 468). The base portion 721 of the lower housing portion 720 may extend, for example, at least partially into a slot of the drapery rod (e.g., the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410). The interface portion 728 may be located outside of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., outside of the track channel 417 as shown in FIG. 20). The drive housing of the drive end assembly 700 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 710, 720) may be fixed (e.g., locked) in position within the track channel (e.g., within the track channel 417 at the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410). The drive pulley 730 (e.g., the outer bearing portions 742a, 742b) may rotate around the columns 714, 724 of the upper and lower housing portions 710, 720 (e.g., the inner bearing portions 744a, 744b), respectively. Accordingly, the drive pulley 730 mayrotate with respect to the drive housing of the drive end assembly 700 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 710, 720) and thus with respect to the drapery rod. The teeth 734 of the drive pulley 730 may engage with the belt (e.g., engage the teeth 439 of the belt 438) as the drive pulley 730 rotates. In some examples, when the belt comprises a flat belt, the belt may engage with a smooth surface of the drive pulley 730 via friction engagement (e.g., the drive pulley 730 may not comprise the teeth 734).

[0184] The drive end assembly 700 may comprise one or more stopping members for preventing the drive end assembly 700 from being inserted too far into the track channel of the drapery rod. For example, the upper housing portion 710 may comprise one or more stopping members, such as a wing 716, which may extend from the base portion 710 (e.g., in the transverse direction T). In addition, the lower housing portion 520 may comprise one or more stopping members, such as wings 726 (e.g., two wings), which may extend from the side wall 722a (e.g., in the lateral direction A). The wing 716 of the upper housing portion 710 and the wings 726 of the lower housing portion 720 may contact or abut a portion of the first end of the drapery rod to locate the drive end assembly 700 at a defined location within the track channel at the first end of the drapery rod.

[0185] The drive end assembly 700 may further comprise a shaft 750. The shaft 750 may extend through the drive pulley 730, the second bearing 740b, and the lower housing portion 720 (e.g., the base portion 711, the column 724, and the interface portion 728), and may be centered about the first axis 702 of the drive end assembly 700. The shaft 750 may comprise an upper portion 752, a lower portion 754, and a neck portion 756 extending between the upper portion 752 and the lower portion 754. The upper portion 752 of the shaft 750 may have a square-shaped periphery and may engage with an attachment member of the drive pulley 730 (e.g., in a similar manner as the upper portion 552 of the shaft 550 may engage with the attachment member 558 of the drive pulley 530 as shown in FIG. 20). For example, the attachment member of the drive pulley 730 may comprise an opening (e.g., a square opening, such as the opening 559 of the attachment member 558) into which the upper portion 752 of the shaft 750 may be received (e.g., in a similar manner as the upper portion 552 of the shaft 550 is received in the opening 559 of the attachmentmember 558 as shown in FIG. 20). The lower portion 754 of the shaft 750 may be received through the opening 727 in the lower housing portion 720 and may extend from the drive end assembly 700 towards the motor drive unit. The neck portion 756 may have width (e.g., a diameter, such as approximately 0.20 inches) that is smaller than a width of the upper portion 752 (e. , approximately 0.3375 inches) and / or a width of the lower portion 754 (e.g., approximately 0.25 inches), such that at least a portion of the neck portion 756 extends through the slot in the drapery rod when the drive end assembly 700 is received within the track channel of the drapery rod.

[0186] The lower portion 754 of the shaft 750 of the drive end assembly 700 may engage with the motor drive unit to allow for rotation of the drive pulley 730 by the motor of the motor drive unit. The drive end assembly 700 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 712a, 712b) may be coupled to the motor drive unit via an adapter (e.g., such as the adapter 560). The interface portion 728 of the lower housing portion 720 of the drive end assembly 700 may be received in an opening in an upper end a body of the adapter (e.g., such as the opening 564 in the upper end 561 of the body 562 of the adapter 560). The interface portion 728 of the lower housing portion 720 may be connected to the adapter via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws or pins - not shown) received through respective openings in the adapter (e.g., such as the openings 565 in the body 562 of the adapter 560) and respective openings 729 in the interface portion 728 of the lower housing portion 720. In some examples, the interface portion 728 of the lower housing portion 720 of the drive end assembly 700 and the opening in the upper end of the adapter may be keyed to mate with each other. The drive end assembly 700 may support the motor drive unit through the adapter.

[0187] FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the idler end assembly 800. The idler end assembly 800 may be characterized by a second axis 802 (e.g., a central axis) that may extend through a center of the idler pulley 830. When the idler end assembly 800 is installed in the track portion of the drapery rod, the axis 802 of the idler end assembly 800 may extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod (e.g., the center of the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410) and / or may extend through the track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., the center of the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410), such that the idler pulley 830 (e.g., the center of theidler pulley 830) is aligned with the slot (e.g., the center of the slot 415) and / or the track channel (e.g., the center of the track channel 417).

[0188] The upper housing portion 810 may comprise a base portion 811 and first and second side walls 812a, 812b that extend from the base portion 811 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 811. The upper housing portion 810 (e.g., the base portion 811 and the first and second side walls 812a, 812b) may comprise (e.g., define) a recess 813 between the first and second side walls 812a, 812b. The upper housing portion 810 may further comprise a column 814 (e.g., a cylindrical drum) extending from the base portion 811 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) within the recess 813 of the upper housing portion 810. The column 814 of the upper housing portion 810 may be coaxially aligned with the central axis 802 of the idler endassembly 800.

[0189] The lower housing portion 820 may comprise a base portion 821 and first and second side walls 822a, 822b that extend from the base portion 821 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 821. The lower housing portion 820 (e.g., the base portion 821 and the first and second side walls 822a, 822b) may comprise (e.g., define) a recess 823 between the first and second side walls 822a, 822b. The lower housing portion 820 may further comprise a first column 824 (e.g., a cylindrical drum) extending from the base portion 821 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) and a second column 826 (e.g., a cylindrical drum) extending from the first column 824 within the recess 823 of the lower housing portion 820. The first and second columns 824, 826 of the lower housing portion 820 may be coaxially aligned with the second axis 802 of the idler end assembly 800. The lower housing portion 820 may comprise (e.g., define) an opening 827 that extends through the first and second columns 824, 826 and the base portion 821 of the lower housing portion 820.

[0190] The upper housing portion 810 may be attached to the lower housing portion 820, such that the idler pulley 830 is captured between the upper housing portion 810 and the lower housing portion 820. For example, the upper housing portion 810 may be attached to the lower housing portion 820 via fasteners 805 (e.g., two screws) received through respective openings 815 inthe upper housing portion 810 and respective openings 825 of the lower housing portion 820. The openings 815 of the upper housing portion 810 may extend through the first and second side walls 812a, 812b of the upper housing portion 810, respectively. The openings 825 of the lower housing portion 820 may extend into or through the first and second side walls 822a, 822b of the lower housing portion 820, respectively. The first and second side walls 812a, 812b of the upper housing portion 810 may physically contact or abut the first and second side walls 822a, 822b of the lower housing portion 820 when the when the upper housing portion 810 is physically coupled or attached to the lower housing portion 820 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32). For example, the column 814 of the upper housing portion 810, the column 822 of the lower housing portion 820, and the idler pulley 830 may be coaxially aligned with the second axis 802 of the idler end assembly 800 when the upper housing portion 810 is attached to the lower housing portion 820.

[0191] The idler pulley 830 may comprise a drum 832 (e.g., a cylindrical body) that extends from a first end 831 to a second end 833. The idler pulley 830 may be coaxially aligned with the second axis 802 of the idler end assembly 800. The drum 832 of the idler pulley 830 may comprise a plurality of teeth 834 (e.g., cogs) surrounding a perimeter of the drum 832. The idler pulley 830 (e.g., the drum 832) may be characterized by an outer diameter (e.g., as measured between ends of the teeth on opposing sides of the drum 832, which may be the same as the diameter DPLY2 of the pulley 630 of the idler end assembly 600). For example, the outer diameter of the idler pulley 830 may be approximately 0.092 inches. The drum 832 may comprise (e.g., define) a first opening 835 (e.g., a circular opening) at the first end 831 and a second opening 836 (e.g., a circular opening) at the second end 833 (e.g., as represented by a dashed line in FIG. 32). The drum 832 may also comprise (e.g., define) a cavity 837 that extends from the first opening 835 to the second opening 836 inside the drum 832.[00192J The idler end assembly 800 may further comprise first and secondbearings 840a, 840b (e.g., ring bearings, ball bearings, roller bearings, etc.). Each of the first and second bearings 840a, 840b may comprise a respective outer bearing portion 842a, 842b that may rotate about a respective inner bearing portion 844a, 844b. The first bearing 840a (e.g., the outer bearing portion 842a) and the second bearing 840b (e.g., the outer bearing portion 842b) may becoupled (e.g., physically coupled, affixed, or otherwise attached) to the idler pulley 830 inside the cavity 837 (e.g., via a press-fit connection). For example, the idler pulley 830 may comprise one or more ribs 838 (e.g., upper crush ribs) extending from an inner surface 839 of the idler pulley 830 adjacent to the first end 831 to facilitate the press-fit connection between the idler pulley 830 and the first bearing 840a. In addition, the idler pulley 830 may comprise one or more ribs (e.g., lower crush ribs), which may be similar to the ribs 838, but may extend from the inner surface 839 of the idler pulley 830 adjacent to the second end 833 to facilitate the press-fit connection between the idler pulley 830 and the second bearing 840b. The first bearing 840a may extend through the first opening 835 and into the cavity 837 of the idler pulley 830, and the second bearing 840b may extend through the second opening 836 and into the cavity 837 of the idler pulley 830.

[0193] The first and second bearings 840a, 840b may comprise respectiveopenings 846a, 846b located inside of the respective inner bearing portions 844a, 844b and extending through the first and second bearings 840a, 840b. The first bearing 840a (e.g., the inner bearing portion 844a) may be located within the recess 813 and attached to the column 814 of the upper housing portion 810 (e.g., via a press fit connection). The column 814 of the upper housing portion 810 may be received within the opening 846a of the first bearing 840a. The first bearing 840a (e.g., the inner bearing portion 844a) may be disposed proximate, contact, or abut the base portion 814 of the upper housing portion 810 when the first bearing 840a is attached to the column 814. The second bearing 840b (e.g., the inner bearing portion 844b) may be located within the recess 823 and attached to the first column 824 of the lower housing portion 820 (e.g., via a press fit connection). The first column 824 (e.g., and the second column 826) of the lower housing portion 820 may be received within the opening 846b of the second bearing 840b. The second bearing 840b (e.g., the inner bearing portion 844b) may be disposed proximate, contact, or abut the base portion 821 of the lower housing portion 820 when the second bearing 840a is attached to the first column 824. When the first and second bearings 840a, 840b (e.g., the inner bearing portions 844a, 844b) are attached to the respective columns 814, 824, the first and second bearings 840a, 840b may be coaxially aligned with the second axis 802 of the idler endassembly 800.

[0194] The idler end assembly 800 (e.g., at least a portion of the idler end assembly 800) may be received within the track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410). For example, the upper housing portion 810, the idler pulley 830, and the lower housing portion 820 may be received within the track channel of the drapery rod. The idler end assembly 800 may be supported by the drapery rod (e.g., such as by the carrier support members 468). The base portion 821 of the lower housing portion 820 may extend, for example, at least partially into the slot of the drapery rod (e.g., the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410. The idler housing of the idler end assembly 800 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 810, 820) may be fixed (e.g., locked) in position within the track channel (e.g., within the track channel 417 at the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410). The idler pulley 830 (e.g., the outer bearing portions 842a, 842b) may rotate around the columns 814, 824 of the upper and lower housing portions 810, 820 (e.g, the inner bearing portions 844a, 844b), respectively. Accordingly, the idler pulley 830 may rotate with respect to the idler housing of the idler end assembly 800 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 810, 820) and thus with respect to the drapery rod. The teeth 834 of the idler pulley 830 may engage with the belt (e.g., engage the teeth 439 of the belt 438) as the idler pulley 830 rotates. In some examples, when the belt comprises a flat belt, the belt may engage with a smooth surface of the idler pulley 830 via friction engagement (e.g., the idler pulley 830 may not comprise the teeth 834).

[0195] The track portion of the drapery system (e.g., the track portion 460) may be located between the drive end assembly 700 and the idler end assembly 800 within the track channel of the drapery rod. The track portion may extend between the drive end assembly 700 and the idler end assembly 800 within the track channel, such that the drive end assembly 700 is located adjacent to of first end of the track portion (e.g., the first end 461 of the track portion 460) and the idler end assembly 800 is located adjacent to a second end of the track portion (e.g., the second end 463 of the track portion 460). The belt may extend around through the first and second belt channels of the track portion, around the drive pulley 730 of the drive end assembly 700 (e.g., through the upper and lower housing portions 710, 720), and around the drive pulley 830 of the idler end assembly 800 (e.g., through the upper and lower housing portions 810, 820). Because the track portion, the driveend assembly 700, and the idler end assembly 800 are located within the track channel of the drapery rod, the drapery rod may be an extrusion (e.g, a single metal extrusion produced from an extrusion process), which may reduce the cost and complexity of the drapery rod. When the drapery rod is an extrusion, the drapery rod may have a continuous and / or identical cross-section along the length of the drapery rod (e.g., as with the drapery rod 410 shown in FIG. 19A).

[0196] The drive pulley 730 (e.g., the outer diameter of the drive pulley 730) and the idler pulley 830 (e.g., the outer diameter of the idler pulley 830) may be sized such that the belt may be able to extend linearly through the first and second belt channels (e.g., at approximately the centers of the first and second belt channels), such that the belt in the first belt channel is parallel to the belt in the second belt channel (e.g., as with the belt 438 shown in FIGs. 22 and 23). For example, the outer diameter of the drive pulley 730 and the outer diameter of the idler pulley 830 may be approximately equal (e.g., approximately 0.092 inches). An offset distance between an inner surface of the belt in the first belt channel and an inner surface of the belt in the second belt channel (e.g., such as the offset distance DOFF shown in FIG. 19A) may be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the drive pulley 730 and the outer diameter of the idler pulley 830. Because of this, the drive end assembly 700 and / or the idler end assembly 800 may not require additional pulleys to route the belt from the first and second belt channels and around the drive pulley 730 and the idler pulley 830.

[0197] The idler end assembly 800 may further comprise a locating plate 850, which may hold (e.g., lock) the idler end assembly 800 in position within the track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., as the idler end assembly 600 is located within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410 as shown in FIG 26). The locating plate 850 may be located outside of the track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., such as the locating plate 650 is located outside of the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410 as shown in FIG. 21). The locating plate 850 may comprise a body 852 (e.g., an elongated body) having an upper surface 851 and a lower surface 853. The locating plate 850 may comprise bosses 854 (e.g., two bosses) extending from the upper surface 851 of the body 852. The locating plate 850 may comprise (e.g., define) openings 855 (e.g., two threaded opening) that extends through the respective bosses 854 and the body 852 of the locating plate 850. The locatingplate 850 may be attached to the lower housing portion 820 via fasteners (e.g., threaded screws, such as the fastener 656) received through the respective openings 855 in the locating plate 850, the slot of the drapery rod, and the respective openings 825 in the lower housing portion 820. The lower housing portion 820 of the idler end assembly 800 may comprise a recess 828 in which the body 852 and / or the bosses 854 of the locating plate 850 may be located when the locating plate 850 is attached to the lower housing portion 820. The locating plate 850 may be wider than the slot of the drapery rod such that the locating plate 850 may not pass through the slot, but may be held in position outside the drapery rod when the locating plate 850 is attached to the lower housing portion 820 via the respective fasteners that extend through the respective openings 855 of the locating plate 850.

[0198] The idler end assembly 800 may be moved (e.g, adjusted) along the track channel of the drapery rod to adjust tensioning of the belt. For example, when the fasteners are received through the openings 855 in the locating plate 850 and the openings 825 in the lower housing portion 820, a user may grip the locating plate 850 to move the idler end assembly 800 through the track channel towards and away from the drive end assembly 700 to adjust the tensioning of the belt. The wing 716 of the upper housing portion 710 and the wings 726 of the lower housing portion 720 of the drive end assembly 700 may abut the first end of the drapery rod to hold the drive end assembly 700 in position in the track channel of the drapery rod while the tensioning of the belt is being adjusted. When the tensioning of the belt is at a desired level (e.g., tension), the respective fasteners that extend through the respective openings 855 of the locating plate 850 may be tightened until the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the lower housing portion 820 of the idler end assembly 800 and the locating plate 850, such that the lower housing portion 820 of the idler end assembly 800 is held (e.g., locked) in position within the track channel of the drapery rod and the tensioning of the belt may be maintained at the desired level. One will readily appreciate the drive end assembly 700 and / or the idler end assembly 800 may be used with the drapery rod 110, the drapery rod 210, and / or the drapery rod 410. In addition, the drive end assembly 700 and / or the idler end assembly 800 may be used in drapery systems in the left draw configuration, the right draw configuration, the center draw configuration, and other suitable draw configurations.

[0199] When the drapery fabric of the drapery system is a pleated fabric (e.g., such as a ripple-fold or S-fold fabric), the drapery fabric may have pleats (e.g, folds) that may be connected to a spacing cord to provide proper spacing between the pleats when the drapery fabric is in the fully-extended position. The spacing cord may be coupled to the drive end assembly 700 (e.g, in the left draw, right draw, and / or center draw configurations). In the center draw configuration, the drapery system may comprise two pieces of drapery fabric with respective spacing cords (e.g., two spacing cords) and the spacing cord may be coupled to the idler end assembly 800.

[0200] The drive end assembly 700 (e.g., the drive housing of the drive end assembly 700) may comprise a tethering member 760 to which the spacing cord may be coupled (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31). When coupled to the tethering member 760 and the drapery fabric, the spacing cord may extend from the tethering member 760 in the longitudinal direction L. The tethering member 760 may comprise (e.g., define) a slot 762 through which the spacing cord may be received into a recess 760 (e.g., a circular recess). For example, the slot 762 may comprise a first portion 761 that extends in the lateral direction A and a second portion 763 that extends in the transverse direction T to the recess 764. The spacing cord may have a first stopping element (not shown), such as a knot or a button that may be larger than the recess 764, at a first end, such that the first end of the stopping member may not pass through the recess 764 and may be coupled to the tethering member 760.

[0201] The tethering member 760 may be formed by the upper housing portion 710 and the lower housing portion 720 of the drive end assembly 700. For example, the upper housing portion 710 may comprise an upper arm 765 extending from the second side wall 712b (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L) and an upper flange 766 extending from the upper arm 765 (e.g, in the lateral direction L) as shown in FIG. 33. The lower housing portion 720 may comprise a lower arm 767 extending from the second side wall 722b (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L) and a lower flange 768 extending from the lower arm 767 (e.g, in the lateral direction L) as shown in FIG. 33. When the upper housing portion 710 is coupled to the lower housing portion 712, the upper arm 765 and the upper flange 766 may be aligned with the lower arm 767 and the lower flange 768, respectively, such that the upper and lower housing portions 710, 720 form the tethering member 710 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31). For example, the slot 762 and / or the recess 764 may beformed in the lower flange 768 of the lower housing portion 720. Additionally or alternatively, the slot 762 and / or the recess 764 may be formed in the upper flange 766 of the upper housing portion 710. The upper flange 766 and the lower flange 768 may have respective angled walls 769 for guiding the spacing cord into the slot 762 when the spacing cord is being installed into the recess 764 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 31).

[0202] The idler end assembly 800 e.g., the idler housing of the idler end assembly 800) may also comprise a tethering member 860 to which the spacing cord may be coupled (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32). When coupled to the tethering member 860 and the drapery fabric, the spacing cord may extend from the tethering member 860 in the longitudinal direction L. The tethering member 860 may comprise (e.g., define) a slot 862 through which the spacing cord may be received into a recess 864 (e.g., a circular recess). For example, the slot 862 may comprise a first portion 861 that extends in the lateral direction A and a second portion 863 that extends in the transverse direction T to the recess 864. The spacing cord may have a second stopping member (not shown), such as a knot or a button that may be larger than the recess 864, at a second end, such that the second end of the stopping member may not pass through the recess 864 and may be coupled to the tethering member 860.

[0203] The tethering member 860 may be formed by the upper housing portion 810 and the lower housing portion 820 of the idler end assembly 800. For example, the upper housing portion 810 may comprise an upper arm 865 extending from the second side wall 812b (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L) and an upper flange 866 extending from the upper arm 865 (e.g., in the lateral direction L) as shown in FIG. 34. The lower housing portion 820 may comprise a lower arm 867 extending from the second side wall 822b (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L) and a lower flange 868 extending from the lower arm 867 (e.g., in the lateral direction L) as shown in FIG. 34. When the upper housing portion 810 is coupled to the lower housing portion 812, the upper arm 865 and the upper flange 866 may be aligned with the lower arm 867 and the lower flange 868, respectively, such that the upper and lower housing portions 810, 820 form the tethering member 810 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 32). For example, the slot 862 and / or the recess 864 may be formed in the lower flange 868 of the lower housing portion 820. Additionally or alternatively, theslot 862 and / or the recess 864 may be formed in the upper flange 866 of the upper housing portion 810. The upper flange 866 and the lower flange 868 may have respective angled walls 869 for guiding the spacing cord into the slot 862 when the spacing cord is being installed into the recess 864 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 32). While not shown in the figures, the drive end assembly 500 of FIG. 24 and the idler end assembly 600 of FIG. 25 may also comprise respective tethering members, such as the tethering member 760 of the drive end assembly 700 and the tethering member 860 of the idler end assembly 800.

[0204] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another example drive end assembly 900 and FIG. 36 is a perspective view of another example idler end assembly 1000 for using in a drapery system (e.g, such as the drapery systems 100, 200, 400). For example, the drive end assembly 900 may be located inside of (e.g, and / or substantially inside of) a drapery rod (e.g, the drapery rod 410 at or near the first end 411), and the idler end assembly 1000 may be located inside of (e.g., and / or substantially inside of) the drapery rod (e.g., the drapery rod 410 at or near the second end 413). The drapery system may comprise a belt (e.g, the belt 438) that may extend through the drive end assembly 900 and the idler end assembly 1000. In some examples, the drive end assembly 900 may be located at the second end of the drapery rod and the idler end assembly 1000 may be located at the first end of the drapery rod.

[0205] The drive end assembly 900 may comprise a drive housing having an upper housing portion 910 (e.g, an upper drive housing portion) and a lower housing portion 920 (e.g., a lower drive housing portion). The drive end assembly 900 may further comprise a drive pulley 930 (e.g., a rotatable drive pulley or belt gear) that may be housed in the drive housing (e.g, between the upper housing portion 910 and the lower housing portion 920) and may engage the belt. The drive pulley 930 of the drive end assembly 900 may be coupled (e.g, rotatably coupled) to a motor (not shown) of a motor drive unit of the drapery system (e.g, such as the motor drive unit 402) for rotating the drive pulley 930 to move the belt through front and rear belt channels of a track portion of the drapery system (e.g, the front and rear belt channels 464a, 464b of the track portion 460). The belt may also extend from the rear belt channel to the front belt channel of the track portion through the idler end assembly 1000. The idler end assembly 1000 may comprise an idler housinghaving an upper housing portion 1010 (e.g., an upper idler housing portion) and a lower housing portion 1020 (e.g., a lower idler housing portion). The idler end assembly 1000 may further comprise an idler pulley 1030 (e.g., a rotatable idler pulley or belt gear) that may be housed in the idler housing (e.g., between the upper housing portion 1010 and the lower housing portion 1020) and may also engage the belt for facilitating movement from the belt between the front and rear belt channels. The drive pulley 930 and / or the idler pulley 1030 may each be located (e.g., entirely located) within the drapery rod. For example, the drive pulley 930 and / or the idler pulley 1030 may each be located between first and second ends of the drapery rod (e.g., between the first and second ends 411, 413 of the drapery rod 410) and surrounded by the periphery of the drapery rod (e.g., as defined by the front surface 412, the rear surface 414, the upper surface 416, and the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410).

[0206] The drive end assembly 900 may be characterized by a first axis 902 (e.g., a central axis) that may extend through a center of the drive pulley 930. When the drive end assembly 900 is installed in the track portion of the drapery rod, the axis 902 of the drive end assembly 900 may extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod (e.g., the center of the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410) and / or may extend through the track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., the center of the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410), such that the drive pulley 930 (e.g., the center of the drive pulley 930) is aligned with the slot (e.g., the center of the slot 415) and / or the track channel (e.g., the center of the track channel 417).

[0207] The upper housing portion 910 may comprise a base portion 911 and first and second side walls 912a, 912b that extend from the base portion 911 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 911. The upper housing portion 910 may further comprise a column (e.g., a cylindrical drum, such as the column 514 of the upper housing portion 510 of the drive end assembly 500 and / or the column 714 of the upper housing portion 710 of the drive end assembly 700) extending from the base portion 911 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) of the upper housing portion 910. The lower housing portion 920 may comprise a base portion 921 and first and second side walls 922a, 922b that extend from the base portion 921 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 921.

[0208] The lower housing portion 920 may further comprise a column (e.g., a cylindrical drum, such as the column 524 of the lower housing portion 520 of the drive end assembly 500 and / or the column 724 of the lower housing portion 720 of the drive end assembly 700) extending from the base portion 921 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) of the lower housing portion 920. The lower housing portion 920 may comprise an interface portion 928, which may allow for connection to the motor drive unit (e.g, as will be described in greater detail below). The lower housing portion 920 may comprise (e.g, define) an opening (e.g, such as the openings 527, 727) that extends through the column, the base portion 921, and the interface portion 928 of the lower housing portion 920.

[0209] The upper housing portion 910 may be attached to the lower housing portion 920, such that the drive pulley 930 is captured between the upper housing portion 910 and the lower housing portion 920. For example, the upper housing portion 910 may be physically coupled, affixed, or otherwise attached to the lower housing portion 920 via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, such as the fasteners 505, 705) received through respective openings 915 in the upper housing portion 910 and respective openings of the lower housing portion 920 (e.g., such as the openings 525 of the lower housing portion 520 and / or the openings 725 of the lower housing portion 720). The openings 915 of the upper housing portion 910 may extend through the first and second side walls 912a, 912b of the upper housing portion 910. The openings of the lower housing portion 920 may extend into or through the first and second side walls 922a, 922b of the lower housing portion 920. The first and second side walls 912a, 912b of the upper housing portion 910 may abut the first and second side walls 922a, 922b of the lower housing portion 920 when the when the upper housing portion 910 is attached to the lower housing portion 920 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 35). For example, the column of the upper housing portion 910, the column of the lower housing portion 920, and the drive pulley 930 may be coaxially aligned when the upper housing portion 910 is attached to the lower housing portion 920.

[0210] The drive pulley 930 may comprise a drum 932 (e.g., a cylindrical body). The drum 932 of the drive pulley 930 may include a plurality of teeth 934 (e.g., cogs) surrounding a perimeter of the drum 932. The drive pulley 930 (e.g, the drum 932) may be characterized by an outer diameter (e.g., as measured between ends of the teeth on opposing sides of the drum 932,which may be the same as the diameter DPLYI of the pulley 530 of the drive end assembly 500). For example, the outer diameter of the drive pulley 930 may be approximately 0.092 inches.

[0211] While not shown in the drawings, the drive end assembly 900 may further comprise first and second bearings (e.g., ring bearings, ball bearings, roller bearings, etc., such as the first and second bearings 540a, 540b of the drive end assembly 500 and / or the first and secondbearings 740a, 740b of the drive end assembly 700, respectively). The column of the upper housing portion 910 may be received within an opening (e.g., such as the opening 546a of the first bearing 540a and / or the opening 746a of the first bearing 740a). The column of the lower housing portion 920 may be received within the opening (e.g., such as the opening 546b of the second bearing 540b and / or the opening 746b of the second bearing 740b). The first and second bearings of the drive end assembly 900 may facilitate rotation of the drive pulley 930 with respect to the diler housing of the drive end assembly 900 (e.g., the upper housing portion 910 and / or the lower housing portion 920).

[0212] The drive end assembly 900 (e.g., at least a portion of the drive end assembly 700) may be received within the drapery rod (e.g., within the drapery rods 110, 210, 410). In some examples, the drive end assembly 900 (e.g., at least a portion of the drive end assembly 900) may be received within, for example, a track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410). For example, the upper housing portion 910, the drive pulley 930, and the base portion 921 and the sidewalls 922a, 922b of the lower housing portion 920 may be received within the track channel of the drapery rod. The drive end assembly 900 may be supported by the drapery rod (e.g., such as by the carrier support members 468). The base portion 721 of the lower housing portion 920 may extend, for example, at least partially into a slot of the drapery rod (e.g., the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410). The interface portion 928 may be located outside of the drapery rod 410 (e.g., outside of the track channel 417 as shown in FIG. 20). The drive housing of the drive end assembly 900 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 910, 912) may be fixed (e.g., locked) in position within the track channel (e.g., within the track channel 417 at the first end 411 of the drapery rod 410). The drive pulley 930 may rotate around the columns of the upper and lower housing portions 910, 912, respectively. Accordingly, the drive pulley 930 mayrotate with respect to the drive housing of the drive end assembly 900 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 910, 912) and thus with respect to the drapery rod. The teeth 934 of the drive pulley 930 may engage with the belt (e.g., engage the teeth 439 of the belt 438) as the drive pulley 930 rotates. In some examples, when the belt comprises a flat belt, the belt may engage with a smooth surface of the drive pulley 930 via friction engagement (e.g., the drive pulley 930 may not comprise the teeth 934).

[0213] The drive end assembly 900 may comprise one or more stopping members for preventing the drive end assembly 900 from being inserted too far into the track channel of the drapery rod. For example, the upper housing portion 910 may comprise one or more stopping members, such as a wing 916, which may extend from the base portion 910 (e.g., in the transverse direction T). In addition, the lower housing portion 920 may comprise one or more stopping members, such as wings 926 (e.g., two wings), which may extend from the side wall 922a (e.g., in the lateral direction A). The wing 916 of the upper housing portion 910 and the wings 926 of the lower housing portion 920 may contact or abut a portion of the first end of the drapery rod to locate the drive end assembly 900 at a defined location within the track channel at the first end of the drapery rod.

[0214] The drive end assembly 900 may further comprise a shaft 950. The shaft 950 may extend through the drive pulley 930, the second bearing, and the lower housing portion 920 (e.g., the base portion 911, the column, and the interface portion 928). The shaft 950 may engage with an attachment member of the drive pulley 930 (e.g., in a similar manner as the upper portion 552 of the shaft 550 may engage with the attachment member 558 of the drive pulley 530 as shown in FIG. 20). For example, the shaft 750 may extend from the drive end assembly 700 towards the motor drive unit and may engage with the motor drive unit to allow for rotation of the drive pulley 930 by the motor of the motor drive unit. The drive end assembly 900 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 912a, 912b) may be coupled to the motor drive unit via an adapter (e.g., such as the adapter 560). The interface portion 928 of the lower housing portion 920 of the drive end assembly 900 may be received in an opening in an upper end a body of the adapter (e.g., such as the opening 564 in the upper end 561 of the body 562 of the adapter 560). The interface portion 928 ofthe lower housing portion 920 may be connected to the adapter via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws or pins - not shown) received through respective openings in the adapter (e.g., such as the openings 565 in the body 562 of the adapter 560) and respective openings 929 in the interface portion 928 of the lower housing portion 920. In some examples, the interface portion 928 of the lower housing portion 920 of the drive end assembly 900 and the opening in the upper end of the adapter may be keyed to mate with each other. The drive end assembly 900 may support the motor drive unit through the adapter.

[0215] The idler end assembly 1000 may be characterized by a second axis 1002 (e.g., a central axis) that may extend through a center of the idler pulley 1030. When the idler end assembly 1000 is installed in the track portion of the drapery rod, the axis 1002 of the idler end assembly 1000 may extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod (e.g., the center of the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410) and / or may extend through the track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., the center of the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410), such that the idler pulley 1030 (e.g., the center of the idler pulley 830) is aligned with the slot (e.g., the center of the slot 415) and / or the track channel (e.g., the center of the track channel 417).

[0216] The upper housing portion 1010 of the idler end assembly 1000 may comprise a base portion 1011 and first and second side walls 1012a, 1012b that extend from the base portion 1011 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 1011 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 36). The upper housing portion 1010 may further comprise a column (e.g., a cylindrical drum, such as the column 614 of the upper housing portion 610 of the idler end assembly 600 and / or the column 814 of the upper housing portion 810 of the idler end assembly 800) extending from the base portion 1011 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) of the upper housing portion 1010.

[0217] The lower housing portion 1020 of the idler end assembly 1000 may comprise a base portion 1021 and first and second side walls 1022a, 1022b that extend from the base portion 1021 (e.g., in the transverse direction T) at opposing ends of the base portion 1021. The lower housing portion 1020 may further comprise a column (e.g., a cylindrical drum, such as the column 624 of the lower housing portion 620 of the idler end assembly 600 and / or the column 824 of the lower housingportion 820 of the idler end assembly 800) extending from the base portion 1021 (e.g, in the transverse direction T) of the lower housing portion 1020.

[0218] The upper housing portion 1010 may be attached to the lower housing portion 1020, such that the idler pulley 1030 is captured between the upper housing portion 1010 and the lower housing portion 1020. For example, the upper housing portion 1010 may be attached to the lower housing portion 1020 via fasteners (e.g., screws, such as the fasteners 605 and / or the fasteners 805) received through respective openings 1015 in the upper housing portion 1010 and respective openings of the lower housing portion 820. The openings 1015 of the upper housing portion 1010 may extend through the first and second side walls 1012a, 1012b of the upper housing portion 1010. The openings of the lower housing portion 1020 may extend into or through the first and second side walls 1022a, 1022b of the lower housing portion 1020. The first and second side walls 1012a, 1012b of the upper housing portion 810 may physically contact or abut the first and second sidewalls 1022a, 1022b of the lower housing portion 1020 when the when the upper housingportion 1010 is physically coupled or attached to the lower housing portion 1020 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 36). For example, the column of the upper housing portion 1010, the column of the lower housing portion 1020, and the idler pulley 1030 may be coaxially aligned when the upper housing portion 1010 is attached to the lower housing portion 1020.

[0219] The idler pulley 1030 may comprise a drum 1032 (e.g, a cylindrical body). The drum 1032 of the idler pulley 1030 may comprise a plurality of teeth 1034 (e.g., cogs) surrounding a perimeter of the drum 1032. The idler pulley 1030 (e.g., the drum 1032) may be characterized by an outer diameter (e.g., as measured between ends of the teeth on opposing sides of the drum 1032, which may be the same as the diameter DPLY2 of the pulley 630 of the idler end assembly 600). For example, the outer diameter of the idler pulley 1030 may be approximately 0.092 inches.

[0220] While not shown in the drawings, the idler end assembly 1000 may further comprise first and second bearings (e.g., ring bearings, ball bearings, roller bearings, etc., such as the first and second bearings 640a, 640b of the idler end assembly 600 and / or the first and secondbearings 840a, 840b of the idler end assembly 800, respectively). The column of the upper housingportion 1010 may be received within an opening (e.g., such as the opening 646a of the first bearing 640a and / or the opening 846a of the first bearing 840a). The column of the lower housing portion 1020 may be received within the opening (e.g., such as the opening 646b of the second bearing 640b and / or the opening 846b of the second bearing 840b). The first and second bearings of the idler end assembly 1000 may facilitate rotation of the idler pulley 1030 with respect to the idler housing of the idler end assembly 1000 (e.g., the upper housing portion 1010 and / or the lower housing portion 1020).

[0221] The idler end assembly 1000 (e.g., at least a portion of the idler end assembly 1000) may be received within the track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410). For example, the upper housing portion 1010, the idler pulley 1030, and the lower housing portion 1020 may be received within the track channel of the drapery rod. The idler end assembly 1000 may be supported by the drapery rod (e.g., such as by the carrier support members 468). The base portion 1021 of the lower housing portion 1020 may extend, for example, at least partially into the slot of the drapery rod (e.g., the slot 415 in the lower surface 418 of the drapery rod 410. The idler housing of the idler end assembly 1000 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 1010, 1020) may be fixed (e.g., locked) in position within the track channel (e.g., within the track channel 417 at the second end 413 of the drapery rod 410). The idler pulley 1030 may rotate around the columns of the upper and lower housing portions 1010, 1020, respectively. Accordingly, the idler pulley 1030 may rotate with respect to the idler housing of the idler end assembly 1000 (e.g., the upper and lower housing portions 1010, 1020) and thus with respect to the drapery rod. The teeth 1034 of the idler pulley 1030 may engage with the belt (e.g., engage the teeth 439 of the belt 438) as the idler pulley 1030 rotates. In some examples, when the belt comprises a flat belt, the belt may engage with a smooth surface of the idler pulley 1030 via friction engagement (e.g., the idler pulley 1030 may not comprise the teeth 1034).

[0222] The track portion of the drapery system (e.g., the track portion 460) may be located between the drive end assembly 900 and the idler end assembly 1000 within the track channel of the drapery rod. The track portion may extend between the drive end assembly 900 and the idler end assembly 1000 within the track channel, such that the drive end assembly 900 is located adjacent toof first end of the track portion (e.g., the first end 461 of the track portion 460) and the idler end assembly 1000 is located adjacent to a second end of the track portion (e.g, the second end 463 of the track portion 460). The belt may extend around through the first and second belt channels of the track portion, around the drive pulley 930 of the drive end assembly 900 (e.g, through the upper and lower housing portions 910, 920), and around the drive pulley 1030 of the idler end assembly 1000 (e.g., through the upper and lower housing portions 1010, 1020). Because the track portion, the drive end assembly 900, and the idler end assembly 1000 are located within the track channel of the drapery rod, the drapery rod may be an extrusion (e.g., a single metal extrusion produced from an extrusion process), which may reduce the cost and complexity of the drapery rod. When the drapery rod is an extrusion, the drapery rod may have a continuous and / or identical cross-section along the length of the drapery rod (e.g., as with the drapery rod 410 shown in FIG. 19A).

[0223] The drive pulley 930 (e.g, the outer diameter of the drive pulley 930) and the idler pulley 1030 (e.g., the outer diameter of the idler pulley 1030) may be sized such that the belt may be able to extend linearly through the first and second belt channels (e.g, at approximately the centers of the first and second belt channels), such that the belt in the first belt channel is parallel to the belt in the second belt channel (e.g., as with the belt 438 shown in FIGs. 22 and 23). For example, the outer diameter of the drive pulley 930 and the outer diameter of the idler pulley 1030 may be approximately equal (e.g., approximately 0.092 inches). An offset distance between an inner surface of the belt in the first belt channel and an inner surface of the belt in the second belt channel (e.g, such as the offset distance DOFF shown in FIG. 19A) may be approximately equal to the outer diameter of the drive pulley 930 and the outer diameter of the idler pulley 1030. Because of this, the drive end assembly 900 and / or the idler end assembly 1000 may not require additional pulleys to route the belt from the first and second belt channels and around the drive pulley 930 and the idler pulley 1030.

[0224] The idler end assembly 1000 may further comprise a locating plate (e.g., such as the locating plate 650 of the idler end assembly 600 and / or the locating plate 850 of the idler end assembly 800). The locating plate of the idler end assembly 1000 may hold (e.g., lock) the idler end assembly 1000 in position within the track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., as the idler endassembly 600 and / or the idler end assembly 800 is located within the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410 as shown in FIG 26). The locating plate of the idler end assembly 1000 may be located outside of the track channel of the drapery rod (e.g., such as the locating plate 650 is located outside of the track channel 417 of the drapery rod 410 as shown in FIG. 21). The locating plate of the idler end assembly 1000 may be attached to the lower housing portion 1020 via one or more fasteners (e.g., threaded screws, such as the fastener 656) received through respective openings (e.g., such as the opening 655 of the locating plate 650 and / or the openings 855 in the locating plate 850), the slot of the drapery rod, and respective openings in the lower housing portion 1020 (e.g., such as the opening 627 of the lower housing portion 620 and / or the openings 825 of the lower housing portion 820). The lower housing portion 1020 of the idler end assembly 1000 may comprise a recess 1028 in which the locating plate of the idler end assembly 1000 may be located when the locating plate is attached to the lower housing portion 1020. The locating plate of the idler end assembly 1000 may be wider than the slot of the drapery rod such that the locating plate may not pass through the slot, but may be held in position outside the drapery rod when the locating plate is attached to the lower housing portion 1020 via the respective fasteners.

[0225] The idler end assembly 1000 may be moved e.g., adjusted) along the track channel of the drapery rod to adjust tensioning of the belt. For example, when the fasteners are received through the one or more openings in the locating plate of the idler end assembly and the openings in the lower housing portion 1020, a user may grip the locating plate to move the idler end assembly 1000 through the track channel towards and away from the drive end assembly 900 to adjust the tensioning of the belt. The wing 916 of the upper housing portion 910 and the wings 926 of the lower housing portion 920 of the drive end assembly 900 may abut the first end of the drapery rod to hold the drive end assembly 900 in position in the track channel of the drapery rod while the tensioning of the belt is being adjusted. When the tensioning of the belt is at a desired level (e.g., tension), the respective fasteners that extend through the respective openings of the locating plate of the idler end assembly 1000 may be tightened until the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the lower housing portion 1020 and the locating plate of the idler end assembly 1000, such that the lower housing portion 1020 of the idler end assembly 1000 is held (e.g., locked) in positionwithin the track channel of the drapery rod and the tensioning of the belt may be maintained at the desired level. One will readily appreciate the drive end assembly 900 and / or the idler end assembly 1000 may be used with the drapery rod 110, the drapery rod 210, and / or the drapery rod 410. In addition, the drive end assembly 900 and / or the idler end assembly 1000 may be used in drapery systems in the left draw configuration, the right draw configuration, the center draw configuration, and other suitable draw configurations.

[0226] When the drapery fabric of the drapery system is a pleated fabric (e.g., such as a ripple-fold or S-fold fabric), the drapery fabric may have pleats (e.g., folds) that may be connected to a spacing cord to provide proper spacing between the pleats when the drapery fabric is in the fully-extended position. The spacing cord may be coupled to the drive end assembly 900 (e.g, in the left draw, right draw, and / or center draw configurations). In the center draw configuration, the drapery system may comprise two pieces of drapery fabric with respective spacing cords (e.g, two spacing cords) and the spacing cord may be coupled to the idler end assembly 1000.

[0227] The drive end assembly 900 (e.g, the drive housing of the drive end assembly 900) may comprise a tethering member 960 to which the spacing cord may be coupled (e.g., as shown in FIG. 35). When coupled to the tethering member 960 and the drapery fabric, the spacing cord may extend from the tethering member 960 in the longitudinal direction L. The tethering member 960 may comprise (e.g., define) a slot 962 through which the spacing cord may be received into a recess 964 (e.g, a circular recess). For example, the slot 962 may comprise a first portion 961 that extends in the lateral direction A and a second portion 963 that extends in the transverse direction T to the recess 964. The spacing cord may have a first stopping member (not shown), such as a knot or a button that may be larger than the recess 964, at a first end, such that the first end of the stopping member may not pass through the recess 964 and may be coupled to the tethering member 960.

[0228] The tethering member 960 may be formed by the upper housing portion 910 and the lower housing portion 920 of the drive end assembly 900. For example, the upper housing portion 910 may comprise an upper arm 965 extending from the second side wall 912b (e.g, in the longitudinal direction L) and an upper flange 966 extending from the upper arm 965 (e.g, in thelateral direction L). The lower housing portion 920 may comprise a lower arm 967 extending from the second side wall 922b (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L) and a lower flange 968 extending from the lower arm 967 (e.g., in the lateral direction L). When the upper housing portion 910 is coupled to the lower housing portion 912, the upper arm 965 and the upper flange 966 may be aligned with the lower arm 967 and the lower flange 968, respectively, such that the upper and lower housing portions 910, 920 form the tethering member 910 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 35). For example, the slot 962 and / or the recess 964 may be formed in the lower flange 968 of the lower housing portion 920. Additionally or alternatively, the slot 962 and / or the recess 964 may be formed in the upper flange 966 of the upper housing portion 910. The upper flange 966 and the lower flange 968 may have respective angled walls 969 for guiding the spacing cord into the slot 962 when the spacing cord is being installed into the recess 964 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 35).

[0229] The idler end assembly 1000 (e.g., the idler housing of the idler end assembly 1000) may also comprise a tethering member 1060 to which the spacing cord may be coupled (e.g., as shown in FIG. 36). When coupled to the tethering member 1060 and the drapery fabric, the spacing cord may extend from the tethering member 1060 in the longitudinal direction L. The tethering member 1060 may comprise (e.g., define) a slot 1062 through which the spacing cord may be received into a recess 1064 (e.g., a circular recess). For example, the slot 1062 may comprise a first portion 1061 that extends in the lateral direction A and a second portion 1063 that extends in the transverse direction T to the recess 1064. The spacing cord may have a second stopping member (not shown), such as a knot or a button that may be larger than the recess 1064, at a second end, such that the second end of the stopping member may not pass through the recess 1064 and may be coupled to the tethering member 1060.

[0230] The tethering member 1060 may be formed by the upper housing portion 1010 and the lower housing portion 1020 of the idler end assembly 1000. For example, the upper housing portion 1010 may comprise an upper arm 1065 extending from the second side wall 1012b (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L) and an upper flange 1066 extending from the upper arm 1065 (e.g., in the lateral direction L). The lower housing portion 1020 may comprise a lower arm 1067 extending from the second side wall 1022b (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L) and a lower flange 1068extending from the lower arm 1067 (e.g., in the lateral direction L). When the upper housing portion 1010 is coupled to the lower housing portion 1012, the upper arm 1065 and the upper flange 1066 may be aligned with the lower arm 1067 and the lower flange 1068, respectively, such that the upper and lower housing portions 1010, 1020 form the tethering member 1010 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 36). For example, the slot 1062 and / or the recess 1064 may be formed in the lower flange 1068 of the lower housing portion 1020. Additionally or alternatively, the slot 1062 and / or the recess 1064 may be formed in the upper flange 1066 of the upper housing portion 1010. The upper flange 1066 and the lower flange 1068 may have respective angled walls 1069 for guiding the spacing cord into the slot 1062 when the spacing cord is being installed into the recess 1064 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 36).[002311 The drive end assembly 900 may comprise one or more retention members 970 for retaining the belt in engagement with the drive pulley 930 (e.g., and to prevent slipping of the belt with respect to the drive pulley 930). The one or more retention members 970 may be coupled to the drive housing of the drive end assembly 900 (e.g., to the first side wall 912a of the upper housing portion 910 and / or the first side wall 922a of the lower housing portion 920). For example, the drive end assembly 900 may comprise a first one of the retention members 970 coupled to the first side wall 912a of the upper housing portion 910 and / or the first side wall 922a of the lower housing portion 920 on one side of the drive pulley 930 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 35) and a second one of the retention members 970 coupled to the first side wall 912a of the upper housing portion 910 and / or the first side wall 922a of the lower housing portion 920 on the other side of the drive pulley 930 (e.g., not shown in FIG. 35). For example, each of the retention members 970 may comprise a respective roller 972 that may be captured between the upper housing portion 910 and the lower housing portion 920to and may rotate with respect to the drive housing of the drive end assembly 900 (e.g., the upper housing portion 910 and / or the lower housing portion 920). The respective roller 972 of each of the retention members 970 may comprise an opening (e.g., a cylindrical opening - not shown) that may receive a respective post 974 (e.g., a cylindrical post - illustrated by a dashed line in FIG. 35), such that the respective roller 972 may rotate about the respectivepost 974. For example, the respective posts 974 of the respective rollers 974 may be formed as part of the upper housing portion 910 and / or the lower housing portion 920.

[0232] The belt may engage with the drive pulley 930 and move between the drum 932 of the drive pulley 930 and the first side wall 912a of the upper housing portion 910 and the first side wall 922a of the lower housing portion 920 as the drive pulley 903 rotates. The one or more retention members 970 of the drive end assembly 900 may operate to prevent the belt from slipping as the drive pulley 930 rotates. For example, a distance between each of the retention members 970 (e.g., the respective rollers 972) and the teeth 934 (c.g, outermost ends 935 of the teeth 934) may be less than a height (e.g., a whole depth) of the teeth of the belt, such that the teeth of the belt may be retained between the teeth 934 of the drive pulley 930 as the drive pulley 930 rotates. For example, the belt may not contact the respective rollers 972 of the retention member 970 as the drive pulley 930 rotates (e.g., during normal operation of the drapery system). However, if the belt contacts the respective rollers 972 of the retention member 970 (e.g., depending upon the tensioning in the belt), the respective rollers 972 may rotate to prevent friction between the belt and the retention members 970. In some examples, the retention members 970 may not include the respective rollers 972, and the first side wall 912a of the upper housing portion 910 and / or the first side wall 922a of the lower housing portion 920 may operate as the retention members of the drive end assembly 900 (e.g., may be located close enough to the drive pulley 930 to prevent the belt from slipping as the drive pulley 930 rotates).

[0233] The idler end assembly 1000 may comprise one or more retention members 1070 for retaining the belt in engagement with the idler pulley 1030 (e.g, and to prevent slipping of the belt with respect to the idler pulley 1030). The one or more retention members 1070 may be coupled to the idler housing of the idler end assembly 1000 (e.g, to the first side wall 1012a of the upper housing portion 1010 and / or the first side wall 1022a of the lower housing portion 1020). For example, the idler end assembly 1000 may comprise a first one of the retention members 1070 coupled to the first side wall 1012a of the upper housing portion 1010 and / or the first side wall 1022a of the lower housing portion 1020 on one side of the idler pulley 1030 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 36) and a second one of the retention members 1070 coupled to the first side wall 1012a of theupper housing portion 1010 and / or the first side wall 1022a of the lower housing portion 1020 on the other side of the idler pulley 1030 (e.g, not shown in FIG. 36). For example, each of the retention members 1070 may comprise a respective roller 1072 that may be captured between the upper housing portion 1010 and the lower housing portion 1020 to and may rotate with respect to the idler housing of the idler end assembly 1000 (e.g., the upper housing portion 1010 and / or the lower housing portion 1020). The respective roller 1072 of each of the retention members 1070 may comprise an opening (e.g, a cylindrical opening - not shown) that may receive a respective post 1074 (e.g., a cylindrical post - illustrated by a dashed line in FIG. 36), such that the respective roller 1072 may rotate about the respective post 1074. For example, the respective posts 1074 of the respective rollers 1074 may be formed as part of the upper housing portion 1010 and / or the lower housing portion 1020.

[0234] The belt may engage with the idler pulley 1030 and move between the drum 1032 of the idler pulley 1030 and the first side wall 1012a of the upper housing portion 1010 and the first side wall 1022a of the lower housing portion 1020 as the idler pulley 1003 rotates. The one or more retention members 1070 of the idler end assembly 1000 may operate to prevent the belt from slipping as the idler pulley 1030 rotates. For example, a distance between each of the retention members 1070 (e.g., the respective rollers 1072) and the teeth 1034 (e.g., outermost ends 1035 of the teeth 1034) may be less than a height (e.g., a whole depth) of the teeth of the belt, such that the teeth of the belt may be retained between the teeth 1034 of the idler pulley 1030 as the idler pulley 1030 rotates. For example, the belt may not contact the respective rollers 1072 of the retention member 1070 as the idler pulley 1030 rotates (e.g., during normal operation of the drapery system). However, if the belt contacts the respective rollers 1072 of the retention member 1070 (e.g., depending upon the tensioning in the belt), the respective rollers 1072 may rotate to prevent friction between the belt and the retention members 1070. In some examples, the retention members 1070 may not include the respective rollers 1072, and the first side wall 1012a of the upper housing portion 1010 and / or the first side wall 1022a of the lower housing portion 1020 may operate as the retention members of the idler end assembly 1000 (e.g., may be located close enough to the idler pulley 1030 to prevent the belt from slipping as the idler pulley 1030 rotates).

[0235] In some examples, a drapery system may comprise two or more drapery rods coupled (e.g, attached) together. FIG. 35 is a partial rear perspective view a drapery system 400" having a first drapery rod 410a and a second drapery rod 410b that are coupled (e.g., attached together). For example, the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b may be identical to the drapery rod 410 described herein. FIG. 36 is a partial rear exploded view of the drapery system 400" illustrating a splicing assembly 1100 that may couple the first drapery rod 410a to the second drapery rod 410b. The first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b may together support a drapery fabric of the drapery system 400" (e.g, in the left draw configuration, the right draw configuration, the center draw configuration, or other suitable drapery configuration). The first drapery rod 410a may extend in a longitudinal direction L from a first end (not shown) to a second end 413a (e.g., opposite the first end), and the second drapery rod 410b may extend in the longitudinal direction L from a first end 411b to a second end (e.g, opposite the second end 411b - not shown). When connected together, the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b may extend in the longitudinal direction L from the first end of the first drapery rod 410b to the second end of the second drapery rod 410b (e.g, for substantially the length of the window that the drapery fabric is covering).

[0236] The first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b may comprise respective front surfaces 412a, 412b, respective rear surfaces 414a, 414b (e.g., opposite the respective front surfaces 412a, 412b), respective upper surfaces 416a, 416b, and respective lower surfaces 418a (e.g., opposite the respective upper surfaces 416a, 416b). The first drapery rod 410a may include a slot 41 a that may extend through (e.g, be formed or cut through) the lower surface 418a of the first drapery rod 410a and may extend along (e.g., span along) the lower surface 418a of the first drapery rod 410a in the longitudinal direction L between the first end and the second end 413a of the first drapery rod 410a. While not shown in FIGs. 35 and 36, the second drapery rod 410b may include a slot (e.g., similar to the slot 415a of the first drapery rod 410a) that may extend through (e.g., be formed or cut through) the lower surface 418b of the second drapery rod 410b and may extend along (e.g., span along) the lower surface 418b of the second drapery rod 410b in the longitudinal direction L between the first end 411b and the second end of the second drapery rod 410b.

[0237] The drapery system 400" may be configured to be secured to a structure surrounding (e.g., above) the window. For example, the drapery system 400" may comprise end mounting brackets (e.g., not shown). For example, the drapery system 400" may comprise a first end mounting bracket (e.g., such as the first end mounting bracket 420a) coupled to the first end of the first drapery rod 410a and a second end mounting bracket (e.g., such as the second end mounting bracket 420b) connected to the second end of the second drapery rod 410b. In addition, the drapery system 400" may comprise one or more intermediate mounting brackets (e.g., such as the intermediate mounting bracket 470) connected to one or both of the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b between the first end of the first drapery rod 410a and the second end of the second drapery rod 410b.

[0238] The first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b of the drapery system 400" may receive one or more fabric-support carriers (e.g., cars), such as a master carrier (e.g, the master carrier 430) and a plurality of auxiliary carriers (e.g., the auxiliary carriers 440). The first drapery rod 410a may comprise a track channel 417a that extends from the first end to the second end 413a of the first drapery track 410a (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L). While not shown in FIGs. 35 and 36, the second drapery rod 410b may comprise a track channel (e.g., similar to the track channel 417a of the first drapery rod 410a) that extends from the first end 41 lb to the second end of the second drapery track 410b (e.g, in the longitudinal direction L). The track channel 417a of the first drapery rod 410a and the track channel of the second drapery rod 410b may each receive a respective track portion (e.g, such as the track portion 460), which may have a carrier channel (e.g, such as the carrier channel 462) and first and second belt channels (e.g., such as the belt channels 464a, 464b).

[0239] The master carrier and the auxiliary carriers may be received in the carrier channels of the respective track portions in the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b. The drapery system 400" may comprise a drive end assembly (e.g., such as the drive end assemblies 500, 700) located in the track channel 417a of the first drapery rod 410a at the first end of the first drapery rod 410a. The drapery system 400" may comprise an idler end assembly (e.g., such as the idler end assemblies 600, 800) located in the track channel of the second drapery rod 410b at the second end of the second drapery rod 410b. In some examples, the drive end assembly may be located at the second end of the second drapery rod 410b and the idler end assembly may be located at the first endof the first drapery rod 410a. The drapery system 400" may comprise a belt (e.g., such as the belt 438) that may extend through the first and second belt channels of the respective track portions in the first and second drapery rods 410a and engage with the drive end assembly in the first drapery rod 410a and the idler end assembly in the second drapery rod 410b. The first drapery rod 410a may comprise carrier support members 468a (e.g., such as the carrier support member 468) that may be located within the track channel 417a of the first drapery rod 410a on opposed sides of the slot 415a and may include grooves 469a along which the wheels of the master carrier and auxiliary carriers may travel. While not shown in FIGs. 35 and 36, the second drapery rod 410b may comprise carrier support members (e.g., similar to the carrier support members 468a) that may be located within the track channel of the second drapery rod 410b on opposed sides of the slot and may include grooves (e.g., similar to the grooves 469a) along which the wheels of the master carrier and auxiliary carriers may travel.

[0240] The first drapery rod 410a may comprise a first attachment channel 455a that may extend in the longitudinal direction L between the first end and the second end 413a of the first drapery rod 410a, and the second drapery rod 410b may comprise a second attachment channel 455b that may extend in the longitudinal direction L between the first end 411b and the second end of the second drapery rod 410b. The first drapery rod 410a may comprise flange portions 456a (e.g., two opposing flange portions) that form a first slot 457a (e.g., a first attachment slot) in the rear surface 414a of the first drapery rod 410a that may extend through (e.g., be formed or cut through) the rear surface 414a of the first drapery rod 410a and into the first attachment channel 455a, such that the first slot 457a provides access to the first attachment channel 455a from outside the first drapery rod 410a. The second drapery rod 410b may comprise flange portions 456b (e.g., two opposing flange portions) that form a second slot 457b (e.g., a second attachment slot) in the rear surface 414b of the second drapery rod 410b that may extend through (e.g., be formed or cut through) the rear surface 414b of the second drapery rod 410b and into the second attachment channel 455b, such that the second slot 457b provides access to the second attachment channel 455b from outside the second drapery rod 410b. The first drapery rod 410a may comprise a first alignment channel 459a and the second drapery rod 410b may comprise a second alignment channel(e.g., shaped similarly to the alignment channel 459a of the first drapery rod 410a). For example, the first alignment channel 459a may be located between the front surface 412a and the track channel 417a of the first drapery rod 410a, and the second alignment channel may be located between the front surface 412b and the track channel of the second drapery rod 410b.

[0241] The splicing assembly 1100 may comprise a spacer 1110, a first splice member 1120, and a second splice member 1130. The spacer 1110 may be located (e.g., captured) between the first drapery rod 410a and the second drapery rod 410b. The spacer 1110 may comprise a first side surface 1111 that abuts an end surface 419a of the first drapery rod 410a and a second side surface 1113 that abuts an end surface 419b of the second drapery rod 410b when the spacer 1110 is located between the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b. The spacer 1110 may be made of, for example, a flexible e.g., pliable) material, such as plastic. When the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b are made of a rigid material (e.g., such as metal), the spacer 1110 may account for inconsistencies between the end surfaces 419a, 419b of the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b. In addition, the spacer 1110 may also provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, for example, when a finish of the first drapery rod 410a is slightly mismatched with a finish of the second drapery rod 410b.

[0242] The spacer 1110 may have a similar shape (e.g., an identical shape or periphery) as the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b. The spacer 1110 may comprise a front surface 1112, a rear surface 1114 (e.g., opposite the front surface 1112), an upper surface 1116, and a lower surface 1118 (e.g., opposite the upper surface 1116). The spacer 1110 may include a slot 1115 that may extend (e.g., cut) through (e.g., be formed or cut through) the lower surface 1118 of the spacer 1110. For example, the slot 1115 may extend along the lower surface 1118 of thespacer 1110 in the longitudinal direction L (e.g., between the first surface 1111 and the second surface 1113 of the spacer 1110).

[0243] The spacer 1110 may have a similar cross-section (e.g., an identical cross-section) as the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b. The spacer 1110 may comprise a track channel 1117, which may be aligned with the track channel 417a of the first drapery rod 410a and the track channelof the second drapery rod 410b when the spacer 1110 is located between the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b. The master carrier and one or more auxiliary cars of the drapery system 440" may be received in the track channel 417a (e.g., when the spacer 1110 is located between the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b). The spacer 1110 may comprise carrier support members 1168 that may be located within the track channel 1117 on opposed sides of the slot 1115 and may include grooves 1169 along which the wheels of the master carrier and auxiliary carriers may travel when the spacer 1110 is located between the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b.

[0244] The spacer 1110 may also comprise an attachment channel 1155 that may extend in the longitudinal direction L between the first surface 1111 and the second surface 1113 of the spacer 1110. The spacer 1110 may comprise flange portions 1156 (e.g., two opposing flange portions) that form a slot 1157 in the rear surface 1114 of the spacer 1110 that may extend through e.g., be formed cut through) the rear surface 1114 of the spacer and into the attachment channel 1155. The attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110 may be aligned with the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a and the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b when the spacer 1110 is located between the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b. The slot 1157 may provide access to the attachment channel 1155 from outside the spacer 1110 when the spacer 1110 is located between the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b.

[0245] The spacer 1110 may also comprise an alignment channel 1159, which may be aligned with the alignment channel 459a of the first drapery rod 410a and the alignment channel of the second drapery rod 410b when the spacer 1110 is located between the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b. For example, the alignment channel 1159 may be located between the front surface 1112 and the track channel 1117 of the spacer 1110. The alignment channel 459a of the first drapery rod 410a, the alignment channel of the second drapery rod 410b, and the alignment channel 1159 of the spacer 1110 may receive an alignment member 1140. The alignment member 1140 may align the front surface 412a of the first drapery rod 410a, the front surface 412b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the front surface 1112 of the spacer 1110. The alignment member 1140 may be sized and shaped (e.g., keyed) to fit (e.g., fit snugly) into the alignment channel 459a of the first drapery rod 410a, the alignment channel of the second drapery rod 410b,and / or the alignment channel 1159 of the spacer 1110. The alignment member 11400 may comprise a plate portion 1142 extending from an upper end 1141 to a lower end 1143 (e.g, in the transverse direction T). The alignment member 1140 may also comprise wings 1144 (e.g., two wings) extending from the upper and lower ends 1141, 1143 of the plate portion 1142 (e.g, in the lateral direction A). The alignment member 1140 may further comprise a rib 1146 extending from the plate portion 1142 towards the front surface 412a of the first drapery rod 410a, the front surface 412b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the front surface 1112 of the spacer 1110 (e.g, in the lateral direction A). The alignment member 1140 may also comprise a projection 1148 extending from the plate portion 1142 towards the track channel 417a of the first drapery rod 410a, the track channel of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the track channel 1117 of the spacer 1110 (e.g., in the lateral direction A). The wings 1144, the rib 1146, and the projection 1148 may contact surfaces of the alignment channel 459a of the first drapery rod 410a, the alignment channel of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the alignment channel 1159 of the spacer 1110 to hold the alignment member 1140 in place.

[0246] The first and second splice members 1120, 1130 may couple (e.g, connect) the first drapery rod 410a to the second drapery rod 410b. For example, the first and second splice members 1120, 1130 (e.g, at least a portion of each of the first and second splicemembers 1120, 1130) may be received in the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110. The first and second splice members 1120, 1130 may be coupled (e.g., connected) together when located in the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110 for coupling the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b together.[00247J The first splice member 1120 may comprise a neck portion 1122 and an enlarged portion 1124. The enlarged portion 1124 of the first splice member 1120 may be located within the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110. The neck portion 1122 may have a width that is less than a width of each of the first slot 457a of the firstdrapery rod 410a, the second slot 457b of the second drapery rod 410b, and the slot 1157 of the spacer 1110, such that the neck portion 1122 may extend through the first slot 457a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second slot 457b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the slot 1157 of the spacer 1110 (e.g., in the lateral direction A).

[0248] The first splice member 1120 may be held (e.g., locked) in position within the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110 via a first fastener 1121 (e.g, a threaded screw). The first fastener 1121 may comprise a shaft (e.g., a threaded shaft - not shown) that may be received in an opening (e.g, a threaded opening - not shown) in the first splice member 1120 (e.g., in the neck portion 1122 of the first splice member 1120). The first fastener 1121 may comprise a head 1123 that has a diameter that is larger than the width of each of the first slot 457a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second slot 457b of the second drapery rod 410b, and the slot 1157 of the spacer 1110. The head 1123 of the first fastener 1121 may comprise, for example, a Phillips socket that may be driven by a Phillips head screwdriver. In some examples, the head 1123 of the first fastener 1121 may comprise a hexagonal socket that may be driven by a hex key (e.g, an Allen wrench) or other suitable socket that may be engaged by a corresponding tool. When the first fastener 1121 is not tightened, the first splice member 1120 (e.g, the enlarged portion 484) may move within the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachmentchannel 1155 of the spacer 1110 (e.g, in the longitudinal direction L). When the first fastener 1121 is tightened, the flange portions 456a of the first drapery rod 410a, the flange portions 456b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the flange portions 1156 of the spacer 1110 may be captured between the enlarged portion 1124 of the first splice member 1120 and the head 1123 of the first fastener 1121, for example, to hold (e.g., lock) the first splice member 1120 in position within the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110. Additionally or alternatively, the first fastener 1121 may comprise a set screw configured to abut an interior surface 409a of the first drapery rod 410a inside of the first attachment channel 455a for holding thefirst splice member 1120 in position (e.g., the first fastener 1121 may not include the head 1123 that a diameter that is larger than the width of each of the first slot 457a of the first drapery rod 410a).

[0249] The second splice member 1130 may comprise a neck portion 1132 and an enlarged portion 1134. The enlarged portion 1134 of the second splice member 1130 may be located within the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110. The neck portion 1132 may have a width that is less than a width of each of the first slot 457a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second slot 457b of the second drapery rod 410b, and the slot 1157 of the spacer 1110, such that the neck portion 1132 may extend through the first slot 457a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second slot 457b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the slot 1157 of the spacer 1110 (e. , in the lateral direction A).

[0250] The second splice member 1130 may be held (e.g., locked) in position within the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110 via a second fastener 1131 (e.g., a threaded screw). The second fastener 1131 may comprise a shaft (e.g., a threaded shaft - not shown) that may be received in an opening (e.g., a threaded opening - not shown) in the second splice member 1130 (e.g., in the neck portion 1132 of the second splice member 1130). The second fastener 1131 may comprise a head 1133 that has a diameter that is larger than the width of each of the first slot 457a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second slot 457b of the second drapery rod 410b, and the slot 1157 of the spacer 1110. The head 1133 of the second fastener 1131 may comprise, for example, a Phillips socket that may be driven by a Phillips head screwdriver. In some examples, the head 1133 of the second fastener 1131 may comprise a hexagonal socket that may be driven by a hex key (e.g., an Allen wrench) or other suitable socket that may be engaged by a corresponding tool. When the second fastener 1131 is not tightened, the second splice member 1130 (e.g., the enlarged portion 484) may move within the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110 (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L). When the second fastener 1131 is tightened, the flange portions 456a of the firstdrapery rod 410a, the flange portions 456b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the flange portions 1156 of the spacer 1110 may be captured between the enlarged portion 1124 of the second splice member 1130 and the head 1133 of the second fastener 1131, for example, to hold (e.g., lock) the second splice member 1130 in position within the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110. Additionally or alternatively, the second fastener 1131 may comprise a set screw configured to abut an interior surface 409b of the second drapery rod 410b inside of the second attachment channel 455b for holding the second splice member 1130 in position (e. ., the second fastener 1131 may not include the head 1133 that a diameter that is larger than the width of each of the second slot 457b of the second drapery rod 410b).

[0251] The first splice member 1120 may be coupled (e.g., attached) to the second splice member 1130 via a third fastener 1128 that extends in the longitudinal direction L. For example, the third fastener 1128 may comprise a head 1129a and a shaft 1129b (e.g., a threaded shaft). The head 1129a of the third fastener 1128 may comprise, for example, a Phillips socket that may be driven by a Phillips head screwdriver. In some examples, the head 1129a of the third fastener 1128 may comprise a hexagonal socket that may be driven by a hex key (e.g., an Allen wrench) or other suitable socket that may be engaged by a corresponding tool. The first splice member 1120 may comprise a first boss 1126 having an opening 1127 (e.g., a threaded opening) for receiving the shaft 1129b of the third fastener 1128. The shaft 1129b of the third fastener 1128 may extend through the first boss 1126 (e.g., fully through the opening 1127). The first splice member 1120 may comprise (e.g., define) a recess 1125 in which the head 1129a of the third fastener 1128 may be located when the shaft 1129b is received through the opening 1127 of the first boss 1126. The second splice member 1130 comprise a second boss 1136 having an opening (e.g., threaded opening - not shown) for receiving the shaft 1129b of the third fastener 1128. The opening of the second boss 1136 of the second splice member 1130 may be similar to the opening 1127 of the first boss 1126 of the first splice member 1120, but may not extend fully through the second boss 1136.

[0252] When the first and second splice members 1120, 1130 are located in the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of thesecond drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110, the shaft 1129b of the third fastener 1128 may be received through the opening in the second boss 1136 of the second splice member 1130. The third fastener 1128 may be tightened, but not tightened completely (e.g., the third fastener 1128 may still be able to be further tightened). The first and secondfasteners 1121, 1131 may then be tightened to lock the first and second splice members 1120, 1130, respectively, in place in the first attachment channel 455a of the first drapery rod 410a, the second attachment channel 455b of the second drapery rod 410b, and / or the attachment channel 1155 of the spacer 1110. Finally, the third fastener 1128 may be tightened more to pull the first and second splice members 1120, 1130 and thus the first and second drapery rods 1110 together, respectively, with the spacer 1110 captured between the first and second drapery rods 410a, 410b.[002531 FIG. 39 is a simplified block diagram of a load control system 1200 for controlling a motorized window treatment (e.g., the drapery systems 100, 200, 400, 400', 400") and / or a lighting load (e.g., the light source 310 of the light source assembly 300). The load control system 1200 may include a motor drive unit 1210 (e.g., the motor drive units 102, 202, 402) for controlling the motorized window treatment. In addition, the load control system 1200 may include a lighting control device 1220 (e.g., the lighting control device 340 of the drapery system 200) for controlling the lighting load, such as an LED light source 1240 (e.g., the light source 310).

[0254] The motorized window treatment controlled by the motor drive unit 1210 may comprise a covering material (e.g., the drapery fabric 101) that may be supported by a drapery rod (e.g., the drapery rods 110, 210, 410, 410', 410a, 410b). The motor drive unit 1010 may be configured to adjust the covering material between a fully-retracted position (e.g., an open position or a fully-open position) and a fully-extended position (e.g., a closed position or a fully-closed position). The motor drive unit 1210 may be configured to receive power from a power source, such as an external alternating-current (AC) power source and / or a direct-current (DC) power source. For example, the motor drive unit 1210 may be configured to receive a bus voltage VBUS-A from an external DC power supply via electrical connections 1231, 1232. The motor drive unit 1210 may comprise an energy storage element, such as a capacitor CBUS-A, for storing the bus voltage VBUS-A. In some examples, the motor drive unit 1210 may be configured to receive power from one or morebatteries, and / or one or more solar cells. The motor drive unit 1210 may comprise a power supply 1230 configured to receive the bus voltage VBUS-A and generate a low-voltage direct-current (DC) supply voltage VCC-A for powering the low-voltage circuitry of the motor drive unit 1210.

[0255] The motor drive unit 1210 may include a motor 1212 (e.g., a direct-current motor) that may be coupled to a drive gear to move a belt of the motorized window treatment to adjust the covering material between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position. The motor drive unit 1210 may include a motor drive circuit 1214 (e.g., an H-bridge drive circuit) that may receive the bus voltage VBUS-A and may generate a pulse-width modulated (PWM) voltage VPWM for driving the motor 1212. For example, the motor drive circuit 1214 may comprise an H-bridge drive circuit and / or an H-bridge controller (e.g., an integrated circuit) for controlling the H-bridge drive circuit to generate the PWM voltage VPWM across the motor 1212.

[0256] The motor drive unit 1210 may include a motor control circuit 1220 for controlling the operation of the motor 1212. The motor control circuit 1220 may include, for example, one or more microprocessors, one or more programmable logic devices (PLD), one or more microcontrollers, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any single or combination of suitable processing devices, logic devices, or control circuits. The motor drive unit 1210 may include instructions (e.g., software instructions) that configure the motor control circuit 1220 to generate at least one drive signal VDR-M for controlling the motor drive circuit 1214. The motor drive circuit 1214 may be configured to control the rotational speed and the direction of rotation of the motor 1212 in response to the at least one drive signal VDR-M. The motor control circuit 1220 may be configured to control the motor drive circuit 1214 to rotate the motor 1212 to adjust the covering material between the fully-retracted position and the fully-extended position (e.g., to any position between thefully-retracted position and the fully-extended position).

[0257] The motor drive unit 1210 may include a rotational position sensing circuit 1216, such as, for example, a Hall effect sensor (HES) circuit, which may be configured to generate first and second rotational position sensing signals Vsi, Vs2. The first and second rotational positionsensing signals Vsi, Vs2may indicate the rotational speed and / or the direction of rotation of the motor 1212 to the motor control circuit 1220. The ...

Claims

CLAIMS1. A drapery system for supporting a plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to support a drapery fabric, the drapery system comprising:a drapery rod that extends from a first end to a second end in a longitudinal direction, the drapery rod including a track portion that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the drapery rod further including a slot that extends through a lower surface of the drapery rod, the track portion configured to receive the plurality of fabric-support carriers, such that the plurality of fabric-support carriers extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the track portion configured to enable the plurality of fabric-support carriers to move through the track portion to move the drapery fabric along the drapery rod;a belt extending through the track portion from the first end of the drapery rod to the second end of the drapery rod, the belt configured to operatively couple to at least one of the plurality of fabric-support carriers;a drive end assembly including a drive pulley that is received within the drapery rod and engages the belt at the first end of the drapery rod;an idler end assembly including an idler pulley that is received within the drapery rod and engages the belt at the second end of the drapery rod.

2. The drapery system of claim 1, further comprising:a motor drive unit configured to rotate the drive pulley of the drive end assembly to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the track portion.

3. The drapery system of claim 2, wherein the drive end assembly comprises a drive housing for housing the drive pulley, and an idler housing for the idler pulley, the drive pulley configured to rotate with respect to the drive housing and the idler pulley is configured to rotate with respect to the idler housing.

4. The drapery system of claim 3, further comprising:a locating plate located outside of the drapery rod below the lower surface of the drapery rod, the locating plate coupled to the lower idler housing portion via a fastener received through the locating plate, through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, and through the idler housing, wherein the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate when the fastener is tightened;wherein the locating plate is configured to be moved along the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod when the fastener is received through the locating plate and the idler housing and is not tightened to move the idler end assembly and adjust tensioning in the belt of the drapery system.

5. The drapery system of claim 4, wherein the idler housing is locked in position in the drapery rod and the tensioning in the belt of the drapery system is maintained when the fastener is tightened such that the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate.

6. The drapery system of claim 4, wherein of the drive housing of the drive end assembly comprises at least one wing that abut the first end of the drapery rod to locate the drive end assembly at a defined location within the drapery rod at the first end.

7. The drapery system of claim 3, wherein the drive end assembly comprises at least one retention member configured to prevent the belt from slipping with respect to the drive pulley.

8. The drapery system of claim 7, wherein the at least one retention member comprises a roller configured to rotate with respect to the drive housing of the drive end assembly if the belt contacts the roller as the drive pulley rotates.

9. The drapery system of claim 3, wherein the drive housing of the drive end assembly and the idler housing of the idler end assembly each comprise a respective tethering member to which one or more spacing cords of the drapery fabric is coupled.

10. The drapery system of claim 2, wherein a center of the drive pulley of the drive end assembly and a center of the idler pulley of the idler end assembly are aligned with the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod.

11. The drapery system of claim 10, wherein the drive end assembly comprises a shaft extending through the slot in the lower surface the drapery rod between the drive pulley and the motor drive unit, the motor drive unit configured to rotate the shaft to rotate the drive pulley.

12. The drapery system of claim 11, wherein the shaft comprises an upper portion connected to the drive pulley, a lower portion connected to the motor drive unit, and a neck portion that is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the neck portion having a width that is less than a width of the upper portion or a width of the lower portion.

13. The drapery system of claim 1, wherein the drapery rod comprises a track channel that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and comprises a carrier channel and first and second belt channels that extend through the track portion, wherein the drive end assembly, the idler end assembly, and the track portion are received within the track channel of the drapery rod; andwherein the slot of the drapery rod extends through the lower surface of the drapery rod to expose the carrier channel of the track portion, the plurality of fabric-support carriers are received in the carrier channel of the track portion, and the belt extends through the first and second belt channels of the track portion.

14. The drapery system of claim 13, wherein the track portion extends from a first end to a second end, and is positioned between the drive end assembly and the idler end assembly within the track portion, such that the drive end assembly is located adjacent to the first end of the track portion and the idler end assembly is located adjacent to the second end of the track portion.

15. The drapery system of claim 14, wherein the belt extends linearly through the first and second belt channels of the track portion between the drive pulley and the idler pulley.

16. The drapery system of claim 15, wherein the belt comprises a plurality of teeth extending from an inner surface of the belt, and the drive pulley comprises a drum defining a plurality of teeth surrounding a perimeter of the drum, the teeth of the drive pulley engaging with the teeth of the belt as the drive pulley rotates for causing the belt to move through the first and second belt channels of the track portion; andwherein a distance between the inner surface of the belt within the first belt channel of the track portion and the inner surface of the belt within the second belt channel of the track portion are spaced apart by a distance that is approximately equal to an outside diameter of the drive pulley and an outside diameter of the idler pulley.

17. The drapery system of claim 13, further comprising:carrier support members located with the track channel of the drapery rod on each side of the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod.

18. The drapery system of claim 17, wherein the carrier support members are integral with the track portion.

19. The drapery system of claim 17, wherein the carrier support members are integral with the drapery rod.

20. The drapery system of claim 13, wherein a center of the drive pulley of the drive end assembly and a center of the idler pulley of the idler end assembly are aligned with a center of the track channel of the drapery rod.

21. The drapery system of claim 13, wherein the track portion comprises a track slot aligned with the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod for providing access to the carrier channel of the track portion from outside the drapery rod.

22. The drapery system of claim 1, further comprising:two or more mounting brackets configured to be mounted to a structure of a building in which the drapery system is located, the two or more mounting brackets including an intermediate mounting bracket comprising a base configured to be mounted to the structure and an arm that extends from the base in a lateral direction, the intermediate mounting bracket configured to support the drapery rod at a location between the first and second ends of the drapery rod.

23. The drapery system of claim 22, wherein the drapery rod comprises an attachment channel extending along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the drapery rod comprising flange portions that form an attachment slot that extends through the drapery rod into the attachment channel, the intermediate mounting bracket coupled to a connection member that is received within the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

24. The drapery system of claim 23, wherein the intermediate mounting bracket comprises an attachment member that engages with the attachment channel of the drapery rod; andwherein the connection member comprises a neck portion that extends through the attachment slot in the drapery rod and an enlarged portion received in the attachment channel such that the flange portions of the drapery rod are captured between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the attachment member.

25. The drapery system of claim 24, wherein the attachment slot extends into the attachment channel through a rear surface of the drapery rod.

26. The drapery system of claim 25, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises wings that extend from the arm in the longitudinal direction at a distalend of the arm, the wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket configured to be attached to the connection member via fasteners received through respective openings in the wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket and respective openings in the connection member in the lateral direction, wherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel are clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the wings of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

27. The drapery system of claim 24, wherein the attachment slot extends into the attachment channel through a recessed surface located between a rear surface and an upper surface of the drapery rod.

28. The drapery system of claim 27, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a bar that extends from a distal end of the arm and is attached to the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod, the attachment member further comprising a fastener that is received through a respective opening in the bar and a respective opening in the connection member in a transverse direction, wherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel are clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the bar of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

29. The drapery system of claim 23, wherein the drapery rod comprises a first drapery rod, and the attachment channel comprises a first attachment channel of the first drapery rod, respectively; wherein the drapery system further comprises:a second drapery rod comprising a second attachment channel that extends through the second drapery rod in the longitudinal direction;a first splice member located in the first attachment channel of the first drapery rod; anda second splice member located in the second attachment channel of the second drapery rod;wherein the first splice member is coupled to the second splice member for coupling the first drapery rod to the second drapery rod.

30. The drapery system of claim 29, wherein the flange portions adjacent to the first attachment channel of the first drapery rod are captured between a first head of a first fastener and the first splice member for holding the first splice member in place in the first attachment channel;wherein the flange portions adjacent to the second attachment channel of the second drapery rod are captured between a second head of a second fastener and the second splice member for holding the second splice member in place in the second attachment channel; andwherein the first splice member is coupled to the second splice member via a third fastener received through the first and second splice members in the longitudinal direction.

31. The drapery system of claim 23, wherein the connection member attached to the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a first connection member, the drapery system further comprising:a motor drive unit supported by the drive end assembly and configured to rotate the drive pulley of the drive end assembly to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the carrier channel of the track portion;a first cover coupled to the motor drive unit, the first cover coupled to the drapery fabric proximate to the first end of the drapery rod; anda drapery attachment assembly coupled to a second connection member that is received within the attachment channel of the drapery rod, the drapery attachment assembly comprising a second cover coupled to the drapery fabric proximate to the second end of the drapery rod.

32. The drapery system of claim 11, wherein the two or more mounting brackets comprise first and second end mounting brackets configured to extend from the structure in a lateral direction and support the first and second ends of the drapery rod, respectively, each of the first and second end mounting brackets comprising:a respective base having a recess that receives a respective mounting plate that is configured to be mounted to the structure;a respective arm that extends in the lateral direction from the respective base and is configured to be coupled to the drapery rod via fasteners received through openings in the respective arm and respective channels in the drapery rod; anda respective arm cover that attaches to the respective arm for covering the openings in the respective arm.

33. The drapery system of claim 1, further comprising:a light source that extends along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and emits light away from the drapery rod, the light source comprising an elongated substrate extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of emitters mounted to the substrate along a length of the elongated substrate;wherein the drapery rod further comprises a lighting channel that extends in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the upper surface of the drapery rod, the light source located within the lighting channel and extending along the lighting channel.

34. The drapery system of claim 33, wherein the lighting channel further comprises a mounting surface to which the elongated substrate of the light source is mounted, the mounting surface oriented as an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, so as to cause the light source to emit light in an upwards and a rearward direction from the drapery rod.

35. The drapery system of claim 34, wherein the lighting channel defines a gap through which the light emitted by the emitters of the light source shines, and the drapery rod further comprises a lens covering at least a portion of the gap defined by the lighting channel and to diffuse or redirect the light emitted by the emitters of the light source.

36. The drapery system of claim 1, wherein the drapery rod comprises a front surface that has a curved profile, a rear surface opposite the front surface, an upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface, and a lower surface opposite the upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface.

37. The drapery system of claim 36, wherein the lower surface is a planar surface, wherein the slot extends through the lower surface of the drapery rod such that the lower surface comprises a first lower surface portion and a second lower surface portion on opposing sides of the slot, and wherein the first surface and the second surface are coplanar.

38. The drapery system of claim 36, wherein the drive pulley is located between the first and second ends of the drapery rod and is surrounded by a periphery of the drapery rod defined by the front surface, the rear surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface.

39. The drapery system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fabric-support carriers comprise at least one master carrier and a plurality of auxiliary carriers received in the track portion of the drapery rod, wherein the at least one master carrier is coupled to the belt and the drapery fabric, and the plurality of auxiliary carriers are coupled to the drapery fabric.

40. The drapery system of claim 1, wherein the track portion is integral with the drapery rod.

41. A drapery system for supporting a drapery fabric, the drapery system comprising:a drapery rod that extends from a first end to a second end in a longitudinal direction, the drapery rod defining a track channel that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the drapery rod defining a slot that extends through a lower surface of the drapery rod; a track portion that is received within the track channel of the drapery rod and extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the track portion defining a carrier channel and first and second belt channels that extend through the track portion, wherein the slot of the drapery rod extends through the lower surface of the drapery rod to expose the carrier channel;a plurality of fabric-support carriers received in the carrier channel, the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod and to support the drapery fabric, the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to move through the carrier channel of the track portion for moving the drapery fabric along the drapery rod;a belt extending through the first and second belt channels of the track portion, the belt operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of fabric-support carriers;a drive end assembly that is received within the track channel of the drapery rod at the first end of the drapery rod, the drive end assembly comprising a drive pulley that engages the belt at the first end of the drapery rod;an idler end assembly that is received within the track channel of the drapery rod at the second end of the drapery rod, the idler end assembly comprising an idler pulley that engages the belt at the second end of the drapery rod; andwherein the drive pulley of the drive end assembly is configured to be rotated to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the carrier channel of the track portion.

42. The drapery system of claim 41, further comprising:a motor drive unit configured to rotate the drive pulley of the drive end assembly to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the carrier channel of the track portion.

43. The drapery system of claim 42, wherein the drive end assembly comprises a drive housing for housing the drive pulley, and an idler housing for the idler pulley, the drive pulley configured to rotate with respect to the drive housing and the idler pulley is configured to rotate with respect to the idler housing.

44. The drapery system of claim 43, wherein the drive end assembly comprises a shaft extending through the slot in the lower surface the drapery rod between the drive pulley and the motor drive unit, the motor drive unit configured to rotate the shaft to rotate the drive pulley.

45. The drapery system of claim 44, wherein the drive housing comprises an upper drive housing portion and a lower drive housing portion that is coupled to the upper drive housing portion such that the drive pulley is captured between the upper and lower drive housing portions, and the idler housing comprises an upper idler housing portion and lower idler housing portion that is coupled tothe upper housing portion such that the idler pulley is captured between the upper and lower idler housing portions.

46. The drapery system of claim 45, further comprising:an adapter coupled to a mounting member located on an upper surface of the motor drive unit;wherein the lower drive housing portion of the drive end assembly comprises an interface portion received within an opening in an upper end of the adapter, such that the shaft extends through the adapter to the motor drive unit.

47. The drapery system of claim 46 wherein the interface portion of the lower drive housing portion is keyed to mate with the opening in the upper end of the adapter.

48. The drapery system of claim 45, wherein the lower drive housing portion comprises a base portion received within slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod.

49. The drapery system of claim 44, wherein the shaft comprises an upper portion connected to the drive pulley, a lower portion connected to the motor drive unit, and a neck portion that is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the neck portion having a width that is less than a width of the upper portion or a width of the lower portion.

50. The drapery system of claim 43, further comprising:a locating plate located outside of the drapery rod below the lower surface of the drapery rod, the locating plate coupled to the lower idler housing portion via a fastener received through the locating plate, through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, and through the idler housing, wherein the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate when the fastener is tightened.

51. The drapery system of claim 50, wherein the locating plate is configured to be moved along the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod when the fastener is received through the locating plate and the idler housing and is not tightened to move the idler end assembly and adjust tensioning in the belt of the drapery system.

52. The drapery system of claim 51, wherein the idler housing is locked in position in the track channel of the drapery rod and the tensioning in the belt of the drapery system is maintained when the fastener is tightened such that the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate.

53. The drapery system of claim 51, wherein of the drive housing of the drive end assembly comprises at least one wing that abut the first end of the drapery rod to locate the drive end assembly at a defined location within the track channel at the first end of the drapery rod.

54. The drapery system of claim 43, wherein the drive end assembly comprises at least one retention member configured to prevent the belt from slipping with respect to the drive pulley.

55. The drapery system of claim 54, wherein the at least one retention member comprises a roller configured to rotate with respect to the drive housing of the drive end assembly if the belt contacts the roller as the drive pulley rotates.

56. The drapery system of claim 43, wherein the drive end assembly comprises at least one bearing having an outer bearing portion configured to rotate around an inner bearing portion, the outer bearing portion attached to the drive pulley and the inner bearing portion attached to the drive housing.

57. The drapery system of claim 43, wherein each of the drive end assembly and the idler end assembly comprises a respective tethering member to which one or more spacing cords of the drapery fabric is coupled.

58. The drapery system of claim 41, further comprising:two or more mounting brackets configured to be mounted to a structure of a building in which the drapery system is located.

59. The drapery system of claim 58, wherein the two or more mounting brackets comprise an intermediate mounting bracket comprising a base configured to be mounted to the structure and an arm that extends from the base in a lateral direction, the intermediate mounting bracket supporting the drapery rod at a location between the first and second ends of the drapery rod.

60. The drapery system of claim 59, wherein the drapery rod comprises an attachment channel extending along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the drapery rod comprising flange portions that form an attachment slot that extends through the drapery rod into the attachment channel, the intermediate mounting bracket coupled to a connection member that is received within the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

61. The drapery system of claim 60, wherein the drapery rod comprises a first drapery rod, and the track channel and the attachment channel comprise a first track channel and a first attachment channel of the first drapery rod, respectively;wherein the drapery system further comprises:a second drapery rod defining a second track channel and a second attachment channel that both extend through the second drapery rod in the longitudinal direction;a first splice member located in the first attachment channel of the first drapery rod; anda second splice member located in the second attachment channel of the second drapery rod;wherein the first splice member is coupled to the second splice member for coupling the first drapery rod to the second drapery rod.

62. The drapery system of claim 61, further comprising:a spacer located between the first and second drapery rods, the spacer having a same shape as the first and second drapery rods, the spacer comprising a third track channel that is aligned with the first track channel of the first drapery rod and the second track channel of the second drapery rod, the spacer also comprising a third attachment channel that is aligned with the first attachment channel of the first drapery rod and the second attachment channel of the second drapery rod.

63. The drapery system of claim 62, further comprising:an alignment member received in a first alignment channel located between a first front surface and the first track channel of the first drapery rod, a second alignment channel located between a second front surface and the second track channel of the second drapery rod, and a third alignment channel located between a third front surface and the third track channel of the spacer.

64. The drapery system of claim 61, wherein the flange portions adjacent to the first attachment channel of the first drapery rod are captured between a first head of a first fastener and the first splice member for holding the first splice member in place in the first attachment channel;wherein the flange portions adjacent to the second attachment channel of the second drapery rod are captured between a second head of a second fastener and the second splice member for holding the second splice member in place in the second attachment channel.

65. The drapery system of claim 64, wherein the first splice member is coupled to the second splice member via a third fastener received through the first and second splice members in the longitudinal direction.

66. The drapery system of claim 60, wherein the intermediate mounting bracket comprises an attachment member that engages with the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

67. The drapery system of claim 66, wherein the connection member comprises a neck portion that extends through the attachment slot in the drapery rod and an enlarged portion received in theattachment channel such that the flange portions of the drapery rod are captured between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the attachment member.

68. The drapery system of claim 67, wherein the attachment slot extends into the attachment channel through a rear surface of the drapery rod.

69. The drapery system of claim 68, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises wings that extend from the arm in the longitudinal direction at a distal end of the arm, the wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket configured to be attached to the connection member via fasteners received through respective openings in the wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket and respective openings in the connection member in the lateral direction, wherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel are clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the wings of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

70. The drapery system of claim 67, wherein the attachment slot extends into the attachment channel through a recessed surface located between a rear surface and an upper surface of the drapery rod.

71. The drapery system of claim 70, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a bar that extends from a distal end of the arm and is attached to the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod, the attachment member further comprising a fastener that is received through a respective opening in the bar and a respective opening in the connection member in a transverse direction, wherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel are clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the bar of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

72. The drapery system of claim 60, wherein the connection member attached to the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a first connection member, the drapery system further comprising:a motor drive unit supported by the drive end assembly and configured to rotate the drive pulley of the drive end assembly to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the carrier channel of the track portion;a first cover coupled to the motor drive unit, the first cover coupled to the drapery fabric proximate to the first end of the drapery rod; anda drapery attachment assembly coupled to a second connection member that is received within the attachment channel of the drapery rod, the drapery attachment assembly comprising a second cover coupled to the drapery fabric proximate to the second end of the drapery rod.

73. The drapery system of claim 58, wherein the two or more mounting brackets comprise first and second end mounting brackets configured to extend from the structure in a lateral direction and support the first and second ends of the drapery rod, respectively; andwherein the first and second end mounting brackets comprise respective bases and respective arms extending in the lateral direction from the bases.

74. The drapery system of claim 73, wherein the first end mounting bracket is coupled to the drapery rod via fasteners received through openings in the respective arm and respective channels in the drapery rod, and the first end mounting bracket comprises an arm cover that attaches to the arm for covering the openings in the arm.

75. The drapery system of claim 73, further comprising:first and second mounting plates configured to be mounted to the structure;wherein the respective bases of the first and second end mounting brackets comprise respective recesses configured to receive the first and second mounting plates, respectively, for mounting the first and second end mounting brackets to the structure.

76. The drapery system of claim 41, wherein the track portion extends from a first end to a second end, and is positioned between the drive end assembly and the idler end assembly within thetrack portion, such that the drive end assembly is located adjacent to the first end of the track portion and the idler end assembly is located adjacent to the second end of the track portion.

77. The drapery system of claim 76, wherein the belt extends linearly through the first and second belt channels of the track portion between the drive pulley and the idler pulley.

78. The drapery system of claim 77, wherein the belt comprises a plurality of teeth extending from an inner surface of the belt, and the drive pulley comprises a drum defining a plurality of teeth surrounding a perimeter of the drum, the teeth of the drive pulley engaging with the teeth of the belt as the drive pulley rotates for causing the belt to move through the first and second belt channels of the track portion.

79. The drapery system of claim 78, wherein a distance between the inner surface of the belt within the first belt channel of the track portion and the inner surface of the belt within the second belt channel of the track portion are spaced apart by a distance that is approximately equal to an outside diameter of the drive pulley and an outside diameter of the idler pulley.

80. The drapery system of claim 76, wherein the track portion comprises a first pair of interior walls extending towards each other between the carrier channel and the first belt channel, and a second pair of interior walls extending towards each other between the carrier channel and the second belt channel.

81. The drapery system of claim 41, further comprising:carrier support members located with the track channel of the drapery rod on each side of the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod.

82. The drapery system of claim 81, wherein the carrier support members comprise respective grooves through which wheels of the fabric-support carriers operate as the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured move through the track portion.

83. The drapery system of claim 82, wherein the carrier support members are integral with the track portion.

84. The drapery system of claim 80, wherein the carrier support members are integral with the drapery rod.

85. The drapery system of claim 41, further comprising:a light source that extends along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and emits light away from the drapery rod, the light source comprising an elongated substrate extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of emitters mounted to the substrate along a length of the elongated substrate.

86. The drapery system of claim 85, wherein the drapery rod further comprises a lighting channel that extends in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the upper surface of the drapery rod, the light source located within the lighting channel and extending along the lighting channel.

87. The drapery system of claim 86, wherein the lighting channel further comprises a mounting surface to which the elongated substrate of the light source is mounted, the mounting surface oriented as an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, so as to cause the light source to emit light in an upwards and a rearward direction from the drapery rod.

88. The drapery system of claim 87, wherein the lighting channel defines a gap through which the light emitted by the emitters of the light source shines, and the drapery rod further comprises a lens covering at least a portion of the gap defined by the lighting channel and to diffuse or redirect the light emitted by the emitters of the light source.

89. The drapery system of claim 88, wherein the light source comprises a tape light source or a strip light source.

90. The drapery system of claim 41, wherein the drapery rod comprises a front surface that has a curved profile, a rear surface opposite the front surface, an upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface, and a lower surface opposite the upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface.

91. The drapery system of claim 90, wherein the lower surface is a planar surface, wherein the slot extends through the lower surface of the drapery rod such that the lower surface comprises a first lower surface portion and a second lower surface portion on opposing sides of the slot, and wherein the first surface and the second surface are coplanar.

92. The drapery system of claim 91, wherein the drapery rod comprises an elongated portion that extends between the front surface and the rear surface, the elongated portion defining the upper surface and the lower surface of the drapery rod.

93. The drapery system of claim 90, wherein the drapery rod is characterized by a periphery that is defined by the front surface, the rear surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the drapery rod and is shaped like a pill, an oval, or a racetrack.

94. The drapery system of claim 90, wherein a distance between the front surface and the rear surface of the drapery rod is greater than a distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the drapery rod.

95. The drapery system of claim 90, wherein the drive pulley is located between the first and second ends of the drapery rod and is surrounded by a periphery defined by the front surface, the rear surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the drapery rod.

96. The drapery system of claim 41, wherein a center of the drive pulley of the drive end assembly and a center of the idler pulley of the idler end assembly are aligned with the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod.

97. The drapery system of claim 41, wherein a center of the drive pulley of the drive end assembly and a center of the idler pulley of the idler end assembly are aligned with a center of the track channel of the drapery rod.

98. The drapery system of claim 41, wherein the track portion comprises a track slot aligned with the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod for providing access to the carrier channel of the track portion from outside the drapery rod.

99. The drapery system of claim 41, wherein the plurality of fabric-support carriers comprise at least one master carrier and a plurality of auxiliary carriers received in the track portion of the drapery rod, wherein the at least one master carrier is coupled to the belt and the drapery fabric, and the plurality of auxiliary carriers are coupled to the drapery fabric.

100. The drapery system of claim 41, wherein the drapery rod is made of metal and the track portion is made of plastic.

101. A drapery system for supporting a drapery fabric, the drapery system comprising:a drapery rod that extends from a first end to a second end in a longitudinal direction, the drapery rod comprising a front surface that has a curved profile and a rear surface opposite the front surface, the drapery rod comprising an upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface, wherein the lower surface is a planar surface, wherein the drapery rod defines a slot that extends through the lower surface of the drapery rod, such that the lower surface comprises a first lower surface portion and a second lower surface portion on opposing sides of the slot, and wherein the first surface and the second surface are coplanar;a track portion that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the track portion defining a carrier channel; anda plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to support the drapery fabric, wherein the plurality of fabric-support carriers are located in the carrier channel and extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to move along the track portion to move the drapery fabric along the drapery rod.

102. The drapery system of claim 101, further comprising:a belt extending through the track portion from the first end of the drapery rod to the second end of the drapery rod, the belt configured to operatively couple to at least one of the plurality of fabric-support carriers.

103. The drapery system of claim 102, further comprising:a drive end assembly including a drive pulley that is received within the track portion of the drapery rod and engages the belt at the first end of the drapery rod;an idler end assembly including an idler pulley that is received within the track portion of the drapery rod and engages the belt at the second end of the drapery rod.

104. The drapery system of claim 103, further comprising:a motor drive unit configured to rotate the drive pulley of the drive end assembly to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the track portion.

105. The drapery system of claim 104, wherein the drive end assembly comprises a drive housing for housing the drive pulley, and an idler housing for the idler pulley, the drive pulley configured to rotate with respect to the drive housing and the idler pulley is configured to rotate with respect to the idler housing.

106. The drapery system of claim 105, further comprising:a locating plate located outside of the drapery rod below the lower surface of the drapery rod,the locating plate coupled to the lower idler housing portion via a fastener received through the locating plate, through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, and through the idler housing, wherein the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate when the fastener is tightened;wherein the locating plate is configured to be moved along the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod when the fastener is received through the locating plate and the idler housing and is not tightened to move the idler end assembly and adjust tensioning in the belt of the drapery system.

107. The drapery system of claim 106, wherein the idler housing is locked in position in the drapery rod and the tensioning in the belt of the drapery system is maintained when the fastener is tightened such that the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate.

108. The drapery system of claim 106, wherein of the drive housing of the drive end assembly comprises at least one wing that abut the first end of the drapery rod to locate the drive end assembly at a defined location within the drapery rod at the first end.

109. The drapery system of claim 103, wherein the drapery rod comprises a track channel that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and comprises a carrier channel and first and second belt channels that extend through the track portion, wherein the drive end assembly, the idler end assembly, and the track portion are received within the track channel of the drapery rod; andwherein the slot of the drapery rod extends through the lower surface of the drapery rod to expose the carrier channel of the track portion, the plurality of fabric-support carriers are received in the carrier channel of the track portion, and the belt extends through the first and second belt channels of the track portion.

110. The drapery system of claim 109, wherein the track portion extends from a first end to a second end, and is positioned between the drive end assembly and the idler end assembly within thetrack portion, such that the drive end assembly is located adjacent to the first end of the track portion the idler end assembly is located adjacent to the second end of the track portion, and the belt extends linearly through the first and second belt channels of the track portion between the drive pulley and the idler pulley.

111. The drapery system of claim 110, wherein the belt comprises a plurality of teeth extending from an inner surface of the belt, and the drive pulley comprises a drum defining a plurality of teeth surrounding a perimeter of the drum, the teeth of the drive pulley engaging with the teeth of the belt as the drive pulley rotates for causing the belt to move through the first and second belt channels of the track portion; andwherein a distance between the inner surface of the belt within the first belt channel of the track portion and the inner surface of the belt within the second belt channel of the track portion are spaced apart by a distance that is approximately equal to an outside diameter of the drive pulley and an outside diameter of the idler pulley.

112. The drapery system of claim 109, wherein a center of the drive pulley of the drive end assembly and a center of the idler pulley of the idler end assembly are aligned with a center of the track channel of the drapery rod.

113. The drapery system of claim 103, wherein a center of the drive pulley of the drive end assembly and a center of the idler pulley of the idler end assembly are aligned with the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod.

114. The drapery system of claim 113, wherein the drive end assembly comprises a shaft extending through the slot in the lower surface the drapery rod between the drive pulley and the motor drive unit, the motor drive unit configured to rotate the shaft to rotate the drive pulley, the shaft comprising an upper portion connected to the drive pulley, a lower portion connected to the motor drive unit, and a neck portion that is located between the upper portion and the lower portionand extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the neck portion having a width that is less than a width of the upper portion or a width of the lower portion.

115. The drapery system of claim 101, further comprising:two or more mounting brackets configured to be mounted to a structure of a building in which the drapery system is located, the two or more mounting brackets comprising an intermediate mounting bracket comprising a base configured to be mounted to the structure and an arm that extends from the base in a lateral direction, the intermediate mounting bracket supporting the drapery rod at a location between the first and second ends of the drapery rod.

116. The drapery system of claim 115, wherein the drapery rod comprises an attachment channel extending along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the drapery rod comprising flange portions that form an attachment slot that extends through the drapery rod into the attachment channel, the intermediate mounting bracket coupled to a connection member that is received within the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

117. The drapery system of claim 116, wherein the intermediate mounting bracket comprises an attachment member that engages with the attachment channel of the drapery rod; andwherein the connection member comprises a neck portion that extends through the attachment slot in the drapery rod and an enlarged portion received in the attachment channel such that the flange portions of the drapery rod are captured between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the attachment member.

118. The drapery system of claim 117, wherein the attachment slot extends into the attachment channel through a rear surface of the drapery rod.

119. The drapery system of claim 118, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises wings that extend from the arm in the longitudinal direction at a distal end of the arm, the wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracketconfigured to be attached to the connection member via fasteners received through respective openings in the wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket and respective openings in the connection member in the lateral direction, wherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel are clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the wings of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

120. The drapery system of claim 117, wherein the attachment slot extends into the attachment channel through a recessed surface located between a rear surface and an upper surface of the drapery rod.

121. The drapery system of claim 120, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a bar that extends from a distal end of the arm and is attached to the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod, the attachment member further comprising a fastener that is received through a respective opening in the bar and a respective opening in the connection member in a transverse direction, wherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel are clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the bar of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

122. The drapery system of claim 101, further comprising:a light source that extends along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and emits light away from the drapery rod, the light source comprising an elongated substrate extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of emitters mounted to the substrate along a length of the elongated substrate;wherein the drapery rod further comprises a lighting channel that extends in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the upper surface of the drapery rod, the light source located within the lighting channel and extending along the lighting channel.

123. The drapery system of claim 122, wherein the lighting channel further comprises a mounting surface to which the elongated substrate of the light source is mounted, the mounting surfaceoriented as an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, so as to cause the light source to emit light in an upwards and a rearward direction from the drapery rod.

124. The drapery system of claim 123, wherein the lighting channel defines a gap through which the light emitted by the emitters of the light source shines, and the drapery rod further comprises a lens covering at least a portion of the gap defined by the lighting channel and to diffuse or redirect the light emitted by the emitters of the light source.

125. The drapery system of claim 101, wherein the drapery rod comprises an elongated portion that extends between the front surface and the rear surface, the elongated portion defining the upper surface and the lower surface of the drapery rod.

126. The drapery system of claim 101, wherein the drapery rod is characterized by a periphery that is shaped like a pill, an oval, or a racetrack.

127. The drapery system of claim 101, wherein a distance between the front surface and the rear surface of the drapery rod is greater than a distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the drapery rod.

128. The drapery system of claim 101, wherein the drive pulley is located between the first and second ends of the drapery rod and is surrounded by a periphery of the drapery rod defined by the front surface, the rear surface, the upper surface, and the lower surface.

129. The drapery system of claim 101, wherein the plurality of fabric-support carriers comprise at least one master carrier and a plurality of auxiliary carriers received in the track portion of the drapery rod, wherein the at least one master carrier is coupled to the belt and the drapery fabric, and the plurality of auxiliary carriers are coupled to the drapery fabric.

130. The drapery system of claim 101, wherein the track portion is integral with the drapery rod.

131. A drapery system for supporting a drapery fabric, the drapery system comprising:a drapery rod that extends from a first end to a second end in a longitudinal direction, the drapery rod comprising a front surface that has a curved profile and a rear surface opposite the front surface, the drapery rod comprising an elongated portion that extends between the front surface and the rear surface, the elongated portion defining an upper surface and a lower surface of the drapery rod, the drapery rod defining a slot that extends through the lower surface of the drapery rod;a track portion that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the track portion defining a carrier channel, and into the carrier channel;a plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to support the drapery fabric, the plurality of fabric-support carriers received in the carrier channel and extending through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to move through the track portion for moving the drapery fabric along the drapery rod;wherein the lower surface of the drapery rod that is defined by the elongated portion is planar on both sides of the slot.

132. The drapery system of claim 131, further comprising:a light source configured to extend along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the light source configured to emit light away from the drapery rod, the light source comprising an elongated substrate extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of emitters mounted to the substrate along a length of the elongated substrate.

133. The drapery system of claim 132, wherein the drapery rod further comprises a lighting channel that extends in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the upper surface of the drapery rod, the light source located within the lighting channel and extending along the lighting channel.

134. The drapery system of claim 133, wherein the lighting channel further comprises a mounting surface to which the elongated substrate of the light source is mounted, the mounting surfaceoriented as an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, so as to cause the light source to emit light in an upwards and a rearward direction from the drapery rod.

135. The drapery system of claim 134, wherein the lighting channel defines a gap through which the light emitted by the emitters of the light source shines, and wherein the drapery rod further comprises a lens covering at least a portion of the gap defined by the lighting channel and to diffuse or redirect the light emitted by the emitters of the light source.

136. The drapery system of claim 134, wherein the elongated substrate is mounted to the mounting surface of the lighting channel using an adhesive.

137. The drapery system of claim 133, further comprising:an intermediate mounting bracket configured to be mounted to a structure of a building in which the drapery system is located, the intermediate mounting bracket configured to extend from the structure in a lateral direction and support the drapery rod at a location between the first and second ends of the drapery rod;wherein the drapery rod comprises an attachment channel extending along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction parallel to the lighting channel, the drapery rod comprising flange portions that form an attachment slot that extends through the drapery rod into the attachment channel, the intermediate mounting bracket comprising an attachment member engaging with the flange portions of the attachment slot of the drapery rod.

138. The drapery system of claim 132, wherein the light source comprises a tape light source or a strip light source.

139. The drapery system of claim 131, further comprising:two or more mounting brackets configured to be mounted to a structure of a building in which the drapery system is located.

140. The drapery system of claim 139, wherein the two or more mounting brackets comprise an intermediate mounting bracket comprising a base configured to be mounted to the structure and an arm that extends from the base in a lateral direction, the intermediate mounting bracket supporting the drapery rod at a location between the first and second ends of the drapery rod.

141. The drapery system of claim 140, wherein the drapery rod comprises an attachment channel extending along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the drapery rod comprising flange portions that form an attachment slot that extends through the drapery rod into the attachment channel, the intermediate mounting bracket coupled to a connection member that is received within the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

142. The drapery system of claim 141, wherein the intermediate mounting bracket comprises an attachment member that engages with the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

143. The drapery system of claim 142, wherein the connection member comprises a neck portion that extends through the attachment slot in the drapery rod and an enlarged portion received in attachment channel such that the flange portions of the drapery rod are captured between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the attachment member.

144. The drapery system of claim 143, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a bar that extends from a distal end of the arm and is attached to the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

145. The drapery system of claim 144, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a fastener that is received through a respective opening in the bar and a respective opening in the connection member; andwherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel areclamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the bar of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

146. The drapery system of claim 144, wherein the bar of the attachment member is configured to be received in a trough in an upper surface of the arm of the intermediate mounting bracket, the attachment member comprising a fastener that is be received through a respective slot in the bar and a respective opening in the arm of the intermediate mounting bracket, the bar configured to slide through trough in the lateral direction when the fastener is loosened and to be locked in place when the fastener is tightened.

147. The drapery system of claim 131, further comprising:a drive end assembly located at the first end of the drapery rod, the drive end assembly comprising a slot portion in a lower surface of the drive end assembly, the slot portion of the drive end assembly aligned with the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, such that thefabric-support carriers are configured to move into the drive end assembly.

148. The drapery system of claim 131, wherein the drapery rod is characterized by a periphery that is shaped like a pill, an oval, or a racetrack.

149. The drapery system of claim 131, wherein a distance between the front surface and the rear surface of the drapery rod is greater than a distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the drapery rod.

150. The drapery system of claim 131, wherein the track portion is integral with the drapery rod.

151. A drapery system for supporting a drapery fabric, the drapery system comprising:a drapery rod that extends from a first end to a second end in a longitudinal direction, the drapery rod comprising a track portion that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the track portion defining a carrier channel, the drapery rod defining a slot that extendsthrough a lower surface of the drapery rod and into the carrier channel;a plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to support the drapery fabric, the plurality of fabric-support carriers received in the carrier channel and extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to move through a track portion of the drapery rod for moving the drapery fabric along the drapery rod;a light source that extends along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and emits light away from the drapery rod.

152. The drapery system of claim 151, wherein the light source comprises an elongated substrate extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of emitters mounted to the substrate along a length of the elongated substrate.

153. The drapery system of claim 152, wherein the drapery rod further comprises a lighting channel that extends in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the upper surface of the drapery rod, the light source located within the lighting channel and extending along the lighting channel.

154. The drapery system of claim 153, wherein the lighting channel further comprises a mounting surface to which the elongated substrate of the light source is mounted, the mounting surface oriented as an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, so as to cause the light source to emit light in an upwards and a rearward direction from the drapery rod.

155. The drapery system of claim 154, wherein the lighting channel defines a gap through which the light emitted by the emitters of the light source shines.

156. The drapery system of claim 155, wherein the drapery rod further comprises a lens covering at least a portion of the gap defined by the lighting channel.

157. The drapery system of claim 156, wherein the lens is configured to diffuse or redirect the light emitted by the emitters of the light source.

158. The drapery system of claim 1 4, wherein the elongated substrate is mounted to the mounting surface of the lighting channel using an adhesive.

159. The drapery system of claim 153, further comprising:an intermediate mounting bracket configured to be mounted to the structure, the intermediate mounting bracket configured to extend from the structure in a lateral direction and support the drapery rod at a location between the first and second ends of the drapery rod;wherein the drapery rod comprises an attachment channel extending along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction parallel to the lighting channel, the drapery rod comprising flange portions that form an attachment slot that extends through the drapery rod into the attachment channel, the intermediate mounting bracket comprising an attachment member engaging with the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

160. The drapery system of claim 152, wherein the light source comprises a tape light source or a strip light source.

161. A drapery system for supporting a drapery fabric, the drapery system comprising:a drapery rod that extends from a first end to a second end in a longitudinal direction, the drapery rod comprising a track portion that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the track portion defining a carrier channel, the drapery rod defining a slot that extends through a lower surface of the drapery rod and into the carrier channel;a plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to support the drapery fabric, the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to be received in the carrier channel and extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to move through a track portion of the drapery rod for moving the drapery fabric along the drapery rod;two or more mounting brackets configured to be mounted to a structure of a building in which the drapery system is located, the two or more mounting brackets including an intermediate mounting bracket comprising a base configured to be mounted to the structure and an arm thatextends from the base in a lateral direction, the intermediate mounting bracket supporting the drapery rod at a location between the first and second ends of the drapery rod.

162. The drapery system of claim 161, wherein the drapery rod comprises an attachment channel extending along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the drapery rod comprising flange portions that form an attachment slot that extends through the drapery rod into the attachment channel, the intermediate mounting bracket coupled to a connection member that is received within the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

163. The drapery system of claim 162, wherein the connection member comprises a neck portion that extends through the attachment slot in the drapery rod and an enlarged portion received in the attachment channel such that the flange portions of the drapery rod are captured between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the attachment member.

164. The drapery system of claim 163, wherein the intermediate mounting bracket comprising an attachment member that engages with the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

165. The drapery system of claim 164, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a bar that extends from a distal end of the arm and is attached to the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

166. The drapery system of claim 165, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a fastener that is received through a respective opening in the bar and a respective opening in the connection member in a transverse direction.

167. The drapery system of claim 166, wherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel are clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the bar of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

168. The drapery system of claim 165, wherein the bar of the attachment member is configured to be received in a trough in an upper surface of the arm of the intermediate mounting bracket, the attachment member comprising a fastener configured to be received through a respective slot in the bar and a respective opening in the arm of the intermediate mounting bracket, the bar configured to slide through trough in the lateral direction when the fastener is loosened and to be locked in place when the fastener is tightened.

169. The drapery system of claim 164, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises wings that extend from the arm in the longitudinal direction at a distal end of the arm, the wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket configured to be attached to the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

170. The drapery system of claim 169, wherein the wings of the attachment member are configured to be attached to the connection member via fasteners received through respective openings in the wings of the attachment member and respective openings in the connection member in the lateral direction.

171. The drapery system of claim 170, wherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel are clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the wings of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

172. The drapery system of claim 162, wherein the drapery rod comprises a first drapery rod, and the track channel and the attachment channel comprise a first track channel and a first attachment channel of the first drapery rod, respectively;wherein the drapery system further comprises:a second drapery rod defining a second track channel and a second attachment channel that both extend through the second drapery rod in the longitudinal direction;a first splice member located in the first attachment channel of the first drapery rod;anda second splice member located in the second attachment channel of the second drapery rod;wherein the first splice member is coupled to the second splice member for coupling the first drapery rod to the second drapery rod.

173. The drapery system of claim 172, wherein the flange portions adjacent to the first attachment channel of the first drapery rod are captured between a first head of a first fastener and the first splice member for holding the first splice member in place in the first attachment channel; and wherein the flange portions adjacent to the second attachment channel of the second drapery rod are captured between a second head of a second fastener and the second splice member for holding the second splice member in place in the second attachment channel.

174. The drapery system of claim 173, wherein the first splice member is coupled to the second splice member via a third fastener received through the first and second splice members in the longitudinal direction.

175. The drapery system of claim 172, further comprising:a spacer located between the first and second drapery rods, the spacer having a same shape as the first and second drapery rods, the spacer comprising a third track channel that is aligned with the first track channel of the first drapery rod and the second track channel of the second drapery rod, the spacer also comprising a third attachment channel that is aligned with the first attachment channel of the first drapery rod and the second attachment channel of the second drapery rod.

176. The drapery system of claim 175, further comprising:an alignment member received in a first alignment channel located between a first front surface and the first track channel of the first drapery rod, a second alignment channel located between a second front surface and the second track channel of the second drapery rod, and a third alignment channel located between a third front surface and the third track channel of the spacer.

177. The drapery system of claim 162, wherein the connection member attached to the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a first connection member, the drapery system further comprising:a motor drive unit supported by the drive end assembly and configured to rotate the drive pulley of the drive end assembly to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the carrier channel of the track portion;a first cover coupled to the motor drive unit, the first cover coupled to the drapery fabric proximate to the first end of the drapery rod; anda drapery attachment assembly coupled to a second connection member that is received within the attachment channel of the drapery rod, the drapery attachment assembly comprising a second cover coupled to the drapery fabric proximate to the second end of the drapery rod.

178. The drapery system of claim 161, further comprising:a light source that extend along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and emits light away from the drapery rod, the light source comprising an elongated substrate extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of emitters mounted to the substrate along a length of the elongated substrate.

179. The drapery system of claim 178, wherein the drapery rod further comprises a lighting channel that extends in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the upper surface of the drapery rod, the light source located within the lighting channel and extending along the lighting channel.

180. The drapery system of claim 179, wherein the lighting channel further comprises a mounting surface to which the elongated substrate of the light source is mounted, the mounting surface oriented as an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, so as to cause the light source to emit light in an upwards and a rearward direction from the drapery rod.

181. The drapery system of claim 161, wherein the two or more mounting brackets comprise first and second end mounting brackets configured to extend from the structure in a lateral direction and support the first and second ends of the drapery rod, respectively.

182. The drapery system of claim 161, further comprising:respective end caps coupled to the first and second ends of the drapery rod.

183. A drapery system for supporting a drapery fabric, the drapery system comprising:a drapery rod that extends from a first end to a second end in a longitudinal direction, the drapery rod defining a track channel that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the drapery rod defining a slot that extends through a lower surface of the drapery rod; a plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to support the drapery fabric, the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to be received in the track channel of the drapery rod and extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to move through the track channel for moving the drapery fabric along the drapery rod;a belt extending through the track channel, the belt operatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of fabric-support carriers;a drive end assembly that is received within the track channel of the drapery rod at the first end of the drapery rod, the drive end assembly comprising a drive pulley configured to engage the belt at the first end of the drapery rod;an idler end assembly that is received within the track channel of the drapery rod at the second end of the drapery rod, the idler end assembly comprising an idler pulley configured to engage the belt at the second end of the drapery rod; andwherein the drive pulley of the drive end assembly is configured to be rotated to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the track channel.

184. The drapery system of claim 183, further comprising:a motor drive unit configured to rotate the drive pulley of the drive end assembly to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the track channel of the drapery rod.

185. The drapery system of claim 184, wherein the drive end assembly comprises a drive housing for housing the drive pulley, and an idler housing for the idler pulley, the drive pulley configured to rotate with respect to the drive housing and the idler pulley is configured to rotate with respect to the idler housing.

186. The drapery system of claim 185, further comprising:a locating plate located outside of the drapery rod below the lower surface of the drapery rod, the locating plate coupled to the lower idler housing portion via a fastener received through the locating plate, through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, and through the idler housing, wherein the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate when the fastener is tightened;wherein the locating plate is configured to be moved along the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod when the fastener is received through the locating plate and the idler housing and is not tightened to move the idler end assembly and adjust tensioning in the belt of the drapery system.

187. The drapery system of claim 186, wherein the idler housing is locked in position in the drapery rod and the tensioning in the belt of the drapery system is maintained when the fastener is tightened such that the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate.

188. The drapery system of claim 186, wherein of the drive housing of the drive end assembly comprises at least one wing that abut the first end of the drapery rod to locate the drive end assembly at a defined location within the drapery rod at the first end.

189. The drapery system of claim 185, wherein the drive end assembly comprises at least one retention member configured to prevent the belt from slipping with respect to the drive pulley, the at least one retention member comprising a roller configured to rotate with respect to the drive housing of the drive end assembly if the belt contacts the roller as the drive pulley rotates.

190. The drapery system of claim 185, wherein the drive housing of the drive end assembly and the idler housing of the idler end assembly each comprise a respective tethering member to which one or more spacing cords of the drapery fabric is coupled.

191. The drapery system of claim 184, wherein a center of the drive pulley of the drive end assembly and a center of the idler pulley of the idler end assembly are aligned with the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, and wherein the drive end assembly comprises a shaft extending through the slot in the lower surface the drapery rod between the drive pulley and the motor drive unit, the motor drive unit configured to rotate the shaft to rotate the drive pulley.

192. The drapery system of claim 191, wherein the shaft comprises an upper portion connected to the drive pulley, a lower portion connected to the motor drive unit, and a neck portion that is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the neck portion having a width that is less than a width of the upper portion or a width of the lower portion.

193. The drapery system of claim 183, further comprising:a track portion that is received within the track channel of the drapery rod and extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction;wherein the plurality of fabric-support carriers are configured to be received in the track portion and move through the track portion for moving the drapery fabric along the drapery rod.

194. The drapery system of claim 193, wherein the track portion includes a carrier channel that extends through the track portion and the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod extends through the lower surface of the drapery rod to expose the carrier channel, and wherein the plurality of fabric-support carriers are configured to be received in the carrier channel of the track portion and the drive pulley of the drive end assembly is configured to be rotated to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the carrier channel of the track portion.

195. The drapery system of claim 194, wherein the track portion includes first and second belt channels that extend through the track portion and the belt extends through the first and second belt channels of the track portion.

196. The drapery system of claim 195, wherein the track portion extends from a first end to a second end, and is positioned between the drive end assembly and the idler end assembly within the track portion, such that the drive end assembly is located adjacent to the first end of the track portion and the idler end assembly is located adjacent to the second end of the track portion.

197. The drapery system of claim 196, wherein the belt extends linearly through the first and second belt channels of the track portion between the drive pulley and the idler pulley.

198. The drapery system of claim 197, wherein the belt comprises a plurality of teeth extending from an inner surface of the belt, and the drive pulley comprises a drum defining a plurality of teeth surrounding a perimeter of the drum, the teeth of the drive pulley engaging with the teeth of the belt as the drive pulley rotates for causing the belt to move through the first and second belt channels of the track portion; andwherein a distance between the inner surface of the belt within the first belt channel of the track portion and the inner surface of the belt within the second belt channel of the track portion are spaced apart by a distance that is approximately equal to an outside diameter of the drive pulley and an outside diameter of the idler pulley.

199. The drapery system of claim 194, wherein the track portion comprises a track slot aligned with the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod for providing access to the carrier channel of the track portion from outside the drapery rod.

200. The drapery system of claim 183, wherein a center of the drive pulley of the drive end assembly and a center of the idler pulley of the idler end assembly are aligned with a center of the track channel of the drapery rod.

201. A drapery system for supporting a drapery fabric, the drapery system comprising:a drapery rod that extends from a first end to a second end in a longitudinal direction, the drapery rod including a track portion that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the drapery rod defining a slot that extends through a lower surface of the drapery rod; a plurality of fabric-support carriers received in the track portion of the drapery rod, the plurality of fabric-support carriers configured to extend through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod and to support the drapery fabric, the track portion configured to enable the plurality of fabric-support carriers to move through the track portion to move the drapery fabric along the drapery rod; anda belt extending through the track portion from the first end of the drapery rod to the second end of the drapery rod, the belt configured to operatively couple to at least one of the plurality of fabric-support carriers;characterized in that the drapery system further comprises:a drive end assembly including a drive pulley that is received within the track portion of the drapery rod and engages the belt at the first end of the drapery rod;an idler end assembly including an idler pulley that is received within the track portion of the drapery rod and engages the belt at the second end of the drapery rod;wherein the drive pulley of the drive end assembly is configured to be rotated to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the carrier channel of the track portion for moving the drapery fabric along the drapery rod.

202. The drapery system of claim 201, further comprising:a motor drive unit configured to rotate the drive pulley of the drive end assembly to cause the belt to move the plurality of fabric-support carriers through the carrier channel of the track portion.

203. The drapery system of claim 202, wherein the drive end assembly comprises a drive housing for housing the drive pulley, and an idler housing for the idler pulley, the drive pulley configured to rotate with respect to the drive housing and the idler pulley is configured to rotate with respect to the idler housing.

204. The drapery system of claim 203, further comprising:a locating plate located outside of the drapery rod below the lower surface of the drapery rod, the locating plate coupled to the idler housing via a fastener received through the locating plate, through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, and through the idler housing, wherein the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate when the fastener is tightened;wherein the locating plate is configured to be moved along the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod when the fastener is received through the locating plate and the idler housing and is not tightened to move the idler end assembly and adjust tensioning in the belt of the drapery system.

205. The drapery system of claim 204, wherein the idler housing is locked in position in the drapery rod and the tensioning in the belt of the drapery system is maintained when the fastener is tightened such that the lower surface of the drapery rod is clamped between the idler housing of the idler end assembly and the locating plate.

206. The drapery system of claim 204, wherein the drive housing of the drive end assembly comprises at least one wing that abut the first end of the drapery rod to locate the drive end assembly at a defined location within the drapery rod at the first end.

207. The drapery system of any one of claims 202-206, wherein the drive end assembly comprises a shaft extending through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod between the drive pulley and the motor drive unit, the motor drive unit configured to rotate the shaft to rotate the drive pulley, the shaft comprising an upper portion connected to the drive pulley, a lower portion connected to the motor drive unit, and a neck portion that is located between the upper portion and the lower portionand extends through the slot in the lower surface of the drapery rod, the neck portion having a width that is less than a width of the upper portion or a width of the lower portion.

208. The drapery system of any one claims 201-207, wherein the drapery rod comprises a track channel that extends through the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and comprises a carrier channel and first and second belt channels that extend through the track portion, wherein the drive end assembly, the idler end assembly, and the track portion are received within the track channel of the drapery rod; andwherein the slot of the drapery rod extends through the lower surface of the drapery rod to expose the carrier channel of the track portion, the plurality of fabric-support carriers are received in the carrier channel of the track portion, and the belt extends through the first and second belt channels of the track portion.

209. The drapery system of any of claims 8, wherein the track portion extends from a first end to a second end, and is positioned between the drive end assembly and the idler end assembly within the track portion, such that the drive end assembly is located adjacent to the first end of the track portion and the idler end assembly is located adjacent to the second end of the track portion, and the belt extends linearly through the first and second belt channels of the track portion between the drive pulley and the idler pulley.

210. The drapery system of any of claims 209, wherein the belt comprises a plurality of teeth extending from an inner surface of the belt, the drive pulley comprising a drum defining a plurality of teeth surrounding a perimeter of the drum, the teeth of the drive pulley engaging with the teeth of the belt as the drive pulley rotates for causing the belt to move through the first and second belt channels of the track portion; andwherein a distance between the inner surface of the belt within the first belt channel of the track portion and the inner surface of the belt within the second belt channel of the track portion are spaced apart by a distance that is approximately equal to an outside diameter of the drive pulley and an outside diameter of the idler pulley.

211. The drapery system of any of claims 201-210, wherein the drapery rod comprises a front surface that has a curved profde, a rear surface opposite the front surface, an upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface, and a lower surface opposite the upper surface that extends between the front surface and the rear surface;wherein the lower surface is a planar surface, and the slot extends through the lower surface of the drapery rod such that the lower surface comprises a first lower surface portion and a second lower surface portion on opposing sides of the slot, and wherein the first surface and the second surface are coplanar.

212. The drapery system of claim 211, wherein the drapery rod comprises an elongated portion that extends between the front surface and the rear surface, such that a distance between the front surface and the rear surface of the drapery rod is greater than a distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the drapery rod.

213. The drapery system of any claims 201-212, further comprising:two or more mounting brackets configured to be mounted to a structure of a building in which the drapery system is located, the two or more mounting brackets comprising an intermediate mounting bracket having a base configured to be mounted to the structure and an arm that extends from the base in a lateral direction, the intermediate mounting bracket supporting the drapery rod at a location between the first and second ends of the drapery rod.

214. The drapery system of claim 213, wherein the drapery rod comprises an attachment channel extending along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction, the drapery rod comprising flange portions that form an attachment slot in the drapery rod that extends through the drapery rod into the attachment channel, the intermediate mounting bracket coupled to a connection member that is received within the attachment channel of the drapery rod.

215. The drapery system of claim 214, wherein the connection member comprises a neck portion that extends through the attachment slot in the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel and an enlarged portion received in the attachment channel; andwherein the intermediate mounting bracket comprises an attachment member that engages with the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod, such that the flange portions of the drapery rod are captured between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the attachment member.

216. The drapery system of claim 215, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises wings that extend from the arm in the longitudinal direction at a distal end of the arm, the wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket configured to be attached to the connection member via fasteners received through respective openings in the wings of the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket and respective openings in the connection member in the lateral direction, wherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel are clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the wings of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

217. The drapery system of claim 215, wherein the attachment member of the intermediate mounting bracket comprises a bar that extends from a distal end of the arm and is attached to the connection member in the attachment channel of the drapery rod, the attachment member further comprising a fastener that is received through a respective opening in the bar and a respective opening in the connection member in a transverse direction, wherein the flange portions of the drapery rod adjacent to the attachment channel are clamped between the enlarged portion of the connection member and the bar of the attachment member when the fastener is tightened.

218. The drapery system of any of claims 201-217, further comprising:a light source that extends along the drapery rod in the longitudinal direction and emits light away from the drapery rod, the light source comprising an elongated substrate extending in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of emitters mounted to the substrate along a length of theelongated substrate;wherein the drapery rod further comprises a lighting channel that extends in the longitudinal direction adjacent to the upper surface of the drapery rod, the light source located within the lighting channel and extending along the lighting channel.

219. The drapery system of claim 218, wherein the lighting channel further comprises a mounting surface to which the elongated substrate of the light source is mounted, the mounting surface oriented as an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, so as to cause the light source to emit light in an upwards and a rearward direction from the drapery rod.

220. The drapery system of claim 219, wherein the lighting channel defines a gap through which the light emitted by the emitters of the light source shines, and the drapery rod further comprises a lens covering at least a portion of the gap defined by the lighting channel and to diffuse or redirect the light emitted by the emitters of the light source.

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