CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application no. 61/433,140 filed 14 January 201 1 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Supporting a Window Covering," and U.S. Provisional application no. 61/449,445 filed 4 March 201 1 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Supporting a Window Covering," which are both hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to coverings for architectural openings, and more specifically to the apparatus and methods associated with supporting such window coverings.

BACKGROUND

Coverings for architectural openings such as windows, doors, archways and the like have assumed numerous forms for many years. Early forms of such coverings consisted primarily of fabric draped across the architectural opening, and in some instances the fabric was not movable between extended and retracted positions relative to the opening.

Retractable coverings for architectural openings have evolved into many different forms, which include drapes, which are generally extended and retracted laterally across an architectural opening. Typically, drape structures are supported by a rod extending along the top edge of the drape structure. The drape structure is suspended by hangers that move along the rod to allow the drape structure to extend across an architectural opening, or be retracted from an architectural opening. Drape structures typically have a gathered or pleated appearance that creates a corrugated overall appearance, with the corrugations running vertically from top to bottom on the drape. Typical drape structures have a front material sewn to or otherwise permanently attached to a rear or liner material. This type of arrangement makes it difficult to clean the drape structures, and also creates limitations as to styles and designs that can be implemented.

It is to satisfy the need for more flexible assembly arrangements for drape structures and other coverings that the present invention has been developed. BRIEF SUMMARY

The apparatus and method of the present disclosure were developed to address the need for controlling a drape or other covering structures to facilitate a consistent appearance between extended and retracted positions, as well as to allow more convenience in maintaining and changing the drape materials, and may also be readily transformable into other configurations to manufacture different window covering designs.

In the instant disclosure, a support structure is provided for supporting a drape on a guide structure, and includes a front sheet support structure, with a front sheet suspended from the front sheet support structure, a rear sheet support structure, with a rear sheet suspended from the rear sheet support structure, wherein the front and rear sheet support structures releasably attached together by an engagement structure formed between the front and rear sheet support structure and together suspend from the guide structure.

In a further aspect the front sheet support structure is suspended from the guide structure. In another aspect, the rear sheet support structure is suspended from the guide structure.

Additionally, the engagement structure may allow lateral movement between the front and rear sheet support structures.

In another example, the front support structure has undulating curves; the rear support structure has undulating curves approximately the same as the undulating curves of the front support structure, the respective curves change shape when extended across or retracted from an architectural opening, and the front and rear support structures are in close alignment with one another when engaged together; the front and rear support structures may move relative to one another; and the front and rear support structures remain in close engagement as the undulations change shape during extension or retraction.

In another example, the front sheet support structure defines at least one

engagement tab having a neck; the rear sheet support structure defines at least one hangar tab having an aperture; and wherein when in engagement, the neck of the engagement tab is received in the aperture of the hanger tab. In yet another example, a drape support system for supporting a drape over an architectural opening. The drape support system includes a guide structure, a carrier operably connected to the guide structure and a drape operably connected to the carrier. The carrier is operably connected to the guide structure and includes a roller or slider member that is configured to move the carrier laterally along the guide structure. The drape is operably connected to the carrier, such that as the carrier moves along the guide structure the drape moves as well. In another example, the drape support system includes a first carrier and a second carrier that are interconnected together by a positioning member or positioning connector. The positioning member may define a maximum distance between the two carriers. When the carriers are in a first orientation with respect to each other, the positioning member extends from the first carrier to the second carrier substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first carrier and when the carriers are in a second orientation with respect to each other, the positioning member extends from the first carrier to the second carrier at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of the various embodiments, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description, illustrated by way of example in the drawing figures, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a drape for covering an architectural opening, having a guide structure, hangar elements, and undulating front and rear sheets supported on front and rear support structures.

Fig. 2 shows a front view of the drape of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3 is a section taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2, and shows the hanger elements and front and rear support structures at the top of the drape.

Fig. 4 is a front view of the front support structure, showing the engagement tabs.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the rear support structure, showing the hanger tabs and hanger apertures.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the front support structure, as shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the rear support structure, as shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 shows the front and rear support structures releasably engaged with one another. Fig. 9 is a section taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the front support structure, showing a portion of a front sheet attached thereto. Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of the rear support structure, showing a portion of a rear sheet attached thereto.

Fig. 12 is a section taken along line 12-12 of Fig. 3, and shows a hanger element supporting the front support structure, to which is attached a front sheet of the drape, and showing a rear support structure engaged with and depending from the front support structure, to which is attached a rear sheet of the drape.

Fig. 13 is a representative section taken along a line similar to line 3-3 of Fig. 2, and shows an undulating pattern of a first example.

Fig. 14 is a representative section taken along a line similar to line 3-3 of Fig. 2, and shows an undulating pattern of a second example. Fig. 15 is a representative section taken along a line similar to line 3-3 of Fig. 2, and shows an undulating pattern of a third example.

Fig. 16A is a perspective view of the engagement tabs connected with carriers mounted on a rail for supporting the drape.

Fig. 16B is a section view taken along line 16B-16B of Fig. 16A. Fig. 17 is an isometric view of a drape support system for covering an architectural opening with the drape in an extended position, having a guide structure, and undulating front and rear sheets supported on the guide structure.

Fig. 18 is an isometric view of the drape support structure of Fig. 17 illustrating the drape in a retracted position. Fig. 19 is an isometric view of the drape support structure of Fig. 17 illustrating two drapes for covering an architectural opening in an extended position.

Fig. 20 is an isometric view of the drape support system of Fig. 19 illustrating the two sets of drapes in a retracted position. Fig. 21 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the drape support system for covering an architectural opening and spanning across an intersection between two walls.

Fig. 22 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the drape support system of Fig. 21 illustrating the drape in a retracted position. Fig. 23 is cross-section view of the drape support system of Fig. 17 taken along line 23-23 in Fig. 17.

Fig. 24 is a cross-section view of the drape support system of Fig. 17 taken along line 24-24 in Fig. 23.

Fig. 25A is an isometric top and bottom view of a first embodiment of a positioning connector removed from the drape support system of Fig. 17.

Fig. 25B is an isometric top and bottom view of a second embodiment of a positioning connector removed from the drape support system of Fig. 17.

Fig. 26A is a cross-section view of the drape support system of Fig. 17 taken along line 26A- 26A in Fig. 23. Fig. 26B is an enlarged view of the cross-section view of Fig. 26A, illustrating the rollers adjacent the guide structure.

Fig. 27 is a cross-section view of the drape support system of Fig. 17 taken along line 27-27 in Fig. 23.

Fig. 28A is a cross-section view of the drape support system of Fig. 17 taken along line 28A- 28A in Fig. 24, illustrating carriers in an extended position.

Fig. 28B is an enlarged view of the cross-section view of Fig. 28A illustrating a positioning connector operably connected to a carrier when the carriers are in an extended position.

Fig. 29A is a cross section view of the drape support system of Fig. 17 taken along line 29A- 29A in Fig. 20 illustrating the carriers in a retracted position. Fig. 29B is an enlarged view of the cross-section view of Fig. 29A illustrating the positioning connector extending over the top of an adjacent carrier when the carriers are in a retracted position. Fig. 30A is a top perspective view of a top of a carrier removed from the drape support system.

Fig. 30B is a bottom perspective view of a bottom of the carrier of Fig. 30A.

Fig. 31 A is a cross section view of the drape support system illustrated in Fig. 21 taken along line 31 A-31 A in Fig. 21 .

Fig. 31 B is an enlarged view of the cross-section view of Fig. 31 A, illustrating the positioning connector as the carriers are positioned along a corner portion.

Fig. 31 C is cross section view of the drape support system illustrated in Fig. 21 taken along line 31 C-31 C in Fig. 31 A. Fig. 32A is a front elevation view of a rod or wand connector operably connected to two carriers with the guide structure removed.

Fig. 32B is an exploded view of the rod connector of Fig. 32A operably connected between two carriers.

Fig. 32C is a cross-section view of the drape support system illustrated in Fig. 19 taken along line 32C-32C, illustrating a rod or wand controller operably connected between two carriers.

Fig. 33A is a front elevation view of the rod or wand controller operably connected to a single carrier with the guide structure removed.

Fig. 33B is an exploded view the rod or wand controller operably connected to a single carrier.

Fig. 34A is a cross section view of the drape support system illustrated in Fig. 19 taken along line 34-34 illustrating a shape support structure operably connected to the drape.

Fig. 34B is an enlarged exploded view of the shape support illustrated in Fig. 34A.

Fig. 34C is a cross-section view of the drape support system illustrated in Fig. 19 take along line 34-34, illustrating the shape support structure operably connected to the drape and wrapping around a portion of a second drape. Fig. 35A is a cross-section view of the drape support illustrated in Fig. 19 taken along line 35-35 illustrating a second embodiment of the shape support operably connected to the drape of Fig. 19.

Fig. 35B is an enlarged exploded view of the shape support illustrated in Fig. 35A. Fig. 36A is a cross-section view of the drape of Fig. 19 taken along line 36A-36A in Fig. 19.

Fig. 36B is an isometric view of the drape of Fig. 19 illustrating a sheet fastening device operably connected to a front sheet and a back sheet of the drape.

Fig. 37 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the guide structure for a drape support system. Fig. 38A is a front elevation view of the guide structure of Fig. 37.

Fig. 38B is a front elevation view of the guide structure of Fig. 37 operably connected to a covering including vanes.

Fig. 39 is an exploded view of a tilting assembly configured to rotatably connect a tilt assembly in a guide structure of Fig. 37 to a tilt assembly in a second guide structure. Fig. 40A is a front elevation view of the guide structure of Fig. 37 operably connected to a second guide structure.

Fig. 40B is a cross-section view of the guide structure as shown in Fig. 40A operably connected to the second guide structure.

Fig. 40C is a cross-section view of the guide structure of Fig. 37 operably connected to the second guide structure and a covering including one or more vanes.

Fig. 41 A is an exploded left isometric view of the guide structure of Fig. 37 operably connected to a finial.

Fig. 41 B is an exploded right isometric view of the guide structure of Fig. 37 operably connected to a finial. Fig. 41 C is the guide structure of Fig. 41 A with the finial operably connected thereto.

Fig. 41 D is a cross-section view of the guide structure and finial connected thereto taken along line 41 D-41 D in Fig. 41 C. Fig. 42 is an enlarged view of the section of Fig. 12, illustrating another example of the front support structure, to which is attached a front sheet of the drape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Coverings for architectural openings selectively extend and retract across the architectural opening for several purposes, including to control light passing through the architectural opening, insulate the architectural opening, and provide aesthetic effect.

Coverings may extend and retract across the architectural opening in a lateral direction, a vertical direction, or at any angle there between. The structure and method described herein may apply to some or all of these orientations, but will be described herein, in a non-limiting way, with respect to the lateral extension and retraction of the covering across an architectural opening.

Coverings that extend and retract laterally across an architectural opening are typically called drapes. Drapes may be formed of one body of material that extends entirely or partially laterally across an opening and retracts entirely or partially from an opening, or it may be formed of more than one body of material that together extends all or part of a way across an opening. Drapes typically extend from above the top of an architectural opening to the floor below the architectural opening. It is contemplated that the drape may only extend part of the way across the architectural opening, and may extend from below the top edge of the architectural opening to above the bottom edge of the architectural opening. Drape Undulations

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a guide structure 20 may be positioned above the architectural opening in a manner that may allow the drapes 22 to extend and retract laterally across the architectural opening. One or more hanger elements 24 operably engage the guide structure as well as the drape, and move relative to the guide structure 20 in order to allow the drape to extend and retract across the architectural opening. The one or more hanger elements 24 may engage the drape 22 at discrete locations, or continuously along at least portions of the drape to support the drape on the guide structure 20. The hanger elements 24 typically engage the drape 22 at or near the top edge of the drape 22. The guide structure 20 may also be a headrail attached by brackets or the like to a wall or other structure into which the architectural opening is formed. The headrail may have tracks or the like to individually (or collectively) control the movement of each of the more than one hanger elements 24. The one or more hanger elements may be commonly attached to a cord structure strung around guide wheels mounted on or near the guide structure, and/or may be individually mounted for movement relative to the guide structure for custom control of the drape during extension across and retraction from the architectural opening. The guide structure 20 may be a rod attached by brackets to the wall into which the architectural opening is formed. The hanger elements 24 may move along the rod to allow extension or retraction of the drape. The hanger elements may be moved manually by a user or may be mechanized to move automatically at a user's direction or under the control of an automatic control program.

Referring to Figs. 1 , 2 and 3, the drape 22 is pleated in an undulating or corrugated manner, extending from the top to the bottom of the drape. The drape undulations 28 form a continuous S-like shape in cross-section (see Fig. 3) which may form a sinusoidal shape. The undulations are regularly spaced in the extended position, and as will be described in more details below, are regularly spaced when in a retracted or compressed position also. The undulations 28 have a relatively consistent diameter of curvature and provide a rounded appearance, providing the effect of vertical columns positioned side by side and having a rounded front perspective. It is contemplated that the undulations 28 may be other than circular having a common diameter of curvature, and instead may be oval or near circular columns. The undulations 28 may provide a uniform appearance when extended, retracted, or in between.

Referring to Figs. 3, 10 and 1 1 , drapes 22, as described herein, may have a front sheet 32 and a rear or back sheet 36 (or liner). The front sheet is typically designed to have aesthetic appeal and match or complement the decor of a room. It may be made of various types of materials, including woven and non-woven fabrics, knits, plastic, fiber, or other materials. The front sheet 32 may allow light to pass through, or may be fully opaque, or have a variety of light transmissivity. The rear sheet 36 typically complements the aesthetics of the front sheet 32, and may have additional functionality, such as being made of a sheer fabric (allowing a substantial amount of light through), luminescent fabric (allowing some amount of light through), or a black-out fabric (allowing little or no light through). The rear sheet 36 may also have insulating properties along with aesthetic properties. The front and rear sheets 32, 36 may include more than one individual sheet or layer, and may be made of a different number of sheets or layers. The front and rear sheets 32, 36 described herein are separably attached together along their respective top edges, as shown in Figs. 12 and 42, and described in greater detail below. The top edge 34 of the front sheet 32 is mounted on a front sheet support structure 40, and the top edge 38 of the rear sheet 36 is mounted on a rear sheet support structure 44. The front sheet support structure and the rear sheet support structure are mounted so as to be releasably attached together by engagement tabs formed on each support structure. The front and rear sheet support structures are suspended from the same set of hanger elements 24, and thus from the same guide structure 20. The releasable engagement between the front and rear sheets 32, 36 provides several advantages over traditional drapes where the front sheet and the rear sheets are permanently sewn or attached together, and over front and rear sheets that are suspended from separate guide structures. This releasable attachment between the front and rear sheets allows the front and rear sheets of the drape to be cleaned separately. The releasable attachment allows the front and rear sheets to be mixed and matched between different designs or for different functions. For instance, in the summertime the rear sheet may be more opaque and non- insulative, and in the winter, the rear sheet may be more transmissive for light, and insulative. Further, the releasable engagement allows the front and rear sheets to be hung from a single guide 20 structure by a single set of hanger elements 24, thus reducing cost and taking up less space than having to use separate guide structures to hang separate front and rear sheets. One example of the structure of the front and rear sheet support structures that allow releasable engagement, to illustrate the advantages of such a system, is described below.

Figs. 4 and 6 show a front sheet support structure 40 for the top edge 34 of a drape. The front sheet support structure may be utilized along the entire top edge of the front sheet 32, or only along a select portion of the length of the top edge of the front sheet. The front sheet support structure includes an elongated flat strip of plastic 50 having a top edge 52 and a bottom edge 54, and being approximately one inch high (from top edge to bottom edge), 0.015 inches thick, and as long as needed to support the length of the top edge of the front sheet 32. In one example, the bottom edge 54 of the front sheet support structure is a linear line, although other shapes are contemplated, such as segmented, curved, irregular, etc. The top edge 52 of the front sheet support structure is, in one embodiment, largely a linear line, although other shapes are contemplated as in the bottom edge.

Engagement tabs 60 extend from the top edge of the strip of the front sheet support structure 32. The engagement tabs 60 are positioned periodically along the top edge 52, and may be at regular intervals or irregular intervals as desired. For instance, the engagement tabs 60 may be positioned on the front sheet support structure at locations that mid-way between the undulating shape, such as shown in Fig. 3, where the engagement tab 60 is positioned at the transition point in the curved undulating shape between an undulation 28 extending to the front of the drape 22, and an undulation extending to the rear of the drape. In other words, the engagement tab 60 may be positioned at the inflection point between front and rear undulations. Continuing with Figs. 4 and 6, in one example, each engagement tab 60 includes a neck portion 64, a shoulder portion 66, and a top portion 68. The neck portion 64 engages the top edge 52 of the front strip. The shoulder portion 66 is above the neck portion 64, and extends equally to either side of the neck portion 64, and has a width greater than the neck portion 64. The two lateral extensions of the shoulders 66 to either side of the neck 64 form slots between the lateral extensions and the top edge of the strip 50. The lateral extensions of the shoulders 66 are securement elements as described in more detail below. The top portion 68 extends above the shoulder portion, and has a width, which in this case, is less than that of the shoulders 66. An aperture 72 is formed through the tab, generally in the top portion 68. The aperture 72 receives the hanger element 24 (See Fig. 8) for securing the tab 60 to the guide structure 20 for the movement described above. In some instances, the engagement tab 60 may extend above the top edge 52 of the strip by a range of 0.3 to 0.7 inches, and in some examples may extend above the top edge 52 of the strip by

approximately 0.5 inches. In these instances, the neck portion 64 may have a width ranging between 0.3 to 0.6 inches, and some examples may be approximately 0.4 inches. Similarly, the shoulder portion 66 may have a width of ranging between 0.5 to 0.8 inches and in some examples may be approximately 0.7 inches. Further, the top portion 68 may have a width ranging between 0.3 and 0.7 inches, and in some examples may have a width of approximately 0.5 inches. These dimensions may vary as desired, and are listed for illustrative purposes only.

The strip 50 of the front sheet support structure 40 may be formed into a wavy curve with several undulations. The undulations 280 are in a direction transverse to the plane of the strip, and may be regularly spaced, having the same amplitude. It is also contemplated that the undulations 280 may not be regularly spaced, and they may not have the same amplitude. As noted above, and with respect to Fig. 3, the undulations 28 may be the shape of a portion of a circle, or may not have a circular shape.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 7, a rear sheet support structure 44 for the top edge of a drape 22 is shown. The rear sheet support structure 44 may be utilized along the entire top edge 38 of a rear sheet 36, or only along a select portion of the length of the top edge of a rear sheet. The rear sheet support structure 44 includes an elongated flat strip of plastic 80 having a top edge 82 and a bottom edge 84, and in some examples may be approximately one-half inch high (from top edge to bottom edge), 0.015 inches thick, and as long as needed to support the length of the top edge 38 of the rear sheet 36. In one example, the bottom edge 84 of the rear sheet support structure 44 is a linear line, although other shapes are contemplated, such as segmented, curved, irregular, etc. The top edge of the rear sheet support structure 44 is, in one embodiment, largely a linear line, although other shapes are contemplated as in the bottom edge.

Hanging tabs 88 extend from the top edge 82 of the rear sheet support structure 44. The hanging tabs 68 are positioned periodically along the top edge, and may be at regular intervals or irregular intervals as desired. For instance, the hanging tabs 88 may be positioned on the rear sheet support structure 44 at locations mid-way between the undulating shape, such as shown in Fig. 3, where the tab 88 is positioned at the transition point in the curved undulating shape between an undulation extending to the front of the drape 22, and an undulation extending to the rear of the drape 22. In other words, the tab 88 may be positioned at the inflection point between front and rear undulations 28. The hanging tabs 88 may be aligned at the same spacing (for instance, approximately 6 inches) along the length of the rear sheet support structure 44 as the engagement tabs 60, and in the same position along the rear sheet support structure 44 relative to the curves in the rear sheet support structure 44 as the engagement tabs 60. This allows the hanging tabs 88 to engage an engagement tab 60 to releasably attach the front sheet support structure 40 with the rear sheet support structure 44, as shown in Fig. 8, and as described in greater details below.

Continuing with Figs. 5 and 7, in one example, each hanging tab 88 extends upwardly from the top edge 82 of the rear strip 80 and has a width W1 greater than the width W2 of the neck 64 on the engagement tab 60. A receiving aperture 90 is formed through the hanging tab 88, the aperture 90 having a relatively wider top portion and tapering down to a narrow bottom portion. The sidewalls of the receiving aperture 90 taper downwardly from top to bottom, and may be curved inwardly. For example, the aperture 90 may be formed similar to a length-wise cross section of a golf tee, or a length-wise cross section of a martini glass. The top portion of the aperture 90 in one embodiment has a flat, horizontal (relative to Fig. 5 and 7) top wall. In some examples, the hanging tab 88 extends above the top edge 82 of the rear strip 80 by approximately 1 .25 inches, and has a width of approximately 0.85 inches. These dimensions may vary as desired and are listed for illustrative purposes only.

The rear strip 80 of the rear sheet support structure 44 may be formed into a wavy curve with several undulations. The undulations are in a direction transverse to the plane of the strip, and may be regularly spaced, having the same amplitude. It is also contemplated that the undulations may not be regularly spaced, and they may not have the same amplitude. As noted above, and with respect to Fig. 3, the undulations may be the shape of a portion of a circle, or may not have a circular shape. Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, the releasable engagement of the front sheet support structure 40 and the rear sheet support structure 44 is shown. The engagement tab 60 on the front sheet support structure is received in the aperture of the hanging tab 88 on the rear sheet support structure. The top portion of the receiving aperture 90 fits on either side of the neck 64 of the engagement tab 60, and in the slot formed between the shoulders 66 on the engagement tab 60 and the top edge 52 of the front strip 50. The width dimension of the top portion of the receiving aperture 90 is greater than the width of the neck 64 to allow the hanging tab 88 to move laterally relative to the engagement tab 60. The width dimension of the top portion of the receiving aperture 90 is less than the width dimension of the shoulders 66 on the engagement tab 60. Thus the shoulder extensions 66 on the engagement tab 60 prevent the hanging tab 88 from disengaging from the engagement tab 60. However, the hanging tab 88 may move slightly side-to-side around the neck of the engagement tab 60, the benefit of such movement being described in more detail below.

The shoulder extensions 66 on the engagement tab 60 may be resiliency flexible to allow the shoulder extensions 66 to be deflected in order to fit into and be received by the receiving aperture 90 of the hanging tab 88. The engagement tab 60 may also be positioned through the receiving aperture by aligning the width of the shoulders 66 of the engagement tab 60 along the length dimension of the receiving aperture 90. Since the receiving aperture 90 may have a length greater than the width of the shoulders 66 of the engagement tab 60, the engagement tab 60 may be positioned through the receiving aperture 90 as noted above, and then rotated to position the sidewalls of the top portion of the receiving aperture 90 into the slots adjacent the neck 64 and formed between the shoulder extensions 66 and the top edge 52 of the front strip 50. The sloped sidewalls 94 of the receiving aperture 90 taper toward one another from the top to the bottom of the receiving aperture 90, and help keep the neck 64 of the engagement tab 60 positioned in the top portion of the receiving aperture 90, and thus the back sheet 36 generally aligned properly with the front sheet 32.

Fig. 9 shows the interconnection between the front sheet and rear sheet support structures 40, 44 when engaged.

Referring to Figs. 10 and 1 1 , the front sheet 32 of the drape 22 is attached to the front sheet support structure 40 and the rear sheet 36 of the drape is attached to the rear sheet support structure 44. Considering Fig. 10 in particular, the top edge 34 of the front sheet passes over the front face 101 of the strip 50, and folds over the top edge 52 of the strip to overlap the back face 103 of the strip. The front sheet 32 may be attached to the front face 101 of the strip 50 by an adhesive, tape, or the like. The free end 107 of the top edge of the front sheet 36 may be secured to the back face 103 of the strip by adhesive 105 or tape, or the like. The front sheet 32 may be attached by sewing 74 through the material overlying the front face 101 and the front strip 50 (as shown), or by sewing through the material overlying the rear face 103 and the strip 50, or by sewing through both materials and the front strip. Fig. 42 illustrates a cross-section view of an example of the front sheet 32 operably connected to the front sheet support structure 40. In this example, adhesive 31 may connect the front sheet 32 to the front face 101 of the strip 50. The top edge 34 of the front sheet 32 may then be connected via stitching 74 through the material of the top edge 34 and the strip 50. In this example, the stitching 74 may be substantially hidden from view, when the front sheet 32 is viewed from the front, as the stitching 74 may not penetrate the front sheet 32 material in front of the sheet support structure 40. Additionally, in this example, the front sheet 32 may hang at the same height as or lower than the sheet support structure 40.

The front sheet 32 may be mounted on the front sheet support structure 40 with the free end 107 of the top edge overlaying the front strip 50 in the opposite direction (from the rear face to the front face of the front strip) than as described herein. The top edge 34 of the front sheet of the drape 22 follows the contours of the curves formed in the front sheet support structure 40, which creates the undulations 28 that extend generally the length of the front sheet of the drape. The engagement tabs 60 fit through holes or slits 1 13 formed in the top edge 34 of the front sheet 32. Again, the front sheet may be formed by more than one layer.

Referring to Fig. 1 1 in particular, the top edge 38 of the rear sheet 36 passes over the rear face 1 13 of the rear strip 80, and folds over the top edge 82 of the strip to overlap the front face 1 15 of the strip. The rear sheet 36 may be attached to the rear face of the strip by an adhesive or tape, or the like. The free end 1 17 of the top edge of the rear sheet 36 may be secured to the front side 1 15 of the rear strip 80 by adhesive or tape, or the like. The rear sheet 36 may be attached by sewing 76 through the material overlying the rear face 1 13 and the rear strip 80 (as shown), or by sewing through the material overlying the front face 1 15 and the rear strip 80, or by sewing through both materials and the rear strip 80. The top edge 38 of the rear sheet 36 of the drape 22 follows the contours of the curves formed in the rear sheet support structure 44. The rear sheet 36 may be mounted on the rear sheet support structure with the free end 1 17 of the top edge overlaying the strip 80 in the opposite direction (from the front face to the rear face of the rear strip) than as described herein. The top edge of the rear sheet 36 of the drape 22 follows the contours of the curves formed in the rear sheet support structure 44, which creates the undulations 28 that extend generally the length of the rear sheet 36 of the drape 22. The hanging tabs fit through holes or slits formed in the top edge of the rear sheet 36. Again, the rear sheet 36 may be formed by more than one layer.

Referring to Fig. 12, the assembled front and rear sheets 32, 36 of the drape 22, as supported by the front and rear support structures 40, 44, are shown releasably engaged together. A hanger element 24 is shown extending through the hanger aperture 72 in the top portion of the engagement tab 60 of the front sheet support structure. The hanger element 24 is operably engaged with the guide structure 20 to facilitate movement of the drape 22, such as the extension or retraction thereof across an architectural opening.

Fig. 12 shows that the rear support structure 44 may hang in a position relatively lower than the front support structure 40. It is contemplated that the two support structures 40, 44 may hang at relatively the same elevation, or that the front support structure 40 may extend below the rear support structure 44.

It is contemplated that the front sheet support structure 40 and the rear sheet support structure 44 may be used in their reverse position, so that the rear sheet support structure 44 may support the front sheet 32 and be positioned toward the front of the drape 22, and the front sheet support structure 40 may support the rear sheet 36 and be positioned toward the rear of the drape 22.

Figs. 3, 13, 14 and 15 show the drape 22, including the front and rear sheets 32, 36, having different amounts of curvature. In each example, the front and rear sheet 32, 36 are largely coextensive with each other, with each having a similar diameter of curvature and staying in close contact along the curved faces. The front and rear support structures 40, 44 are made of a material that allows flexibility and resilience to generally return to their original shape if allowed to do so. The undulations may form a sinusoidal shape that may change in amplitude and/or frequency as the drape 22 is extended or retracted. Fig. 13 shows the undulations 28 having a relatively large diameter of curvature and a relatively short amplitude in the depiction of Fig. 13. In this configuration, the curves may be defined by partial oval outlines. This may occur where the drape is extended fully across the

architectural opening, being positioned there by the guide structure 20.

Fig. 14 shows the undulations 28 having a relatively smaller diameter of curvature than Fig. 13, and a relatively larger amplitude than that of Fig. 13. In this example the curves may be defined by portions of circle outlines. This may occur where the drape 22 is partially extended across the architectural opening, being positioned there by the guide structure 20. Fig. 15 shows the undulations 28 having a relatively smaller diameter of curvature, but having a relatively larger amplitude compared to Figs. 13 and 14. In this example the curves may be defined by portions of U-shaped outlines (small diameter of curvature with long extending sides). This may occur where the drape 22 is in the retracted position and the architectural opening is largely uncovered.

In each example, the undulations 28 are largely regular in shape and consistently spaced. This effect is maintained along the length of the drape 22 also. This is in comparison to the standard drape structure, where the shape and spacing may vary quite a bit from top to bottom of the drape. The effect of this aspect of the drape support structure described herein is to provide a consistent look from top to bottom and across the width of the drape 22 when the drape 22 is in many different extension and retracted positions.

The engagement 121 of the front and rear support structures 40, 44 helps create and maintain the continuity and/or symmetry of the shape and spacing of the undulation 28 in the varying positions of extension and retraction. The engagement structure 121 between the two elements helps keep the elements in close contact with one another, so that when the curvature shape of one changes, the other changes generally along with it. While the front and rear support structures 40, 44 may be designed to have the same or similar undulation pattern when not engaged, when engaged with each other, the structure of the respective sheet supported on each one can impede or negatively effect the shape of the undulation. The close alignment between the two support structures 40, 44 is maintained by the engagement structure 121 described above, as well as the allowed relative lateral movement between the two support structures 40, 44 that occurs as the curvature of the undulations change. This relative movement is facilitated by the fact that the top portion of the receiving aperture 90 on the hanger tab 88 has a larger width dimension than the width of the neck portion 64 of the engagement tab 60. Thus, the rear support structure 44 can move somewhat laterally relative to the front support structure 40 to shift and accommodate the differing curvatures that occur when moving between fully extended and fully retracted. The engagement structure 121 between the two support structures thus reduces the amount of gaps or spacing that might otherwise occur when the curvature of the undulations 28 change as much as they do between the extremes of retraction and extension across an

architectural opening.

Carriers for Supporting the Drape

Figs. 16A and 16B show one example of a guide structure 20 for supporting the drape 22 by connecting to the engagement tab 60. The guide structure 20 includes a plurality of carriers 92 positioned laterally along a rail 94. The carriers 92 may be used either in addition to or in replace of the hangers 24, e.g., the hangers 24 may operably connect to either the guide structure 20 or to the carriers 92. The carriers 92 may move laterally along the rail 94, head rail 221 , or may be stationary with respect to the rail 94 or head rail 221 . In other embodiments, the carriers 92 may be positioned next to one another via positioning connectors and may move along an inner surface of the guide structure 20 (see, e.g., Fig. 28A). In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16A, the movement of the carriers 92 may be by manual control, or may be automated. For example, the carriers 92 may include a motor and may be controlled either wirelessly or hard wired via a control button. The carriers 92 each engage one of the engagement tabs 60.

Fig. 30A is an isometric view of the carrier 92 removed from the guide structure 20 and head rail 221 , and Fig. 30B is a bottom isometric view of the carrier 92. Referring now to Figs. 16A, 16B, 30A and 30B, each carrier 92 includes a main body 96 that is supported in a head rail 221 on a track via rollers 100. The carrier 92 may include four rollers 100, or slider members, two for each the front and back of the carrier 92. In embodiments utilizing four rollers 100, each carrier 92 may support more load (e.g., heavier drape 22 fabric) than a carrier with only two rollers. Additionally, the extra rollers 100 allow the carrier 92 to have a smooth operation along a track within the head rail 221 . The rollers 100 may be formed integrally with the main body 96 of the carrier 92, or may be operably connected to the carrier 92. Additionally, although the rollers 100 are shown as generally circular, they may have other shapes, as long as the shape of the rollers 100 in combination with a coefficient of friction between the head rail 221 and the rollers 100 is such that the carriers 92 may move along the head rail 221 with relative ease. For example, the rollers 100 may be replaced by a low-friction slider structure, roller bearings, etc. The carrier 92 may also include guide apertures 98 for receiving a wand (see Fig. 32) to guide its motion and/or a tilt controller or other device for rotating an angle of the drape 22. For example, the drape may include one or more individual slats or vanes that may be rotated to vary light transmitted through the drape. Additionally, the carrier 92 may also include a plate or separation member 1 16 operably connected to the front and back portions of the main body 96, shape recesses 120, a first position aperture 122, and a second position aperture 123. The plate 1 16 extends from the front and back sides of the main body 96 and is operably connected to the rollers 100. In this manner, the plate 122 may be positioned between the main body and the rollers 100. The plate 1 16 may include retaining features 1 18 formed as ridges along the outer edge of the plate 1 16. The retaining ridges 1 18 engage an outer surface of an upper and/or lower track walls within the head rail 221 , this engagement with the track walls helps the carrier 92 to maintain its orientation and position within the head rail 221 . This is because the retaining features 1 18 help to encourage the carrier 92 to maintain alignment along a track within the head rail 221 and may prevent the carrier 92 from twisting or bending. The retaining features 1 18 have been illustrated as ridges, but in other embodiments, the retaining feature 1 18 may be

discontinuous structures or the like.

The shape recesses 120 may be formed in the main body 96 of the carrier 92. The shape recesses 120 may be used for traverse cord guidance and attachment, or for another form of traverse mechanism. For example, the shape recesses 120 may be extended to form apertures to receive a tilt wand, or other connector. As such, in other embodiments, the shape recesses 120 may be omitted, differently sized and/or shaped. The shape recesses 120 extend into the main body 96 to create a recess along each of the sides of the main body 96.

The position apertures 122, 123 may be formed in sidewalls 126, 127, respectively, extending upward from a first end of the body. The position apertures 122, 123 may receive positioning connectors (see, e.g., Fig. 28A) and/or the rail 94. Additionally, in other embodiments the carriers 92 may be operably connected to one another in manners other than the positioning connectors 218, e.g., a cord, chain, bead chain, etc. In these embodiments, the position apertures 122, 123 may be configure to accommodate the other connection mechanism. In one embodiment, the first position aperture 122 may be formed on a first side of the carrier 92, and the first position aperture 122 may be defined by the first sidewall 126 extending from the main body 92 of the carrier 92. The first sidewall 126 may also extend partially into a cavity 94 formed between the two sidewalls 126, 127, forming a shelf 129. The second position aperture 123 may be formed on a second side of the carrier 92, and the second position aperture 123 may be defined by a second sidewall 127 extending from the main body of the carrier 92. Additionally, there may be a position cavity 94 formed between the sidewalls 126. In this embodiment, a positioning connector and/or rail 94 may be able to extend through the first position aperture 122 and over the top of the second sidewall 127, allowing a second positioning connector and/or rail 94 to be inserted into the second position aperture 123. Furthermore, the shelf 129 formed by the first sidewall 126 may also provide an anchoring location for a positioning connector. The positioning connectors are discussed in more detail below, with respect to Fig. 28A.

The carrier 92 may also be dimensioned so that its length may span the major dimension (such as the diameter, if a circular cross section) of the head rail 221 . For example, the carrier 92 may have approximately the same length as the diameter of the head rail 221 . In these embodiments, the carrier 92 may be more stable on a track within the head rail 221 than a carrier that may be smaller in length than the diameter of the head rail 221 . Additionally, the extra length of the carrier 92 may allow for the carrier 92 to better be able to support higher loads (e.g., extra weight in the drape 22), as the weight may be distributed over a larger area.

The carrier 92 also includes a retention structure 102 for connecting with an engagement tab 60. The retention structure 102 includes a pin 104 that is received through the aperture 72 formed in the top portion of the engagement tab 60. The pin 104 fits into the aperture and supports the engagement tab 60 thereby. As best shown in Fig. 16B, the retention structure 102 includes a pair of descending lobes 106 spaced apart by a gap 108. The pin 104 extends into the gap 108 from one of the lobes 106. The pin 104 is laterally deflectable, and has a chamfered or angled cam surface 1 10 that faces downwardly away from the carrier 92. The retention structure 102 works by the top portion of the engagement tab 60 being inserted into the slot 108. The top edge of the top portion 68 engages the cam surface 1 10 on the pin 104, and pushes the pin 104 laterally out of the way as the top edge moves up the cam surface 1 10. The top portion 68 then slides past the end of the pin 104 and further into the slot 108. When the aperture 72 in the top portion 68 aligns with the pin 104, the pin 104 resiliency springs back to its original position and is received through the aperture 72. The pin 104 extends through a recess 1 12 in the wall of the front lobe 106. This retains the engagement tab 60 on the pin 104, and resists the aperture 72 moving laterally in the slot 108 to disengage from the pin 104. The top perimeter wall of the aperture 72 engages the top surface of the pin 104 to support the engagement tab 60, and thus the front support structure 40, the rear support structure 44, and the front and rear sheets 32, 36 of the drape. In this way, the top portion 68 is self-engaging/self-securing with the retention structure by simply inserting the top portion 68 into the slot and pushing it upwardly into the slot. In order to remove the top portion 68 of the engagement tab 60 from the slot, the pin 104 is deflected manually to a position where the pin 104 is extracted from the aperture in the top portion 68 to allow the top portion to be removed from the slot, and thus disengages from the carrier 92. The carriers 92 may be operably connected to the drape 22 at any location along the length of the drape 22. However, in some embodiments, the carriers 92 may be operably connected to the drape 22 at the midpoint of each undulation 28. For example, as shown in Fig. 16A, the middle carrier 92 may be connected to the drape 22 at Point A, which may be located at approximately the middle of the "S" shaped undulation. Similarly, the second carrier 92 may be operably connected to the drape 22 at Point B, which may be approximately the midpoint of that undulation 28. In these embodiments, the drape 22 may be positioned so that approximately equal amounts of drape 22 are located on each side of the guide structure 20 (see, e.g., Fig. 24) and head rail 221 . As equal amounts of drape 22 are positioned on either side of the guide structure 20, the drape 20 may be balanced with respect to the guide structure 20. In addition to creating an approximately balanced load on the guide structure 20, these embodiments also create an aesthetically pleasing symmetrical appearance.

In some embodiments, multiple portions of the drape 22 may be operably connected to the same carrier 92. For example, for some architectural openings multiple pieces of fabric (or other material) may need to be used in order to provide a covering for the entire opening. In these instances multiple drapes 22 may be operably connected to the guide structure 20 and head rail 221 to span the entire length of the architectural opening. When this occurs, the separate drape 22 sections may have a space between each separate drape 22, which if the architectural opening is a window may let in light between the two drapes 22. To create an integral drape 22 appearance one carrier 92 may support two sections of drape 22. For example, two (or more) engagement tabs 60 operably connected to two separate sections of drape 22 may be connected to the same retention structure 102 on the carrier 92. In other embodiments, two separate hangers 24 supporting two sections of drape 22 may be operably connected to a single carrier 92. In many embodiments, by operably connecting two separate pieces of drape 22 material to the same carrier 92, the two sections may be contained in the same undulation. In other words, the undulations 28 for the two sections may overlap one another, one section of drape 22 may be positioned behind the other section. This provides an integral appearance, while at the same time substantially preventing space between the separate drape 22 sections. Guide Structure Support System

Fig. 17 is an isometric view of a drape support structure 200 illustrating the drape 22 in an extended position across an architectural opening. Fig. 18 is an isometric view of the drape 22 in a retracted (withdrawn) position so that the architectural opening 210 is uncovered. The drape support structure 200 may include the guide structure 20 including a head rail 221 , brackets 206, the drape 22 and a control wand 208 (shown here behind the drape 22). The head rail 221 supports the drape 22 over the architectural opening 210, and is operably connected to, or otherwise supported on, the wall or other architectural feature via the brackets 206. The wand 208 is also operably connected to the head rail 221 and provides a control mechanism for extending and contracting the drape 22. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the wand 208 may be omitted, e.g., if the carriers 92 are motorized for automated motion.

Fig. 19 is a isometric view of the drape support structure 200 illustrating the drape 22 and a second drape 212 in an extended position over the architectural opening 212. Fig. 20 is an isometric view of the drape support structure 200 of Fig. 19 illustrating the drape 22 and the second drape 212 both in a retracted position and uncovering the architectural opening 210. The drape 22 and the second drape 212 may be operably connected to the head rail 221 such that when they are in an extended position their respective inner ends may be positioned adjacent one another so that there may be little or no space between the drape 22 and the second drape 212, to effectively minimize or block any light passing between the drapes. Furthermore, each of the drape 22 and the second drape 212 may be operably connected to a wand 208, which may provide a user a method of altering the position of the drape 22 and the second drape 212 along the length of the architectural opening 210. Another configuration of the support structure 200 is shown in Figs. 21 and 22 below.

Fig. 23 is a cross-section view of the drape support structure 200 viewed along line 23-23 in Fig. 17. Referring now to Figs. 17 and 23, the head rail 221 forms a lip 228 that may be operably connected to the bracket structure 206. The engagement lip 228 may extend from a back side of the head rail 221 of the guide structure 20, and in this

embodiment the lip 228 is a wall of a groove formed in the back side of the head rail 221 . The lip 228 may define an upper engagement recess 229 and a lower engagement recess 227. The upper engagement recess 229 is configured to receive a portion of a retaining lip 230 operably connected to the bracket 206. The lower engagement recess 227 engages a lower retaining lip 231 extending from the bracket 206. Also, the lip 228 and the upper and lower engagement recess 229, 227 may extend along at least a portion, if not all, of the head rail 221 (and guide structure 20) to allow for engagement with a bracket 106, wherever a bracket 206 needs to be placed in order to support the guide structure 20.

The upper retaining lip 230 and the lower retaining lip 231 extend from the bracket 206 to form a retaining recess 236 along the outer surface of the bracket 206. The upper retaining lip 230 is selectively movable relative to the lower retaining lip 231 to change the size of the recess 236. A threaded screw 232 is used in this instance as a lead screw to adjust the position of the retaining lip 230. For example, the position of the upper retaining lip 230 may be raised via the threaded screw 232, creating the retaining recess 236 in the bracket 206. The lip 228 extending from the head rail 221 may then be inserted into the recess 236. The lower retaining lip 231 may be inserted into the lower engagement recess 227. Once the lip 228 has been inserted into the recess 236 and the lower retaining lip 231 is positioned within the lower engagement recess 227, the threaded screw 232 may be tightened. As the screw 232 is tightened, the upper retaining lip 230 may be moved downward towards the lower retaining lip 231 . The upper retaining lip 230 may then be positioned within the upper engagement recess 229. Once the screw 232 has been appropriately tightened, the upper engagement lip 230 may be operably connected between the lip 228 and the upper engagement recess 229. Similarly, the lower retaining lip 231 may be operably connected between the lip 228 and the lower engagement recess 229. The combination of the engagement lip 228 and the retaining lip 230 allow a user to more quickly install the head rail 221 over the architectural opening 210, as the head rail 221 may be positioned in each of the brackets 206 and then secured in place. However, it should be noted that other connection techniques may be used to secure the head rail 221 to the bracket 206.

Referring now to Figs. 23, 30A and 30B, the head rail 221 of the guide structure 20 defines a track 224 along an inner surface to support the carriers 92. The track 224 may run the length of the head rail 221 and may be defined by an upper track wall 222 and a lower track wall 226. The two track walls 222, 226 extend from an inner surface of the head rail 221 and may be substantially parallel to one another. Where the head rail 221 is made of an extruded aluminum or other material, the tracks 224 may be formed of extruded portions integral with the head rail 221 . The track 224 portions may also be separate components that are assembled into the head rail 221 for this purpose. The upper track wall 222 and the bottom track wall 226 may be spaced apart from one another so that the rollers 100 of the carrier 92 may be positioned therebetween for relatively free movement along the track 224. The track walls 222, 226 are spaced apart a sufficient distance to retain the rollers 100 in place vertically and only allow a slight amount of vertical movement (as oriented in Fig. 23) of the rollers 100.

As can be seen best in Fig. 23, the carrier 92 may be inserted within the head rail 221 between the sidewalls 215, 217 of the head rail 221 . The rollers 100 of the carrier 92 are then inserted into the track 224 between the upper track wall 222 and the lower or bottom track wall 226. The rollers 100 rest on the lower track wall 226 when loaded with a drape 22 and liner, but during movement they may be urged upwardly by a user during extension or retraction. The upper track wall 222 limits the upward movement of the rollers 100 to help maintain alignment of the rollers 100 on the track 224, as well as to reduce noise. The rollers 100 then may move along the track 224, such as by rolling, between the upper track wall 222 and the bottom track 226 within head rail 221 . As the carrier 92 moves within the head rail 221 , the carrier 92 operably moves the drape 22 along the length of the head rail 221 . The upper track wall 222 and the lower track wall 226 may extend into a cavity defined by the head rail 221 a sufficient distance such that they may each contact the retaining features 1 18 extending from the sides of the plate 1 16. This contact between the retaining features 1 18 and the track walls 222, 226 assists in maintaining the alignment of the carrier 92 within the track 224, as the retaining features 1 18 act to engage a portion of the outer surface of the track walls 222, 226

Referring now to Figs. 23, 26A, in order to change the position of the drape 22 along the head rail 221 , the carriers 92 may be moved manually by a user (e.g., by pulling the wand 208 operably connected to one more carriers 92). As the carriers 92 may be moved manually, they may be pushed upwards and biased laterally by the user. For example, a user may pull a wand 208 operably connected to carriers 92 in an upward and lateral direction along the head rail 221 . The combination of the length of the carrier 92, the retaining features 1 18, as well as a tolerance (e.g., distance) between the rollers 100 and the track walls 222, 226 may help to maintain the carriers 92 aligned on the track 224. For example, the length of the carrier 92 may be dimensioned so that the rollers 100 may be positioned close to the sidewalls 215, 217 of the head rail 221 . In other words, the carrier 92 may have a length that is approximately a width of the head rail 221 . The similar dimensions of the carrier 92 length and the width of the head rail 221 may prevent the carrier 92 from moving substantially in any direction other than the lateral direction of the track 224.

The carrier 92 is further assisted in maintaining alignment as the track walls 222, 226 may essentially "sandwich" the rollers 100 into the track 224, substantially preventing the rollers 100 from becoming disengaged with the track 224. For example, as shown in Fig. 23, the upper track wall 222 may extend over at least a portion (if not all) of the roller 100.

Additionally, the retaining features 1 18 press against a portion of each the upper and lower track walls 222, 226 to maintain the engagement of the rollers 100 with the track walls 222, 226. Therefore, although the carriers 92 may experience an upward-lateral force when the drapes 22 are extended and retracted (e.g., from a user pulling on the control wand), the movement of the carrier 92 may be substantially lateral and aligned within the track 224. In addition to the track 224, the head rail 221 may also define U-shaped rails 220, such as on its upper inner surface. The U-shaped rails 220 may extend part of the length, or the entire length of the head rail 221 . The U-shaped rails 220 may be configured to receive further alignment features extending from or operably connected to the carriers 92 to better help the carrier 92 remain aligned on the track 224. In some embodiments, the U-shaped rails 220 may be omitted. For example, if the carriers 92 include the retaining features 1 18, additional alignment assistance may not be necessary, and the U-shaped rails 220 may be omitted.

The head rail 221 defines a channel aperture 234 or slot along all or most of its entire length. The channel aperture 234 is defined along a bottom surface of the head rail 221 and provides an aperture for the drape 22 to extend from the carriers 92. The aperture may also be referred to as a slot, slit, groove, or recess. The carriers 92 sit within the head rail 221 on the track 224 and the drape 22 then extends downwards from each of the carriers 92. For example, as shown in Fig. 27, the front sheet 32 and the back sheet 36 of the drape 22 are operably connected to the carrier 96 and extend downward from the carrier 92, through the aperture 234. In some embodiments, the lobes 106 of each carrier 92 may extend through the channel aperture 234 beneath the head rail 221 . In these embodiments, the channel aperture 234 may be dimensioned so that a portion of the lobe 106 of the carrier 92 may extend therethrough, while still allowing the carrier 92 to move laterally within the head rail 221 . However, in other embodiments, the lobe 106 of the carrier 92 may be positioned slightly above the channel aperture 234.

Relative Position of Carriers

Figs. 24, 25A, 25B, 28A, 28B, 29A, and 29B depict the system and structure for interconnecting adjacent carriers inside the head rail 221 to allow the carriers to move from a collapsed or retracted position (for instance in contact with adjacent carriers as shown in Figs. 29A and 29B) to an extended position (i.e. Figs. 28A, 28B), and positions in between. The position of the carriers 92, since they support the drape 22 and any backing, at least generally corresponds with the position of the drape 22. Figs. 25A and 25B illustrate isometric top and bottom views of alternative embodiments of the positioning connectors 218, the embodiments depicted therein differing primarily in length. Each carrier 92 may be operably connected to an adjacent carrier via positioning connectors 218. The positioning connectors 218 help to regulate the spacing of the adjacent carriers 92 from one another, and thus the spacing of the undulations of the drapes supported by the carriers. The positioning connectors 218 help define maximum spacing between the carriers inside the head rail 221 , such maximum spacing being based on the length of the carrier 92. The positioning connectors 218 thus help to maintain the undulations 28 in the drape 22, as well as help to ensure that when one carrier 92 moves along the track 224 the other carriers 92 will move also. The positioning connectors 218 may be shaped as rectangular strips having a main body 240 or position body that extends to a form a retaining extension 242 on one end and a sliding extension 248 on a second end. Additionally, near each of the ends, but prior to the retaining extension 242 and sliding extension 248, a retaining tab 244 and a sliding tab 250, respectively, are defined by the body 240. Near the end having the retaining extension 242, an indent 246 may be formed between the retaining tab 244 and the extension tab 250.

The length of the positioning connectors 218 may be varied depending on the desired radius and spacing of each undulation 28, as well as the maximum space desired between each carrier 92. For example, as shown in Fig. 25A the positioning connectors 218 may have a length D1 , whereas as shown in Fig. 25B the positioning connectors 218 may have a length of D2. The length D2 is longer that the length D1 , and thus in embodiments utilizing the length D2, the undulations may be larger then embodiments utilizing the length D1 . This is because the maximum space between each carrier 92, which may be controlled by the length D1 , D2 relates to the maximum diameter of each undulation 28. In other words, the diameter of each undulation 28 is related to the distance between each carrier 92, which may be determined via the positioning connectors 218. The diameter of curvature of the undulations 28 for a drape 22 may be larger or smaller, depending on the desired appearance when retracted or extended. Generally, for a larger diameter drape, a longer positioning connector 218 is used to allow for the desired spacing of the carrier 92.

Generally, for a smaller diameter drape, a shorter positioning connector 218 is used to allow for the desired spacing of the carriers 92.

In some embodiments, the length D1 and D2 may be configured to be approximately twice the length of the carrier 92. In these embodiments, the carriers 92 may be spaced apart from one another (along the track 224) when in the extended position of the drape 22 at a length approximately double the width of each carrier 92 measured from a midpoint of each carrier 92. In other embodiments, the distance between each carrier 92 may be either larger or smaller than the 2:1 ratio. The retaining extension 242 and the retaining tab 244 are configured to be secured to a select carrier 92. For example, as shown best in Fig. 28B, the positioning connector 218b is placed through the second positioning aperture (or slot) 123 formed through the sidewall 127. The retaining extension 242 then extends over the shelf 129 formed within the cavity 124 by the first sidewall 126. The retaining tab 244 is deformed downward (such that it extends down from the main body 240 towards the floor of the cavity 124). The retaining tab 244 effectively traps the shelf 129 between it and the retaining extension 242. As such, the retaining extension 242 and the retaining tab 244 essentially fold around the shelf 129 to anchor it to the carrier 92. The positioning connector 218 extends, in Figs 28A, 28B, 29A and 29B, from its engagement with the shelf 129 in slot 122, through positioning aperture 123 formed within the sidewall 127. The end of the connector 218 opposite the retaining extension 242 (e.g., the sliding extension 248) is slidably positioned in the same position aperture122 of the next adjacent carrier 92 as the respective retaining extension 242 for that next adjacent carrier 92. Additionally, in the retracted position (as illustrated in Fig. 29A), the indent 246 may abut against a bottom portion the upper sidewall 127 defining the second position aperture 123. The indent 246 may assist the positioning connector 218 from sliding through the second position aperture 123 when the carriers 92 are positioned close to one another, e.g., when the drape 22 is in a retracted position. The sliding extension 248 is retained in the next adjacent carrier 92 as described below, in a manner to allow the adjacent carriers 92 to move towards and away from one another.

Referring to Figs. 28A and 28B, the sliding extension 248 and the sliding tab 250 for each positioning connector 218 are configured to be slidingly engaged with the next adjacent carrier 92. The sliding tab 250 helps prevent the sliding extension 248 from disengaging with the next adjacent carrier 92, as the sliding tab 250 retains the sliding extension 248 in the cavity 124. This is because the sliding tab 250 abuts against the inner surface of the sidewall 126, and prevents the sliding extension 248 from fitting through the first position aperture 122. The sliding tab 250 extends upward from the main body 240 and catches on the sidewall 126 to define the extended position. Additionally, the sliding extension 248 is also bent or angled at bend points A and B. Both the bend points A, B better angle the positioning connector 218 to fit over the sidewall of bar 127 when in the collapsed or retracted position, or any position less than the extended position. In these embodiments, the sliding extension 248 is configured to extend over the top of the next adjacent carrier 92, and the angle of the bend points A, B assist the positioning connector 218 in extending over the top of the sidewall 127 in the next adjacent carrier 92. In other words, the bend points A, and B are angled so that the sliding extension 248 may not hit the sidewall 127 or other obstructions within the next adjacent carrier 92 when the carriers 92 change position with respect to one another. The positioning connectors 218 are configured so that each carrier 92 may be operably connected to two separate positioning connectors 218. The positioning connectors 218 are operably connected so that the carriers 92 may be placed adjacent or abutting another (e.g., for when the drape 22 in the retracted position), while at the same time preventing the carriers 92 from exceeding a selected distance when the drape is extending or in an extended position. To achieve these functions, the positioning connectors 218 may be securedly attached to a first carrier 92 and slidingly connected to a second carrier 92.

Referring now to Fig. 28A, when the carriers 92 are extended away from one another, the sliding extension 248 may be positioned on the top surface of the sidewall 126. Also, the carriers 92 may be extended by a distance that is approximately the same length of the positioning connectors 218. Referring now to Fig. 29A, when the carriers 92 are adjacent one another (e.g., the drape 22 is in the retracted position) the sliding extension 248, as well as a large portion of the main body 240 for the positioning connectors 218, extends upwards and over each next adjacent carrier 92. Thus, as the carriers 92 move with respect to one another, the location of the positioning connectors 218, with respect to each carrier 92, moves as well. However, once the carriers 92 reach a maximum distance apart the positioning connectors 218 may prevent further movement. This is because the sliding tab 250 may prevent the positioning connector 218 from sliding out of the position aperture 122, thus preventing each positioning connector 218 from substantially disengaging with the adjacent carrier 92.

The engagement between adjacent carriers 92 created by the respective positioning connectors 218 allows the user to retract (by pushing the terminal carrier to butt up against and push the next adjacent carrier, such as that shown in Figs. 29A and B) or extend (by pulling the terminal carrier to cause the extended positioning connectors to pull the next adjacent carrier, such as that shown in Figs. 28A and 28B) the shade using the control wand or rod.

Curved Guide Structure

Fig. 21 is an isometric view of the head rail 221 including a curved portion 214 operably connected thereto. The curved portion 214 provides a curve or bend for the head rail 221 so that the drape 22 may be positioned away from the architectural opening 210 when in the retracted position (see, e.g., Fig. 21 ). Fig. 22 illustrates the drape support structure 200 including the curved portion 214 with the drape 22 in a retracted position and stored against a wall 216 perpendicular to the architectural opening 210. The curved portion 214 may be joined to the head rail 221 by a collar 215 that may fit over both the head rail 221 and the curved portion 214. The collar 215 may secure the curved portion 214 to the head rail 221 , while creating a continuous track between the head rail 221 and the curve portion 214. In these embodiments, the curved portion 214 may provide a substantially continuous head rail for the drape 22 across an intersection between the wall 216 and the architectural opening 212. In other embodiments, the curved portion 214 may otherwise be operably connected to the guide structure 20. For example, the curved portion 214 may be glued, fastened, molded, etc. to the head rail 221 .

This curved arrangement of the curved portion 214 may allow the drape 22 when in a retracted position to be located such that the drape 22 may not substantially block any portion of the architectural opening 210. This may be beneficial as people may enjoy utilizing the full dimensions of the architectural opening 210 when the drape 22 is retracted. For example, if the architectural opening 210 is a window a user may wish to take in the full view provided by the window when the drape 22 is retracted.

Fig. 31 A is a cross section view of the drape support structure 200 viewed along line 31 A-31 A in Fig. 21 , Fig. 31 B is an enlarged view of the cross section view of Fig. 31 A, and Fig. 31 C is a cross section view of the drape support structure 200 viewed along line 31 C- 31 C in Fig. 31 A. In some embodiments, the curved portion 214 may also be operably connected to the wall 216 (or other support structure) via the brackets 206. The brackets 206 may thus support the head rail 221 as well as the curved portion 214 on the wall 216 and/or over the architectural opening 210. However, the brackets 206 may connect to the curved portion 214 via fasteners, or the like (rather than corresponding lips).

In embodiments utilizing the curved portion 214, the carrier 92 may be configured to have larger position apertures 122 and 123 than may be necessary for a straight track 224. In particular, the width of the apertures or slots 122 and 123 may be greater than where the carrier 92 does not need to move around a curve during its path along the head rail 221 . For example, as shown best in Fig. 31 B, in order for the carriers 92 to extend around the curved portion 214, the positioning connectors 218 may need to be angled towards a back wall of the head rail 221 while within the corner or bend. In straight track embodiments 224 the position apertures 122, 123 may be approximately the same width as the positioning connectors 218, which may prevent the positioning connectors 218 from angling. However, for embodiments having a bend, the positioning apertures 122, 123 are larger than a width of the positioning connector 218 to allow the positioning connectors 218 to be angled as the carriers 92 travel through the curved portion of the track 224. Essentially, the larger position aperture 122 and 123 provides for some "looseness" so that the carriers 92 may be connected via the somewhat mis-aligned positioning connectors 218 and still rotate around the bend in the curved portion 214.

Control Wand The drape support structure 200 may also include a wand 208 for extending and retracting the drape 22, i.e., opening/closing the drape 22. Fig. 32A is a cross-section view of the drape support structure 200 viewed along line 32A-32A in Fig. 19. A wand 208 may be operably connected to one or more carriers 92. For example, as shown in Figs. 32B and 32C, the wand 208 may be operably connected between two carriers 92a, 92b, respectively. These embodiments allow the wand 208 to be located at practically any position along the length of the guide structure 20. This is beneficial as often different users and/or different architectural openings 210 may require different positions for the wand 208. Furthermore, the wand 208 may be positioned behind the drape 22, so as to be at least partially hidden from view from the front side of the drape 22.

A wand connector 260 operably connects the wand 208 to each connector 92a, 92b. For example, in one embodiment, the wand connector 260 may be shaped as a capital "T" and each extension or branch of the "T" may fit into the guide aperture 98 on the

corresponding carrier 92. The wand connector 258 may be integrally formed with the wand 208, or may be operably connected to the wand 208. The wand connector 258 may then be secured to each carrier via a fastener 264 and/or washer 265. In other embodiments, the wand connector 258 may be secured to each carrier via other fastening methods (e.g., adhesive, etc.). The combination of the locking portion 260, the keying tabs 262, the washer 265 and the fastener 264 help to secure the wand connector 258 to each carrier 92a, 92b. Additionally, the wand connector 258 may include a locking portion 260 extending around each branch of the "T". The locking portions 260 may be keyed so as to match or correspond to the keying tabs 262 in the guide aperture 98. The keying tabs 262 (see Fig. 23) help to make sure that the wand connector 258 is properly aligned within each of the guide apertures 98. In some embodiments, the keying tabs 262 may angle the wand connector 258 in a particular direction. For example, as shown best in Fig. 32A, the wand connector 258 may be angled at an angle A with respect to a perpendicular plane of the carrier 92. In these embodiments, the wand 208 (when operably connected to the wand connector 258) may be positioned farther from a select side of the carrier 92. This may be beneficial as the wand 208 may extend outwards away from the architectural opening 210 allowing a user to more easily grasp the wand 208. In other embodiments, the wand 208 may be positioned closer to the architectural opening 210 such that it may be located behind the drape 22.

In some embodiments, the wand 208 may be operably connected to a single carrier 92, see e.g., Fig. 33. For example, if the wand 208 is located at an end carrier 92 that may abut the end of the head rail 221 , the wand connector 258 may be as an upside down "L". In other words, one branch of the "T" may be removed. Thus, the varying embodiments of the wand connector 258 allow the wand 208 to be located practically anywhere along the length of the head rail 221 , providing the user an ability to customize the drape support structure 200. In many of the embodiments, the wand connector 258 may be operably connected to a carrier 92 (or carriers 92) such that the wand 208 may be substantially hidden from view. For example, as shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the wand 208 may hang between an undulation 28 in the drape 22. This is possible as the wand 208 may be operably connected between two carriers 92 (see, e.g., Figs. 32B and 32C), and each of the two carriers 92 may then be operably connected to a portion of the drape 22. In these embodiments, the drape 208 may form an undulation between each carrier 92, and the wand 208 may hang between the drape 22 and the architectural opening 210. Furthermore, in these embodiments, the angle A formed by the wand connector 258 may position the wand 208 so that it is almost at the outer edge of each undulation in the drape 22. This may make the wand 208 easier for a user to find and grasp than if the wand connector 258 were to be positioned perpendicular to the carrier 92.

Shape Support System

The drape support structure 200 may also include a shape support system 300 to maintain the shape of the undulations throughout the length of the drape 22. The shape support system 300 may help to prevent the drape 22 from "tenting" outwards towards the bottom of the drape 22. This is beneficial, as the aesthetic appeal of the drape 22 undulations may be maintained throughout the entire height of the drape 22. The shape support system 300 may prevent tenting by providing additional weight and or structural integrity to the drape 22 fabric to assist the drape 22 in hanging straight throughout its length.

The shape support system 300 may include a retention pocket 303 and a support structure 302. The support structure 302 may be inserted into the retention pocket 303, which may be formed within the drape 22, either in a front sheet 32 or a back sheet 36 or both. Therefore, although Figs. 34A and 35A illustrate the retention pocket 303 on the front sheet 32, the discussion herein will refer generally to the "drape." The retention pocket 303 and/or the support structure 302 may run the entire height of the drape 22. For example, in one embodiment, the retention pocket 303 is as long as the height of the drape 22, and the support structure 302 is approximately the same length as the retention pocket 303. In these embodiments, the support structure 302 provides shape support for the drape 22 along its entire height, thus maintaining approximately the same undulation dimensions as the drape 22 has closer towards the head rail 221 . In other embodiments, the retention pocket 303 and the support structure 302 may only be a percentage of the total height of the drape 22. For example, the support structure 302 may only have a height of 1 foot, whereas the drape 22 may have a height of 7 feet. In this embodiment, the support structure 302 may be located at the bottom or midway along the height of the drape 22. The dimensions of the support structure 302 may vary depending on the shape support necessary for the drape 22. For example, thicker fabrics may need less support along their height than thinner or lighter fabrics. The retention pocket 303 may be any configuration capable of supporting the support structure 302 along a portion of the drape 22. For example, as shown in Fig. 34B, the retention pocket 303 may be created by folding a portion of the drape 22 around itself and connecting it to the inner side. However, in other embodiments, the retention pocket 303 may be formed by adhering a separate piece of material to the drape 22. Similarly, in some embodiments, the retention pocket 303 may be omitted and the support structure 302 may be directly attached to the drape 22, e.g., via adhesive, fasteners, and the like.

The support structure 302 may be a flexible, but firm material, such as plastic or cardboard. The support structure 302 is shaped to have a slight curve, so that when inserted into the retention pocket 303 it may track the general shape of the undulations. For example, in one embodiment, the support structure 302 may have cross sectional shape similar to a wave shape. Also, although it may be possible to have the support structure 302 have the same shape as the undulations, or it may have a different shape as desired. The shape support system 300 may be located at one or both ends of the drape 22 (see, e.g., Fig. 35A). In some embodiments, the shape support system 300 may be located at the end of the drape 22 that may be near the end of the head rail 221 . In these embodiments, the shape support system 300 may maintain the shape of the undulations throughout the entire height of the drape 22. In other embodiments, the shape support system 300 may be located at the mid-point of the drape 22. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shape support system 300 may be utilized when two separate drapes 22 are combined together on a guide structure 20. As discussed above, with respect to the carriers 92, when two drapes 22 are combined together on a guide structure 20 there may be space between each drape 22. The support structure 300 maybe configured so that one drape 22 may have

complementary shapes to allow one to overlap around a portion of the other drape 22. For example, as shown in Fig. 34C, the drape 22 section with the shape support system 300 may curve around the other drape 22. This is possible as the support structure 302 may be created so that it is curved towards the second drape 22 section.

Sheet Fastening Device

Figs. 36A and 36B illustrate a sheet fastening device 350. In some embodiments, the drape 22 may include the front sheet 32 and a back sheet 36. In these embodiments, the two separate sheets 32, 36 may flow past or around one another. For example, as the carriers 92 are moving the front sheet 32 may partially fold exposing the back sheet 36. The sheet fastening device 350 may secure a portion of each the front sheet 32 and the back sheet 36 to one another. However, the sheet fastening device 350 may be configured so that the two sheets 32,36 may also be removed from one another (for cleaning, replacement, etc.). For example, the sheet fastening device 350 may include a first fastener 352 and a second fastener 354. In one embodiment, these fasteners 352, 354 are corresponding hook and loop material, securing the sheets 32, 36 together. In other embodiments, sheet fastening device 350 may be a fastener (e.g., snap, button), stitching (e.g., a couple of stitches that are quickly removable), or the like. Furthermore, although the sheet fastening device 350 is illustrated in Figs. 36A and 36B as positioned on a bottom corner of each sheet 32, 36, it should be noted that the fastening device 400 may be located practically at any location of the drape 22.

Off-Set Carrier In some embodiments, the carriers may be configured to extend the entire length of the guide structure, this allows for the drape 22 to extend the entire length of the guide structure. Fig. 37 is a isometric view of another embodiment of a drape support structure 400 and Fig. 38A is a front elevation view of the drape support structure 400. Fig. 38B is a front elevation view of the support structure 400 supporting a covering including one or more vanes 433. Fig. 40A is a front elevation view of the head rail of Fig. 37 operably connected to a second head rail, and Fig. 40B is a cross-section view of the drape support structure 400 with the head rail 420 operably connected to a second guide structure, viewed along line 40-40 in Fig. 37. Fig. 40C is a cross-section view of the drape support structure 400 supporting the vanes 433. The drape support structure 400 may include a head rail 420, a bracket 406, a first carrier 416, a second carrier 440, and a cap 408. The head rail 420 may be substantially similar to the head rail 221 . However, this head rail 420 may include a carrier aperture 446 that extends to approximately to a first end of the head rail 420. The longer length of the carrier aperture 446 may allow the first carrier 416 to extend along the entire length of the head rail 420. The cap 408 operably connects to the ends of the head rail 420, and the cap 408 may include a carrier cutout 447 or carrier aperture. The carrier cutout 447 may correspond to the carrier aperture 446, such that the first carrier 416 may extend to the first end of the head rail 420. The first carrier 416 may be configured to support a drape material (not shown), and thus these embodiments may allow for the drape material to be extended to the end of the head rail 420. As the drape material may be extended so that it may hang along the entire length of the head rail 420, the entire architectural opening (not shown) may be covered when the drape is in an extended position.

The first carrier 416 may include a drape extension 430 that may extend down and outwards from the head rail 420 (i.e., through the carrier aperture 446). The drape extension 430 may be configured to operably connected to a drape and/or a control wand. The first carrier 416 may also include a laterally extending portion 415 that supports the drape extension 430. The laterally extending portion 415 may extend outward from the carrier 416 and the drape extension 430 may extend downward from a first end of the laterally extending portion 415. In these embodiments, the drape extension 430 may be offset with respect to the carrier 416. In other words, the laterally extending portion 415 supports the drape extension 430 at a position that is not centered on the carrier 416. The laterally extending portion 415 extends through the carrier cutout 447 in the cap and under the cap 408, to the end of the head rail 420. For example, in some embodiments, the cap 408 may have a thickness that may prevent the carrier 416 from reaching the first end of the head rail 420 via the track. Because the drape extension 430 extends at an offset distance from the carrier 416, the drape extension 430 may be aligned with the first end of the head rail 420, although the carrier body 416 may not be.

The carrier 416 (and thus the drape extension 430) is operably connected to the second carrier 440 via the positioning connector 218. As such, as each carrier 416, 440 moves, the other carrier 416, 440 may also move.

Integral Cap for Finial

Fig. 41 A is an exploded left isometric view of the head rail 420 of Fig. 37 with a finial. Fig. 41 B is an exploded right isometric view of head rail 420 and finial 452. Fig. 41 C is an isometric view of the head rail 420 with the finial 452 connected thereto. Fig. 41 D is a cross- section view of the head rail 420 and finial 452 viewed along line 41 D-41 D in Fig. 41 C. The head rail 420 includes the cap 408 which may be inserted into the head rail 420 to form an end covering. For example, it may be desired to create an aesthetically pleasing

appearance to cover the inner portions of the head rail 420. Additionally, a finial 452 may then be operably connected to the head rail 420 to further provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The final 452 may be shaped in a variety of aesthetic shapes, such as bulbs, flowers, baseballs, and so on. In most drape support structures, a separate collar including an additional end cover may be inserted onto the guide structure. These drape support structures may require additional parts, which can increase the difficulty level for installing the drape support structure, as well as increase the cost. On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 37 and 41 A, the cap 408 may include a receiving aperture 414 configured to receive a finial 452. The finial 452 may include a threaded member 437 extending from a back surface 439 which may be inserted directly into the cap 408 without the need for an additional collar and/or cover for the head rail 420. The receiving aperture 414 may be placed anywhere along the cap 408; however, in one embodiment, the receiving aperture 414 may be located at approximately the center point of the cap 408. The receiving aperture 414 may further include threading (not shown) to operably connect to the finial 452.

However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the finial 452 may be operably connected to the cap 408 via a fastener, adhesive, and the like.

As shown in Fig. 37, the cap 408 may include additional apertures 410, 412. In some embodiments, a plug or other piece of material may be inserted into each of the apertures 410, 412 to create a pleasing outer appearance of the cap 408. In other embodiments, the cap 408 may include only the receiving aperture 414 (see, e.g., Fig. 41 A).

Connecting Guide Structures

The head rail 420 may be operably connected to a second head rail 421 so as to create a longer total guide structure for a drape. In some embodiments, the head rails 420, 421 may be operably connected together and positioned so that the caps 408 may abut one another. Additionally, the drape structure 400 may also include a tilt assembly 435. As shown in Fig. 39 and Fig. 40C, the tilt assembly 435 allows for a single wand (not shown) to rotate multiple vertical vanes 433 of a drape assembly. For example, some drape assemblies may allow vanes 433 (e.g., drape panels, shade panels) to be rotated or angled. The rotation may be via a wand, rope, chain or other controller that may be operably connected to a gearing assembly. As the controller rotates, the gearing assembly rotates the vanes, angling each vane 433. In some drape assemblies, a separate controller may be required for each section of head rail 420, 421 . These assemblies may then require a user to rotate or pull multiple controllers to align all of the vanes in a drape assembly. As shown in Fig. 39 and 40C, the tilting assembly 435 may include a first tilt connector 434 and a second tilt connector 436. The two tilt connectors 434, 436, operably connect together between abutted end caps of aligned guide structures to form a continuous channel which receives a tilt rod 438. The first tilt connector 434 is configured to be received within a tilt aperture 412 in the cap 408, and the second tilt connector 436 is configured to be received within a tilt aperture 412 on the cap 408 operably connected to the second head rail 421 . Each tilt connector 434, 436 then may be operably connected to a tilt rod 438 for rotating a vane. For example, referring now to Figs. 40B and 40C, a tilt controller may include a tilt rod 438 operably connected to a controller (not shown). The tilt rod 438 rotates as the controller rotates, twists or is pulled. As the tilt rod 438 rotates it may rotate a rod gear 444, which may be operably connected to each carrier 430, 432. The rod gear 444 may include a keying structure or may otherwise be configured to rotate with the tilt rod 438. As the rod gear 444 rotates it may rotate a vane gear 442. The vane gear 442 may be operably connected to one or more vanes 433, drape or shade portions (not shown), and thus as the vane gear 442 rotates, the vane 433, drape, or shape will rotate as well. The rotational axis of the vane 433 may be at least partially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the rod 444, and through the various gearing described above, the rotational rod 444 may rotate on a horizontal rotational axis to rotate the vanes 433 on a vertical rotation axis.

The tilting assembly 435 operably connects the tilt rod 438 to a second tilt rod (not shown) in the second head rail 421 . This allows the tilt rod 438 (and corresponding gears, etc.) to rotate as the tilt rod 438 rotates. Thus, allowing a single tilt rod 438 to control two sets of drapes that may be operably connected to two separate guide structures 412, 420.

While the methods disclosed herein have been described and shown with reference to particular steps performed in a particular order, it will be understood that these steps may be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form an equivalent method without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and grouping of the steps are not generally intended to be a limitation of the present invention. As used herein, a drape refers to an entire drape, or a portion of a drape. Dimensions as referenced herein are approximate and not limiting, and may be different as needed.

A variety of embodiments and variations of structures and methods are disclosed herein. Where appropriate, common reference numbers were used for common structural and method features. However, unique reference numbers were sometimes used for similar or the same structural or method elements for descriptive purposes. As such, the use of common or different reference numbers for similar or the same structural or method elements is not intended to imply a similarity or difference beyond that described herein. The rear sheet support structure 44 may have apertures to allow it to be suspended from the hanger elements 24 of the guide structure 20.

The terms "adhesive" and "glue" are used interchangeably and are meant to include any heat or pressure responsive product capable of adhering or attaching, knit, woven and non-woven natural and artificial fabrics together and are meant to be interpreted as synonymous with one another unless their individual meaning is clearly intended. Double- sided sticky tape is contemplated as being included in the definition of "adhesive" or "glue". Further, adhesive is considered to include mechanical bonding between two objects, such as stapling, zipping, or using hook and loop to attach any of the shade elements together.

The references herein to "up" or "top", "bottom" or "down", "lateral" or "side", "front" or "back", and "horizontal" and "vertical", as well as any other relative position descriptor are given by way of example for the particular embodiment described and not as a requirement or limitation of the shade or the apparatus and method for assembling the shade. The apparatus and associated method in accordance with the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof. Therefore, the above description is by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Accordingly, it is intended that all such alterations and variations and modifications of the embodiments are within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.