ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present subject matter is based upon and claims the right of priority to

US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/212,159, filed June 18, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

[0002] The present subject matter relates generally to coverings for architectural structures and, more particularly, to an operating system for a covering for an architectural structure that includes a cord shroud wand configured to encase a cord loop section of an associated operating cord when the cord loop section is not in use while providing a user easy access to the cord loop section for manipulating the operating cord, when desired.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Operating systems for coverings for architectural structures often incorporate an operating cord including a looped cord section that must be manipulated by a user to adjust the operating state of the associated covering, such as by manipulating one of the cord runs of the looped cord section to adjust the state of extension/retraction of the covering.

For example, cord loops are typically utilized with continuous loop cord clutches to allow a user to rotationally drive the clutch and, thus, a roller or other operating system component that is coupled to the clutch. Similarly, track or rail-based operating systems for vertical blinds or drapes often include an operating cord with a looped section that is suspended from the track/rail to allow a user to adjust the lateral position of carriers along the length of the track/rail. In such instance, the top end of the blind is typically suspended from the carriers such that lateral movement of the carriers along the track/rail adjusts the state of extension/retraction of the covering.

[0004] In recent years, various government regulations have been put in place and/or have been proposed to address access to and manipulation of cord loops or looped cord sections of an operating cord. For instance, regulations are currently proposed that define limits or thresholds related to the user’s ability to manipulate or access such looped cords or cord sections. In this regard, one option that has been disclosed to address these issues is to provide a device that selectively encases or encloses an accessible portion of the looped cord section. However, to date, the proposed solutions for selectively encasing or enclosing a looped cord section of an operating cord generally suffer from one or more drawbacks and are typically limited in the type or range of operating systems within which the solutions can be used.

[0005] Accordingly, improved operating systems that allow for a looped cord section of an operating cord to be selectively encased or enclosed and address one or more of the problems in the art would be welcomed in the technology.

BRIEF SUMMARY

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

[0007] In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an operating system for a covering for an architectural structure. The operating system includes an operating cord having a cord loop section, with the cord loop section including first and second cord runs extending from a looped end of the cord loop section. The operating system also includes a cord shroud wand configured to provide selective access to the cord loop section. The cord shroud wand includes a cord housing configured to house the looped end of the cord loop section and a cord sleeve through which the first and second cord runs pass. The cord sleeve includes first and second sleeve sections, with the second sleeve section being movable relative to the first sleeve section and the cord housing between an extended position and a retracted position. Longitudinal sections of the first and second cord runs extend between the first sleeve section and the cord housing. Additionally, the operating system includes a fixed spine extending at least partially through the second sleeve section and providing a connection between the cord housing and the first sleeve section. In the extended position, the second sleeve section extends between the first sleeve section and the cord housing and fully encases the longitudinal portions of the first and second cord runs. Moreover, in the retracted position, the second sleeve section is spaced apart from the cord housing such that a longitudinal gap is defined between the cord housing and the second sleeve section along which portions of the longitudinal sections of the first and second cord runs are at least partially exposed.

[0008] In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an operating system for a covering for an architectural structure. The operating system includes an operating cord having a cord loop section, with the cord loop section including first and second cord runs extending from a looped end of the cord loop section. The operating system also includes a cord shroud wand configured to provide selective access to the cord loop section. The cord shroud wand includes a cord housing configured to house the looped end of the cord loop section, and a cord sleeve through which the first and second cord runs pass. The cord sleeve includes first and second sleeve sections, with the second sleeve section being movable relative to the first sleeve section and the cord housing between an extended position and a retracted position. Longitudinal sections of the first and second cord runs extend between the first sleeve section and the cord housing. The cord shroud wand also includes a rotatable wand shaft extending through the cord sleeve. In the extended position, the second sleeve section extends between the first sleeve section and the cord housing and fully encases the longitudinal portions of the first and second cord runs. Moreover, in the retracted position, the second sleeve section is spaced apart from the cord housing such that a longitudinal gap is defined between the cord housing and the second sleeve section along which portions of the longitudinal sections of the first and second cord runs are exposed.

[0009] In a further aspect, the present subject matter is directed to an operating system for a covering for an architectural structure. The operating system includes an operating cord extending lengthwise between first and second ends of the operating cord. The operating cord also includes first and second cord runs extending from the first and second ends, respectively, to a looped end of the operating cord. The operating system also includes a rail and a carrier coupled to the first and second ends of the operating cord such that manipulation of the first cord run results in the carrier being translated along the rail in a first direction and manipulation of the second cord run results in the carrier being translated along the rail in a second direction opposite the first direction. Additionally, the operating system includes a cord shroud wand extending between a top end and a bottom end of the cord shroud wand that is configured to provide selective access to the first and second cord runs of the operating cord. The cord shroud wand includes a cord sleeve through which the first and second cord runs pass. The cord sleeve includes first and second sleeve sections extending between the top and bottom ends of the cord shroud wand, with the second sleeve section being movable relative to the first sleeve section between an extended position and a retracted position. Longitudinal sections of the first and second cord runs of the operating cord extend between the top and bottom ends of the cord shroud wand. In the extended position, the second sleeve section is positioned relative to the first sleeve section such that the longitudinal sections of the first and second cord runs are fully encased between the top and bottom ends of the cord shroud wand. Moreover, in the retracted position, the second sleeve section is positioned relative to the first sleeve section such that the longitudinal sections of the first and second cord runs are at least partially exposed along a longitudinal section of the cord should wand defined between the top and bottom ends of the cord shroud wand.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood with reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present subject matter and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present subject matter.

[0011] This Brief Description is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Brief Description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective, assembled view of components of one embodiment of an operating system for a covering for an architectural structure in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating a cord shroud wand of the operating system that is configured to selectively encase a cord loop section of an operating cord of the operating system;

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective, exploded view of the operating system components shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the cord shroud wand shown in FIG. 1 in a closed/extended state for selectively restricting access to the operating cord of the operating system;

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates another front view of the cord shroud wand shown in FIG.

1, particularly illustrating the cord shroud wand in an opened/retracted state for selectively providing access to the operating cord of the operating system; [0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a partially exploded view of a lower portion of the cord shroud wand shown in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating a looped end of the operating cord housed within a lower cord housing of the cord shroud wand;

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the components of the operating system shown in FIGS. 1-5 as installed relative to one embodiment of an exemplary covering for an architectural structure in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of components of another embodiment of an operating system for a covering of an architectural structure in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating a cord shroud wand of the operating system that is configured to selectively encase a portion of an operating cord of the operating system;

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates another perspective view of the operating system components shown in FIG. 7, with the cord shroud wand being shown in phantom lines in to illustrate a cord loop section of the operating cord that extends within an interior of wand;

[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the cord shroud wand shown in FIG.

7 in a partially disassembled state to illustrate various components of the wand;

[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the cord shroud wand shown in FIG. 7 in a closed/extended state for selectively restricting access to the operating cord of the operating system;

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates another side view of the cord shroud wand shown in FIG.

7, particularly illustrating the cord shroud wand in an opened/retracted state for selectively providing access to the operating cord of the operating system;

[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a lower portion of the cord shroud wand shown in FIG. 7, particularly illustrating a lower cord housing of the wand in phantom lines to show various internal components of the wand that are housed within the lower cord housing;

[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an upper portion of the cord shroud wand shown in FIG. 7, particularly illustrating an upper cord housing of the wand in phantom lines to show various internal components of the wand that are housed within the upper cord housing;

[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of the components of the operating system shown in FIGS. 7-13 as installed relative to one embodiment of an exemplary covering for an architectural structure in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates a rear perspective view of an upper portion of the covering and operating system shown in FIG. 14, particularly illustrating additional components of the operating system in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;

[0028] FIGS. 16-22 illustrate perspective, front, rear, left side, right side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the embodiment of the cord shroud wand shown in FIGS. 1-6 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; and

[0029] FIGS. 23-29 illustrate perspective, left side, right side, front, rear, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the embodiment of the cord shroud wand shown in FIGS. 7- 14 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In general, the present subject matter is directed to an operating system(s) for a covering(s) for an architectural feature or structure (referred to herein simply as an architectural “structure” for the sake of convenience without intent to limit), such as a window or door. In accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the operating system includes a cord shroud wand that is configured to encase or “shroud” all or a substantial portion of a looped section of an operating cord of the operating system, while providing a user the ability to selectively access the looped section when it is desired to manipulate the operating cord to adjust the operating state of the associated covering.

[0031] In several embodiments, the cord shroud wand includes a telescoping cord sleeve configured to be transitioned between a closed or extended state, wherein the looped section is fully encased along a longitudinal length of the wand, and an opened or retracted state, wherein the looped section is accessible along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the wand to allow a user to manipulate the operating cord (e.g., via pulling one f the cord runs of the looped section). In one embodiment, the cord sleeve includes a first sleeve section and a second sleeve section, with the second sleeve section being movable or slidable relative to the first sleeve section to transition the cord shroud wand between the extended/retracted states and, thus, to allow the cord loop section to be selectively encased/accessed.

[0032] Additionally, in several embodiments, the cord shroud wand includes a fixed backbone or spine extending at least partially through the cord sleeve. In one embodiment, the spine is configured to provide a structural connection between the first sleeve section of the cord sleeve and a cord housing of the cord shroud wand that is configured to house a looped end of the operating cord. In such an embodiment, the second sleeve section may be configured to be moved relative to the first sleeve section and the cord housing along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the spine as the wand is being transitioned between the extended/retracted states.

[0033] Moreover, in several embodiments, the cord shroud wand further incorporates one or more tilt-related components of the operating system for providing tilting functionality for the associated covering. For instance, in one embodiment, a rotatable wand shaft may be configured to extend through the cord sleeve between the top and bottom ends of the wand. In one embodiment, the wand shaft may provide a rotational connection between a user-rotatable handle portion of a lower cord housing of the wand and a transmission assembly housed within an upper cord housing of the wand. In such an embodiment, rotation of the handle portion may rotationally drive the wand shaft to provide an input torque to the transmission assembly, which may, in turn, be rotationally engaged with a tilt rod of the operating system to facilitate the tilting functionality for the associated covering.

[0034] It should be understood that, as described herein, an "embodiment" (such as illustrated in the accompanying Figures) may refer to an illustrative representation of an environment or article or component in which a disclosed concept or feature may be provided or embodied, or to the representation of a manner in which just the concept or feature may be provided or embodied. However, such illustrated embodiments are to be understood as examples (unless otherwise stated), and other manners of embodying the described concepts or features, such as may be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon learning the concepts or features from the present disclosure, are within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, it will be appreciated that while the Figures may show one or more embodiments of concepts or features together in a single embodiment of an environment, article, or component incorporating such concepts or features, such concepts or features are to be understood (unless otherwise specified) as independent of and separate from one another and are shown together for the sake of convenience and without intent to limit to being present or used together. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used separately, or with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [0035] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 illustrates several views of components of one embodiment of an operating system 100 for a covering of an architectural structure in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate assembled and exploded perspective views, respectively, of a cord shroud wand 101 of the operating system 100, with FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrating an embodiment of an operating cord 102 of the operating system 100 with which the cord shroud wand 101 can be used in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate front views of the cord shroud wand 102 in closed/extended and open/retracted states, respectively, for selectively restricting/permitting access to the associated operating cord 102. Additionally, FIG. 5 illustrates a partially exploded view of a lower portion of the cord shroud wand 101 shown in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating a looped end of the operating cord 102 housed within a lower cord housing of the cord shroud wand 101. Moreover, FIGS. 16-22 illustrate perspective, front, rear, left side, right side, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the embodiment of the cord shroud wand shown 101 in FIGS. 1-5 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.

[0036] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the operating system 100 includes a cord shroud wand 101 and an operating cord 102 provided in operative association with the wand 101. In general, the cord shroud wand 101 is configured to encase or “shroud” all or a substantial portion of a cord loop section 104 (FIG. 2) of the operating cord 102, while providing a user the ability to selectively access the cord loop section 104 when it is desired to manipulate the cord 102 when using the operating system 100 to adjust the operating state of the associated covering. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating cord 102 is configured as a continuous cord loop, such as a cord loop configured for use with a continuous loop cord clutch adapted for adjusting the operational state of a covering. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the continuously looped operating cord 102 is configured to engage a clutch 106 of the operating system 100 at an upper looped end 108 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of the looped cord 102, with the cord loop section 104 forms the portion of the looped cord 102 that hangs or is suspended from the clutch 106. As particularly shown in FIG. 2, the cord loop section 104 generally includes first and second cord runs 110, 112 extending downwardly to a lower looped end 114 of the cord loop section 104. In such an embodiment, as is generally understood, the first cord run 110 of the cord loop section 104 may be pulled by the user to rotationally drive the clutch 106 (and, thus, a roller or other operating system component coupled thereto) in one direction, while the second cord run 112 of the cord loop section 104 may be pulled by the user to rotationally drive the clutch 106 in the opposite direction. However, in other embodiments, the disclosed cord shroud wand 101 may be configured to be encase all or a substantial portion of a suspended cord loop section of a non-continuously looped operating cord for a covering of an architectural structure. For instance, as will be described below, cord shroud wands designed in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter may be used with coverings (e.g., vertical coverings) in which ends of the operating cord are coupled to a carrier that translates linearly along a track or rail mounted relative to the adjacent architectural structure. In such an embodiment, the first cord run of the cord loop section may be pulled by the user to cause the carrier to translate along the track/rail in one direction, while the second cord run of the cord loop section may be pulled by the user to cause the carrier to translate along the track/rail in the opposite direction.

[0037] As particularly shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, in assembled form, the cord shroud wand 101 generally extends in a longitudinal direction (indicated by arrow L) between a top end 116 and a bottom end 118, with the cord loop section 104 configured to be selectively encased/accessible between the top and bottom ends 116, 118 of the wand 101 depending on the operating state thereof. Specifically, in several embodiments, the cord shroud wand 101 includes a telescoping cord sleeve 120 extending in the longitudinal direction L between opposed upper and lower cord housings 150, 160 of the wand 101, with the cord sleeve 120 configured to be transitioned between a closed or extended state (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), wherein the cord loop section 104 is fully encased between the upper and lower cord housings 150, 160 of the wand 101 via the cord sleeve 120, and an opened or retracted state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), wherein the cord loop section 104 is accessible along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the wand 101 defined between the upper and lower cord housings 150, 160 to allow a user to manipulate the operating cord 102 (e.g., via pulling one of the cord runs 110, 112 of the cord loop section 104).

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the telescoping cord sleeve 120 includes a first or upper sleeve section 122 and a second or lower sleeve section 124. In several embodiments, the upper sleeve section 122 corresponds to a fixed, hollow sleeve section of the cord sleeve 120, whereas the lower sleeve section 124 corresponds to a movable, hollow sleeve section of the cord sleeve 120. In such embodiments, the lower sleeve section 124 may be configured to be movable or slidable relative to the upper sleeve section 122 to transition the cord shroud wand 101 between the extended/retracted states and, thus, to allow the cord loop section 104 to be selectively encased/accessed. For instance, as shown by the transition in the operational states from FIG. 3 to FIG. 4, the telescoping configuration of the cord sleeve 120 allows the lower sleeve section 124 to be raised relative to the upper sleeve section 122 from an extended position (FIG. 3) to a retracted position (FIG. 4) at which the lower sleeve section 124 receives/encases/overlaps the upper sleeve section 122 along a longitudinal portion thereof. As shown in FIG. 4, at the retracted position, a bottom end 126 of the lower sleeve section 124 is spaced apart from the lower cord housing 160 by a given longitudinal distance 128, thereby providing a longitudinal gap between the lower sleeve section 124 and the cord housing 160 that defines an access window 130 along which the cord loop section 104 can be accessed by the user. Once the cord loop section 104 has been manipulated as desired, the lower sleeve section 124 can then be moved back to its original “closed” or extended position at which the bottom end 126 of the lower sleeve section 124 abuts against or is otherwise positioned adjacent to the lower cord housing 160 to close off the access window 130 and block access to the cord loop section 104.

[0039] It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the lower sleeve section 124 may be configured to automatically return back to its closed or extended position when the sleeve section 124 is released by the user. For instance, in one embodiment, the lower sleeve section 124 may simply be configured to slide back down the upper sleeve section 122 to the closed position via the operation of gravity acting on the lower sleeve section 124. In other embodiments, a biasing member (e.g., a biasing spring) may be provided to bias the lower sleeve section 124 back to the retracted position. Additionally, in one embodiment, one or more bushings may be provided between the upper and lower sleeve sections 122, 124 to reduce friction and guide relative movement of the lower sleeve section 124 as it raised and lowered relative to the upper sleeve section 122.

For instance, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, a slide bushing 132 may be positioned between the upper and lower sleeve sections 122, 124 at a location adjacent to a top end 134 of the lower sleeve section 124 to facilitate smooth sliding or movement of the lower sleeve section 124 relative to the upper sleeve section 122. In addition, a slide bushing 136 may also be positioned at or adjacent to the bottom end 126 of the lower sleeve section 124 to facilitate smooth sliding or movement of the lower sleeve section 124 relative to a fixed backbone or spine 170 of the wand 101 (described below).

[0040] Moreover, as particularly shown in FIG. 2, the cord shroud wand 101 further includes an elongate backbone or spine 170 configured to extend at least partially through the cord sleeve 120 in the longitudinal direction L. In several embodiments, the spine 170 may correspond to a rigid component of the cord shroud wand 101 that is configured to provide a structural connection between lower cord housing 160 and the upper sleeve section 122 (e.g., via a direct or indirect connection), thereby maintaining such components in a fixed positional relationship relative to each other. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, the spine 170 extends in the longitudinal direction L between an upper spine end 172 and a lower spine end 174, with the spine 170 configured to be coupled to the lower cord housing 160 at or adjacent to its lower spine end 174 and to the upper sleeve section 122 at or adjacent to its upper spine end 172. As particularly shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, a suitable lower fastener 176 (e.g., a screw or pin) may be inserted through aligned openings defined in the lower cord housing 160 (e.g., housing opening 162) and the spine 170 (e.g., spine opening 178) to rigidly or fixedly couple the spine 170 to the lower cord housing 160. Similarly, in one embodiment, a suitable upper fastener 180 (e.g., a screw or pin) may be inserted through aligned openings defined in the upper sleeve section 122 (e.g., sleeve opening 136) and the spine 170 (e.g., spine opening 182) to rigidly or fixedly couple the spine 170 to the upper sleeve section 122. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper fastener 180 may also be inserted through a corresponding opening 152 in the upper cord housing 150 that is configured to be aligned within the openings 182, 136 in the spine 170 and sleeve section 122 to rigidly or fixedly couple the spine 170, the upper sleeve section 122, and the upper cord housing 150 to one another at the top end 116 of the cord should wand 101. Alternatively, an indirect coupling may be provided between the spine 170 and the lower cord housing 160 and/or between the spine 170 and the upper sleeve section 122, such as by coupling the spine 170 to the upper cord housing 150 (e.g., via the fastener 182), with the upper cord housing 150, in turn, be coupled to the upper sleeve section 122.

[0041] It should be appreciated that, in addition to providing a rigid coupling or connection between the lower cord housing 160 and the upper non-movable components of the cord shroud wand 101 (i.e., the upper sleeve section 122 and the upper cord housing 150), the spine 170 may also serve to divide or separate the cord runs 110, 112 of the operating cord 102 along a substantial portion of the cord shroud wand 101. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first and second cord runs 110, 112 may be configured to extend through the cord sleeve 120 of the wand 101 along opposite sides of the spine 170, thereby isolating the cord runs 110, 112 from each other and preventing tangling or other cording issues.

[0042] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lower cord housing 160 is positioned at the bottom end 118 of the cord shroud wand 101. In general, the lower cord housing 160 is configured house the lower looped end 114 of the cord loop section 104. For example, the first and cord runs 110, 112 of the cord loop section 104 may be configured to extend into the lower cord housing 160 such that the looped end 114 of the cord loop section 104 is positioned within the interior of the lower cord housing 160. Additionally, in several embodiments, the lower cord housing 160 may include one or more features configured to engage or receive the looped end 114 of the cord loop section 104. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, the lower cord housing 160 includes a U-shaped interior wall 164 defining a low- friction guide surface 166 along which the operating cord 102 is configured to slide as one of the cord runs 110, 112 is being pulled by the user to adjust the operational state of the associated covering. In such an embodiment, the looped end 114 of the cord loop section 104 may be configured to wrap around and engage a lower portion of the U-shaped guide wall 164, thereby allowing the weight of the cord shroud wand 101 to be supported by the operating cord 102, which, in turn, is supported by the clutch 106 of the operating system 100. Specifically, given the rigid connection provided between the lower cord housing 160 and the upper non-movable components of the cord shroud wand (i.e., the upper sleeve section 122 and the upper cord housing 150) via the spine 170, the engagement between the lower cord housing 160 and the looped end 114 of the operating cord 102 allows for the entire cord shroud wand 101 to be suspended relative to the clutch 106 via the operating cord 102.

[0043] It should be appreciated that, as an alternative to the guide wall/surface 164,

166, the lower cord housing 160 may include any other suitable engagement feature configured to engage the lower looped end 114 of the operating cord 102. For instance, in another embodiment, the lower cord housing 160 may incorporate a pulley or similar pulley- like feature around which the looped end 114 of the operating cord 102 is wrapped to facilitate supporting the cord shroud wand 101 relative to the clutch 106 as well as to provide a low-friction interface between the operating cord 102 and the lower cord housing 160.

[0044] In several embodiments, both the lower cord housing 160 and the upper cord housing 150 may be configured as a multi-piece assemblies. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, the lower cord housing 160 is configured as a two-piece assembly including a first housing component 160 A and a second housing component 160B configured to be coupled to each other (e.g., via the associated fastener). In such an embodiment, the two housing components 160A, 160B of the lower cord housing 160 may be coupled together (e.g., via the associated fastener 176) at the bottom end 118 of the cord shroud wand 101 to encase or house the lower end 174 of the spine 170 as well as the lower looped end 114 of the operating cord 102. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper cord housing 150 is configured as a two-piece assembly including a first housing component 150A and a second housing component 15 OB configured to be coupled to each other. In such an embodiment, the two housing components 150A, 150B of the upper cord housing 150 may be coupled together (e.g., via the associated fastener 180) at the top end 116 of the cord shroud wand 101 to encase or house the upper end 172 of the spine 170 as well as an upper portion of the upper sleeve section 122 of the cord sleeve 120. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that the upper cord housing 150 may also define an elongated cord opening or separate cord openings at its top end for receiving the cord runs 110, 112 of the cord loop section 104 of the operating cord 102, thereby the operating cord 102 to extend into and pass through the cord shroud wand 101.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the components of the operating system 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5 as installed relative to an exemplary covering 50 for an architectural structure is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown, the covering 50 includes a headrail 52, a bottom rail 54, and a shade element 56 extending between the headrail 52 and the bottom rail 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating system 100 is configured as a roller-based operating system including a roller 105 (shown by dashed lines) positioned within the headrail 52, with the roller 105 configured to be rotationally driven via a continuous loop cord clutch and an associated looped operating cord, such as the clutch 106 and operating cord 102 described above, to raise and lower the shade element 56 relative to the headrail 52. In such an embodiment, by rotationally driving the roller 105 in a first direction, the shade element 56 may be lowered relative to the headrail 52 to an extended position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6) as it is unwound from the roller 105, thereby allowing the covering 50 to cover the adjacent architectural structure. Similarly, by rotationally driving the roller 105 in an opposite, second direction, the shade element 56 may be raised relative to the headrail 52 towards a retracted position as it is wound around the roller 105, thereby allowing the adjacent architectural structure to be exposed. In the illustrated embodiment, the shade element 56 is configured as a shade panel assembly including first and second shade panels 58, 60 and flexible vanes 62 extending between the spaced apart shade panels 58, 60. However, in other embodiments, the shade element 52 may have any other suitable shade configuration.

[0046] As indicated above, when a user desires to access the operating cord 102 to raise or lower the shade element 56 relative to the headrail 52, the user can simply lift the lower sleeve section 124 of the cord shroud wand 101 upwardly into its retracted position relative to the upper sleeve section 122 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), thereby forming a longitudinal gap or access window 130 that exposes portions of the longitudinal sections of the first and second cord runs 110, 112 that extend between the upper sleeve section 122 and the lower cord housing 160 of the wand 101. The user may then grab one of the exposed cord runs 110, 112 while holding the lower sleeve section 124 in place at its retracted position and pull the cord run to adjust the operating state of the associated covering 50. Once the covering 50 has been adjusted as desired, the user may then simply release the lower sleeve section 122 to allow it to return to the extended position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3), thereby re-encasing the formerly exposed longitudinal portions of the cord runs 110, 112. For instance, referring briefly back to FIG. 3, when in the extended position, the lower sleeve section 124 is configured to bottom-out or abut against the lower cord housing 160, thereby allowing the lower sleeve section 124 to fully encase the longitudinal sections of the cord runs 110, 112 extending between the upper sleeve section 122 and the lower cord housing 160. As such, with the lower sleeve section 124 in the extended position, the operating cord 102 is inaccessible along the longitudinal length of the cord shroud wand 101.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS 7-13, several views of components of another embodiment of an operating system 200 for a covering of an architectural structure are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate perspective views of a cord shroud wand 201 and an associated operating cord 202 of the operating system 200, with the wand being shown in phantom lines in FIG.

8 to illustrate a cord loop section of the operating cord 202 extending within the wand. FIG.

9 illustrates a perspective view of the cord shroud wand 201 shown in FIG. 7 in a partially disassembled state to illustrate various components of the wand 201. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate side views of the cord shroud wand 201 in closed/extended and open/retracted states, respectively, for selectively restricting/permitting access to the associated operating cord 202. FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a lower portion of the cord shroud wand 201 shown in FIG. 7, particularly illustrating a lower cord housing of the wand 201 in phantom lines to show various internal components of the wand 201 that are housed within the lower cord housing (including a looped end of the operating cord 202). Additionally, FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an upper portion of the cord shroud wand 201 shown in FIG. 7, particularly illustrating an upper cord housing of the wand 201 in phantom lines to show various internal components of the wand 201 that are housed within the upper cord housing. Moreover, FIGS. 23-29 illustrate perspective, left side, right side, front, rear, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the embodiment of the cord shroud wand 201 shown in FIGS. 7-13 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, unlike the continuously looped cord 102 of the roller/clutch-based operating system 100 described above, the operating system 200 includes an operating cord 202 provided in operative association with a carrier 203 that is configured to translate linearly in a translation direction (indicated by arrow TD) along a track or rail 205 (shown in phantom lines), with the rail 205 generally extending lengthwise in a direction parallel to the translation direction TD. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the operating cord 202 extends lengthwise between a first end 207 and a second end 209, with both ends 207, 209 of the cord 202 being coupled to the carrier 203 such that the cord 202 and carrier 203 collectively form a loop. As particularly shown in FIG. 8, the operating cord 202 includes a cord loop section 204 extending downwardly from the rail 205 to a lower looped end 214. Additionally, the operating cord 202 includes first and second cord runs 210, 212 extending between the looped end 214 and the first and second ends 207, 209 of the cord 102, respectively. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8, the first cord run 210 extends upwardly from the looped end 214 along the cord loop section 204 of the operating cord 202 and then in the translation direction TD along the rail 205 to the location of the carrier 203, with the first cord run 210 being coupled to the carrier 203 at the first end 207 of the operating cord 202. Similarly, the second cord run 212 extends upwardly from the looped end 214 along the cord loop section 204 of the operating cord 202 and then along the length of the rail 205 in the translation direction TD to a pulley 211, at which point the second cord run 212 wraps around the pulley 211 and then extends back along the rail 205 in the translation direction TD to the location of the carrier 203, with the second cord run 212 being coupled to the carrier 203 at the second end 209 of the operating cord 202. As such, by pulling downwardly on the first cord run 210 along a portion of the cord loop section 204 of the operating cord 202, the carrier 203 may be translated linearly along the rail 205 in a first translation direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow 213 in FIG. 8). Similarly, by pulling downwardly on the second cord run 214 along a portion of the cord loop section 204 of the operating cord 202, the carrier 203 may be translated linearly along the rail 202 in an opposed, second translation direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow 215 in FIG. 8). Thus, by manipulating the cord runs 210, 212, a user may translate the carrier 203 along the rail in the translation direction TD a manner that adjusts the operating state of the associated covering (e.g., the covering shown in FIGS. 14 and 15), such as by moving the covering between extended and retracted positions.

[0049] Additionally, the operating system 200 includes a cord shroud wand 201 provided in operative association with the operating cord 202. In general, the wand 202 extends in a longitudinal direction (indicated by arrow L) between a top end 216 and a bottom end 218, with the cord loop section 204 of the operating cord 202 configured to be selectively encased/accessible between the top and bottom ends 216, 218 of the wand 201 depending on the operating state thereof. Specifically, in several embodiments, the cord shroud wand 201 includes an assembly of shroud-related components configured to encase or “shroud” all or a substantial portion of the cord loop section 204 of the operating cord 202, while providing a user the ability to selectively access the cord runs 210, 212 extending along cord loop section 204 when it is desired to manipulate the cord 202 to adjust the operating state of the associated covering via the operating system 200. Additionally, as will be described below, the cord shroud wand 201 may, in several embodiments, incorporate various tilt-related components of the operating system 200 to facilitate tiling of the associated covering.

[0050] In general, the shroud-related components of the cord shroud wand 201 may be configured similarly to the shroud-related components of the cord shroud wand 101 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6. For instance, as shown in FIGS 7 and 9-11, the wand 201 includes a telescoping cord sleeve 120 extending in the longitudinal direction L between opposed upper and lower cord housings 250, 260 of the wand 201, with the cord sleeve 220 configured to be transitioned between a closed or extended state (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10), wherein cord loop section 204 is fully encased between the top and bottom ends 216, 218 of the wand 201, and an opened or retracted state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11), wherein the cord loop section 204 is accessible along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the wand 201 to allow a user to manipulate the operating cord 202 (e.g., via pulling one of the cord runs 210, 212 of the cord loop section 204). Similar to the embodiment described above, the telescoping cord sleeve 220 includes a first or upper sleeve section 222 and a second or lower sleeve section 224, with the upper sleeve section 222 corresponding to a fixed, hollow sleeve section of the cord sleeve 220 and the lower sleeve section 224 corresponding to a movable, hollow sleeve section of the cord sleeve 220. As such, the lower sleeve section 224 may be configured to be movable or slidable relative to the upper sleeve section 222 to transition the cord shroud wand 201 between the extended/retracted states and, thus, allow the cord loop section 204 to be selectively encased/accessed.

[0051] For instance, as shown by the transition in the operational states from FIG.

10 to FIG. 11, the telescoping configuration of the cord sleeve 220 allows the lower sleeve section 224 to be raised relative to the upper sleeve section 222 from an extended position (FIG. 10) to a retracted position (FIG. 11) at which the lower sleeve section 224 receives/encases/overlaps the upper sleeve section 222 along a longitudinal portion thereof. As shown in FIG. 11, at the retracted position, a bottom end 226 of the lower sleeve section 224 is spaced apart from the lower cord housing 260 by a given longitudinal distance 228, thereby forming a longitudinal gap between the lower sleeve section 224 and the cord housing 260 that defines an access window 230 along which the cord loop section 204 can be accessed by the user. Once the cord loop section 204 has been manipulated as desired, the lower sleeve section 224 can then be moved back to its original “closed” or extended position at which the bottom end 226 of the lower sleeve section 224 abuts against or is otherwise positioned adjacent to the lower cord housing 260 to close off the access window 230 and block access to the cord loop section 104.

[0052] It should be appreciated that, similar to the embodiment described above, the lower sleeve section 224 may, for example, be configured to automatically return back to its closed or extended position when the sleeve section 224 is released by the user, such as by configuring the lower sleeve section 224 to slide back down the upper sleeve section 222 to the closed position via the operation of gravity or by including a biasing member (e.g., a biasing spring) that biases the lower sleeve section 224 back to the retracted position. Additionally, in one embodiment, one or more bushings may be provided between the upper and lower sleeve sections 222, 224 to reduce friction and guide relative movement of the lower sleeve section 224 as it raised and lowered relative to the upper sleeve section 222, such as by providing a first slide bushing 232 (FIG. 9) positioned between the upper and lower sleeve sections 222, 224 at a location adjacent to a top end 234 of the lower sleeve section 224. In one embodiment, a second slide bushing 336 (FIG. 9) may also be positioned at or adjacent to the bottom end 326 of the lower sleeve section 124 to facilitate smooth sliding or movement of the lower sleeve section 224 relative to a fixed backbone or spine 270 of the wand 201 (described below).

[0053] Moreover, as particularly shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the cord shroud wand

201 further includes an elongate backbone or spine 270 configured to extend at least partially through the cord sleeve 220 in the longitudinal direction L. Similar to the embodiment described above, the spine 270 may, in several embodiments, correspond to a rigid component of the wand 201 that is configured to provide a structural connection between the lower cord housing 260 and the upper sleeve section 222 (e.g., via a direct or indirect connection), thereby maintaining such components in a fixed positional relationship relative to each other. For instance, as shown in FIG. 9, the spine 270 extends in the longitudinal direction L between an upper spine end 272 and a lower spine end 274, with the spine 270 configured to be coupled to the lower cord housing 260 at or adjacent to its lower spine end 274 and to the upper sleeve section 222 at or adjacent to its upper spine end 272. Specifically, in one embodiment, the lower end 274 of the spine 270 may be rigidly coupled to a portion of the lower cord housing 260 (e.g., a fixed or non-rotating housing 261 of the housing 260), thereby providing a fixed, non-rotating connection between the lower cord housing 260 and the spine 270. Additionally, in one embodiment, the upper end 272 of the spine 270 may be rigidly coupled to a bottom end 223 of the upper sleeve section 224 (e.g., via a spine connector 271), thereby providing a fixed, non-rotating connection between the upper sleeve section 222 and the spine 270. With such a configuration, it should be appreciated that, unlike the spine 170 of the wand 101 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-6, the spine 270 does not extend in the longitudinal direction L through the cord sleeve 220 to a top end 225 (FIG. 9) of the upper sleeve section 222, but, rather, terminates at or adjacent to (and is coupled to) the bottom end 223 of the upper sleeve section 222. However, in other embodiments, the spine 270 may be configured to extend in the longitudinal direction L through the cord sleeve 220 to the top end 225 of the upper sleeve section 222 or to any location defined between the top and bottom ends 225, 223 of the upper sleeve section 222.

[0054] It should be appreciated that, in addition to providing a rigid coupling or connection between the lower cord housing 260 and the upper sleeve section 122, the spine 270 may also serve to divide or separate the cord runs 210, 212 of the operating cord 202 along a substantial portion of the cord shroud wand 201. For instance, as shown in FIG. 11, the first and second cord runs 210, 212 may be configured to extend through the cord sleeve 220 of the wand 201 along opposite sides of the spine 270, thereby isolating the cord runs 210, 212 from each other and preventing tangling or other cording issues. Moreover, in one embodiment, the spine 270 may correspond to a hollow component, thereby allowing the spine to accommodate a rotating shaft of the cord shroud wand 201 (as will be described below). [0055] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lower cord housing 260 is positioned at the bottom end 218 of the cord shroud wand 201. In several embodiments, the lower cord housing 260 is configured house the looped end 214 of the cord loop section 204. For example, the first and cord runs 210, 212 of the cord loop section 204 may be configured to extend through the cord sleeve 220 and into the lower cord housing 260 such that the looped end 214 of the cord loop section 204 is positioned within the interior of the lower cord housing 160. Additionally, in several embodiments, the lower cord housing 260 may house one or more features or components of the wand 201 that are configured to engage or receive the looped end 214 of the cord loop section 104. For instance, as shown in FIG. 12, the lower cord housing 260 is configured to house a fixed cord guide 262 of the cord shroud wand 201. In one embodiment, the cord guide 262 may define a U-shaped groove 263 providing a low-friction guide surface along which the operating cord 202 is configured to slide as one of the cord runs 210, 212 is being pulled by the user to adjust the operational state of the associated covering. In such an embodiment, the looped end 214 of the cord loop section 204 may be configured to wrap around and engage a lower portion of the U-shaped guide groove 263. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 12, the cord guide 262 may also include a retention member, such as a retention finger 264, extending across the groove 263 to ensure that the looped end 214 of the cord loop section 204 is maintained within the groove 262. It should be appreciated that, as an alternative to the guide groove 263, the cord guide 262 may include any other suitable feature(s) configured to engage/receive/retain the looped end 214 of the operating cord 202. For instance, in another embodiment, the cord guide 232 may incorporate a pulley or similar pulley-like feature around which the looped end 214 of the operating cord 202 is wrapped to provide a low-friction interface between the operating cord 202 and the cord guide 262.

[0056] Referring still to FIGS. 7-13, as indicated above, the cord shroud wand 201 may, in several embodiments, include or incorporate various tilt-related components of the operating system 200 to provide tilting functionality to the associated covering. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the wand 201 may include a wand shaft 280 extending within the interior of the wand 201 between the upper and lower cord housings 250, 260 and through both the cord sleeve 220 and the spine 270. In general, the wand shaft 280 may be configured to extend in the longitudinal direction L between an upper shaft end 281 and a lower shaft end 282, with the upper shaft end 281 being coupled to a transmission assembly 252 (FIG. 13) housed within the upper cord housing 250 and the lower shaft end 282 being coupled to a rotatable housing portion 265 of the lower cord housing 260 (the rotatable housing portion 265 also being referred to herein as a handle or handle portion of the lower cord housing 260). In such an embodiment, the handle portion 265 of the lower cord housing 260 may be rotated by a user to rotationally drive the wand shaft 280, which, in turn, transfers such rotational motion to the transmission assembly 252 via the connection between the upper shaft end 281 of the shaft 280 and the transmission assembly 252.

[0057] In several embodiments, the lower cord housing 260 may include both a fixed upper housing portion 261 and the rotatable lower handle portion 265, with the handle portion 265 configured to be rotated relative to the upper housing portion 261 to rotationally drive the wand shaft 280. The upper housing portion 261 may generally be configured to be coupled to the cord guide 262 housed within the lower cord housing 260, with the cord guide 262, in turn, being coupled to the lower end 274 of the spine 270, thereby maintaining the upper housing portion 261 of the lower cord housing 260, the cord guide 262, and the spine 270 in a fixed, non-rotating positional relationship relative to one another. In contrast, the rotating handle portion 265 of the lower cord housing 260 may be configured to be rotationally engaged with the lower end 282 of the wand shaft 280 via a shaft connector 265 (FIG. 12) housed within the lower cord housing 260. For instance, as shown in FIG. 12, the shaft connector 265 may be positioned within the lower cord housing 260 below the cord guide 262 and may be configured to provide a rotational connection between the handle portion 264 of the lower cord housing 260 and the lower end 282 of the wand shaft 280, thereby allowing the shaft 280 to be rotationally driven via rotation of the handle 265.

[0058] It should be appreciated that longitudinal portion of the wand shaft 280 extending from the handle portion 265 of the lower cord housing 260 to the transmission assembly 252 may generally be configured to extend through the various wand components positioned therebetween without rotationally engaging such components. For instance, the wand shaft 280 may be configured to extend through the cord guide 262 (and the non rotating portion 261 of the lower cord housing 260 coupled to the cord guide 262), the cord sleeve 220, and the spine 270 without rotationally engaging any of such components, thereby allowing the wand shaft 280 to be rotated relative to these components of the wand 201. As such, when the shaft 280 is being rotationally driven via rotation of the handle portion 265 of the lower cord housing 260, the cord guide 262, the non-rotating portion 261 of the lower cord housing 260, the cord sleeve 220, and the spine 270 may be maintained in a fixed or non-rotating state.

[0059] Referring particularly now to FIG. 13, the transmission assembly 252 of the cord shroud wand 201 may generally be configured to transfer the input torque from the wand shaft 201 (e.g., rotational motion along an axis 253 extending in the longitudinal direction L) to an output torque (e.g., rotational motion along an axis 254 extending in the translation direction TD) for rotationally driving a tilt shaft 270 (a portion of which is shown in FIG. 13) of the operating system 200. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the transmission assembly 252 includes an input shaft 255 coupled to the upper end 281 of the wand shaft 280 for rotation therewith along the longitudinal rotational axis 251 and an output shaft 256 extending along the translational rotational axis 254. Additionally, the transmission assembly 252 includes an input gear 257 rotationally coupled to the input shaft 255, an output gear 258 rotationally coupled to the output shaft 256, and an intermediate gear 259 provided in meshing engagement with the input and output gears 257, 258. Thus, the meshing gears 257, 258, 259 may generally allow torque transmitted to the input shaft 255 via the wand shaft 280 to be transferred to the output shaft 256 for rotationally driving the tilt rod 270 of the operating system 200.

[0060] As indicated above, it should be appreciated that the cord shroud wand 201 may perform a dual function within the operating system 200. Specifically, as described above, the wand 201 may allow the cord loop section 204 of the operating cord 202 to be selectively encased/accessed between the top and bottom ends 216, 218 of the wand 201 by adjusting the position of the lower sleeve section 224 between an extended position at which the bottom end 226 of the lower sleeve section 224 abuts against or is otherwise positioned adjacent to lower cord housing 260 to encase the operating cord 202 and a retracted position in which the lower sleeve section 224 is spaced apart from the lower cord housing 260 in a telescoping arrangement with the upper sleeve section 222 to expose the operating cord 202. Additionally, the wand 201 may facilitate tilting of the associated covering by allowing a user to rotate the handle portion 265 of the lower cord housing 250, thereby providing a torsional input that is transmitted through the wand shaft 280 and transmission assembly 252 of the wand 201 to rotationally drive the tilt shaft 170 of the operating system 200. [0061] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, perspective views of the components of the operating system 200 described above with reference to FIGS. 7-13 as installed relative to an exemplary covering 70 for an architectural structure is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, FIG. 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of the covering 70 and associated operating system 200. Additionally, FIG. 15 illustrates a rear perspective view of an upper portion of the covering 70 and operating system 200 shown in FIG. 14, particularly showing additional components of the operating system 200 in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. [0062] In several embodiments, the covering may correspond to a drape or vertical curtain blind 70. For instance, as shown in FIG. 14, the blind 70 includes a shading element configured to be suspended from a track or rail mounted relative to an adjacent architectural structure, such as the rail 205 described above. In illustrated embodiment, the shade element is configured as a panel assembly 72 extending in the longitudinal direction L between a top end 74 and a bottom end 76, with the assembly 72 formed from a plurality of individual panels 78 (FIG. 15) (e.g., fabric panels). In one embodiment, the various panels 78 may be configured to be suspended relative to the rail 105 (e.g., at the top end 74 of the panel assembly 72) via a plurality of hangers or carriers of the operating system 200, such as the carrier 203 described above in combination with one or more secondary carriers 80. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the panels 78 may be configured to be coupled together in a side- by-side arrangement along the lateral width of the blind 70 (e.g., as defined in the translation direction TD), with each panel 78 defining a curved or U-shaped cross-sectional profile when suspended relative to the rail 108 in an extended, opened state (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15). Additionally, in one embodiment, each panel 78 may include a light- transmitting panel section 82 (FIG. 15) (e.g., a sheer panel section) extending between opposed non-light-transmitting panel sections 84 (FIG. 15) (e.g., fabric vanes) that form the sidewalls of each panel 78. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the shading element of the blind 70 may have any other suitable configuration.

[0063] When suspended from the rail 105 relative to an architectural structure, the panel assembly 72 may be moveable horizontally or laterally in the translation direction TD between an extended position (FIGS. 14 and 15) and a retracted position (not shown).

When extended, the panel assembly 72 may be configured to extend across and at least partially cover the adjacent architectural structure. When retracted, the panel assembly 72 may generally be configured to be collapsed in the translation direction TD to allow the blind 70 to be positioned along one side of the adjacent architectural structure, thereby exposing at least a portion of the architectural structure. In several embodiments, such retraction/extension of the panel assembly 72 is achieved by sliding or linearly translating the various carriers 103, 80 in the translation direction TD along the length of the rail 105. Specifically, as indicated above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the ends 207, 209 of the operating cord 202 of the operating system 202 may be coupled to the carrier 103 (e.g., as an end carrier of the operating system 200) such that pulling on the first cord run 210 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the operating cord 202 will cause the carrier to translate in a first or retraction direction (e.g., indicated by arrow 213) along the rail 105 to retract the panel assembly 72 and pulling on the second cord run 212 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the operating cord 202 will cause the carrier 203 to translate in an opposed, second or extension direction along the rail 105 to extend the panel assembly 72. In such an embodiment, by coupling the various secondary carriers 80 to the end carrier 103 (e.g., via spacers 86), the end carrier 103 may sequentially pull or push the secondary carriers 80 in the translation direction TD along the length of the rail 105 when extending or retracting the panel assembly 72.

[0064] In this regard, when a user desires to access the operating cord 202 of the operating system 200 to extend or retract the panel assembly 72, the user can simply lift the lower sleeve section 224 of the cord shroud wand 201 upwardly into its retracted position relative to the upper sleeve section 222 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11), thereby forming a longitudinal gap or access window 230 (FIG. 11) that exposes portions of the longitudinal sections of the first and second cord runs 210, 212 that extend between the upper sleeve section 222 and the lower cord housing 260 of the wand 201. The user may then grab one of the exposed cord runs 210, 212 while holding the lower sleeve section 224 in place at its retracted position and pull the cord run to adjust the amount of extension/retraction of the panel assembly 72. Once the panel assembly has been adjusted as desired, the user may then simply release the lower sleeve section 222 to allow it to return to the extended position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10), thereby re-encasing the formerly exposed longitudinal portions of the cord runs 210, 212.

[0065] In addition to being extended and retracted in the translation direction TD to selectively expose/cover the adjacent architectural structure, the panel assembly 72 may also be configured to be adjusted between opened and closed states. Specifically, the various panels 72 may be configured to be rotated or tilted (e.g., via the associated carriers 80, 103 between an opened state (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15), at which the non-light- transmitting panel sections 84 of the various panels 78 are generally oriented substantially perpendicular to the translation direction TD (and substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the rail 105), and a closed state (not shown), at which the non-light- transmitting panel sections 84 of the various panels 78 are tilted into an overlapping configuration such that adjacent panel sections 84 overlap each other along the translation direction TD. To achieve tilting of the panels 78, each carrier 80, 103 may be rotationally coupled to the tilt shaft 170 of the operating system 100 (e.g., via a carrier tilt gear 88 (FIG. 15)) such the rotation of the tilt shaft 170 results in tilting of the panels 78 between the opened and closed states. As indicated above, the tilt shaft 170 may be configured to be rotationally driven via the various tilt-related components of the cord shroud wand 201. Specifically, rotation of the handle portion 265 of the lower cord housing 260 of the wand 201 rotationally drives the wand shaft 180 and the transmission assembly 252 coupled thereto, which, in turn, provides an output torque that rotationally drives the tilt shaft 170. Thus, by rotating the handle portion 264 of the wand 201, a user may cause the panels 278 to tilt between their opened and closed states.

[0066] While the foregoing Detailed Description and drawings represent various embodiments, it will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter. Each example is provided by way of explanation without intent to limit the broad concepts of the present subject matter. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, the size or dimensions of the elements may be varied. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the present subject matter being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description. [0067] In the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be appreciated that the phrases

“at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The term “a” or “an” element, as used herein, refers to one or more of that element. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, cross-wise, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, and/or the like) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the present subject matter, and/or serve to distinguish regions of the associated elements from one another, and do not limit the associated element, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the present subject matter. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, secured, mounted and/or the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0068] All apparatuses and methods disclosed herein are examples of apparatuses and/or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present subject matter. These examples are not the only way to implement these principles but are merely examples. Thus, references to elements or structures or features in the drawings must be appreciated as references to examples of embodiments of the present subject matter, and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the specific elements, structures, or features illustrated. Other examples of manners of implementing the disclosed principles will occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0069] This written description uses examples to disclose the present subject matter, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0070] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term “comprises/comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, e.g., a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc., do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.