CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is based upon and claims the right of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/958,960, filed January 9, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to coverings for architectural structures and, more particularly, to a tensioner assembly for a covering, such as a belt-driven motorized drapery, that allows for the tension of an associated drive member (e.g., a belt or other looped drive member) of the covering to be adjusted efficiently and effectively. In addition, the present disclose also relates to a tension adjustment system for tensioned drive members.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Various different types of coverings exist for placement relative to architectural structures, such as windows, doors, archways, and the like. For example, motorized draperies are known that have a belt-driven arrangement including a belt coupled to a drive motor via an internal pulley system to allow the motor to drive or translate the belt relative to an associated headrail or track. A drape is typically suspended relative to the track via a plurality of carriers, with at least one of the carriers being, in turn, coupled to the belt for movement therewith relative to the track. As such, when the belt is translated relative to the track via rotation of the motor, the carriers are configured to carry or move the drape along the track between the drape’s extended and retracted positions.

[0004] To provide desired operation of a belt-driven motorized covering, the belt must be properly tensioned. To date, the belt tension of most conventional motorized coverings is adjusted by varying the overall length of the belt. However, this tension adjustment technique can be very time-consuming and wasteful, as a new belt of differing length must be created and installed within the covering each time it is determined that the current belt tension is insufficient or undesirable. Other known tension adjustment techniques require the application of pressure to the mounting hardware used to mount the motor to the track in a manner that tensions or tightens the belt prior to affixing such hardware to the track. However, this technique relies upon the skill or expertise of the assembly worker or installer in properly applying the correct amount of pressure. Moreover, the mounting hardware can loosen or shift over time relative to the track, thereby resulting in a loss of belt tension. [0005] Accordingly, a tensioner assembly for a covering and/or a tension adjustment system that allows for the tension of an associated drive member (e.g., a belt or other looped drive member) to be adjusted efficiently and effectively would be welcomed in the technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the present disclosure 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 disclosure.

[0007] In various aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a covering for an architectural structure, such as a window or door, that includes a covering element configured to be moved between an extended position and a retracted position via translation of a tensioned drive member. The drive member includes a looped portion and is coupled to an associated drive mechanism for translating the drive member. Additionally, the covering includes a tensioner assembly provided in operative association with the looped portion of the drive member. In one embodiment, the tensioner assembly may be configured to adjust the tension of the drive member by adjusting the distance defined between ends of the drive member.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a tensioner assembly for adjusting the tension of a looped drive member of a covering. In one embodiment, the tensioner assembly includes both a first assembly component and a second assembly component, with the first assembly component configured to be non-movably coupled to an associated track of the covering and the second assembly component configured to be movable relative to the first assembly component. Additionally, the second assembly component is configured to be coupled to a looped end of the looped drive member to allow the tension of the looped drive member to be adjusted by varying the position of the second assembly component relative to the first assembly component. [0009] In a further aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a tension adjustment system for looped drive members. In one embodiment, the system includes a looped drive member having first and second looped ends, with the first looped end being coupled to an associated drive mechanism for translating the looped drive member between the first and second looped ends. Additionally, the system includes a tensioner assembly provided in operative association with the second looped end of the looped drive member, with the tensioner assembly being configured to adjust the tension of the looped drive member by varying the position of the second looped end of the looped drive member relative to the first looped end of the looped drive member.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a tension adjustment system for looped drive members. In one embodiment, the system includes a track extending between opposed first and second ends and a tensioned drive member extending at least partially within the track. Additionally, the system includes a tensioner assembly positioned within the track and being accessible therein to allow the tension of the drive member to be adjusted.

[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure 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 disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] 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 [0013] 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:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of a covering in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; [0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a track assembly of the covering shown in FIG. 1 with the covering element removed for purposes of illustration, particularly illustrating one embodiment of a tensioner assembly positioned within a track rail of the track assembly for adjusting the tension of an associated tensioned drive member in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the track assembly positioned to the right of line III-III shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, particularly illustrating one embodiment of a dual-track configuration of the track rail;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the track assembly shown in FIG. 2 taken about line IV-IV, particularly illustrating an example arrangement for coupling a carrier of the covering to the drive member in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective, assembled view of one embodiment of a tensioner assembly for adjusting the tension of a tensioned drive member of a covering in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective, exploded view of the tensioner assembly shown in FIG. 5;

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the tensioner assembly shown in FIG. 5 as installed within the track rail of the track assembly shown in FIG. 2 taken from the perspective of line VII- VII; and

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tensioner assembly and track rail shown in FIG. 7 taken about line VIII- VIII, particularly illustrating the tensioner assembly coupled to an adjacent looped end of the tensioned drive member in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a covering that can be mounted relative to 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, for blocking light, providing privacy, increasing the aesthetic appeal of a room, and/or allowing a desired amount of light into a room. Specifically, in several embodiments, the covering includes a covering element configured to be moved between an extended position and a retracted position via translation of a tensioned drive member. The drive member is coupled to an associated drive mechanism for translating the drive member. Additionally, the covering includes a tensioner assembly provided in operative association with the tensioned drive member. In one embodiment, the tensioner assembly is configured to adjust the tension of the drive member by adjusting the relative positioning between separate assembly components of the tension assembly.

[0023] Additionally, in one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a covering for an architectural structure that includes a track rail and a covering element configured to be suspended from the track rail such that the covering element is movable relative to the track rail between an extended position and a retracted position. Additionally, in one embodiment the covering includes both a drive mechanism (e.g., a motor) supported relative to the track rail and a tensioned drive member (e.g., a belt) provided in operative association with the covering element such that translation of the drive member causes movement of the covering element between the extended and retracted positions.

[0024] In one embodiment, the drive member comprises a looped drive member that forms a continuous loop extending between a first looped end and a second looped end opposite the first looped end. In one embodiment, one of the looped ends is coupled to the drive mechanism of the covering such that the looped drive member translates relative to the track rail via a drive input from the drive mechanism. As such, the drive input from the drive mechanism causes the associated covering element of the covering to be moved between the extended and retracted positions.

[0025] Additionally, in one embodiment, the covering includes a tensioner assembly provided in operative association with a looped portion of the drive member (e.g., a looped end of the drive member positioned opposite the drive mechanism). In one embodiment, the tensioner assembly is configured to allow the looped portion of the drive member to be moved towards or away from another portion of the drive member (e.g., a distal looped end of the drive member coupled to the drive mechanism) to adjust the tension of the drive member.

[0026] In one embodiment, the tensioner assembly includes a first assembly component configured to be fixed in position (e.g., by being non-movably coupled to the track rail of the covering). Additionally, the tensioner assembly includes a second assembly component configured to be coupled to the looped portion of the drive member and being movable relative to the first assembly component. Moreover, in one embodiment, the tensioner assembly further includes a tension adjustment member extending between the first assembly component and the second assembly component. In such an embodiment, actuation of the tension adjustment member causes the second assembly component to be moved relative to the first assembly component to adjust the tension of the drive member. [0027] Additionally, in one embodiment, the tensioner assembly is configured to be positioned within the track rail of the covering, such as between opposed first and second ends of the track rail. In such an embodiment, the tensioner assembly is accessible within the rail to allow the tension of the drive member to be adjusted without removed the tensioner assembly or otherwise disassembling components of the covering (including the track rail). For instance, in one embodiment, the tensioner assembly is positioned within the track rail adjacent to the first end or the second end of the track rail. In such an embodiment, the tension assembly is configured to be accessible at such adjacent end of the track rail to allow the tension of the drive member to be adjusted.

[0028] In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a tension adjustment system for tensioned drive members. In one embodiment, the system includes a tensioned drive member having a first looped end, and a second looped end opposite the first looped end, with the first looped end being coupled to a drive mechanism such that the drive member is configured to translate between the first and second looped ends. Additionally, the system includes a tensioner assembly provided in operative association with the second looped end of the looped drive member to allow the tension of the drive member to be adjusted.

[0029] In one embodiment, the tensioner assembly includes a fixed assembly component and a movable assembly component. In one embodiment, the movable assembly component is coupled to the second looped end of the drive member and is selectively movable relative to the fixed assembly component. Additionally, the tension assembly includes a threaded member coupled between the fixed assembly component and the movable assembly component, with the threaded member being configured to threadably engage the movable assembly component. In such an embodiment, rotation of the threaded member relative to the movable assembly component causes the movable assembly component to be moved towards or away from the fixed assembly component to adjust the tension of the drive member.

[0030] It should be appreciated that, although the disclosed tension adjustment system will generally be described herein with reference to motorized coverings for architectural structures, the system may also be advantageously used in other applications to allow the tension of a tensioned drive member to be adjusted. For instance, in addition to motorized coverings, the disclosed system may be also be used in various other applications that have belt-driven drive arrangements.

[0031] It should also 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. Independent concepts can be used in any configuration as may be appreciated by one ordinary skill in the art. For instance, concepts or features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used separately, or with another features or combination of features to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, a front, perspective view of one embodiment of a covering 100 for covering an architectural structure (not shown) is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In general, the covering 100 includes a covering panel or element 102 and an associated drive track assembly 140 for supporting the covering element 102 relative to an architectural structure or feature. In several embodiments, the covering 100 is configured to be installed relative to a window, door, or other architectural structure as may be desired. However, it should also be understood that the covering 100 is not limited in its particular use as a covering for a window or door, and may be used in any application as a partition, shade, and/or the like, relative to and/or within any type of architectural structure.

[0033] For purposes of discussion, the present disclosure will generally be described herein with reference to the covering 100 being configured as a motorized covering, such as a motorized drapery. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that aspects of the present disclosure may also be utilized in association with any other suitable type of covering, including any other type of motorized covering or non-motorized covering that utilizes a tensioned drive member.

[0034] When suspended from the drive track assembly 140 relative to an architectural structure, the covering element 102 is moveable horizontally or laterally between an extended position and a retracted position. When extended, the covering element 102 is configured to extend across and at least partially cover the adjacent architectural structure. For example, in one embodiment, the covering element 102 is configured to extend in a heightwise or vertical direction of the covering 100 (indicated by arrow H shown in FIG. 1) between a top end 108 and a bottom end 110 and in a horizontal or lateral direction of the covering 100 (indicated by arrow L in FIG. 1) between a first lateral end 112 and a second lateral end 114. Additionally, the covering element 102 is generally configured to extend in a crosswise or depthwise direction of the covering 100 (indicated by arrow D shown in FIG. 1) between a first side 116 (e.g., a front side) and a second side 118 (e.g., a rear side). It should be appreciated that, when retracted, the covering element 102 is generally configured to be moved in the lateral direction L to allow the covering element 102 to be positioned along one side of the adjacent architectural structure, thereby exposing at least a portion of the architectural structure.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the drive track assembly 140 generally includes a track rail 142 configured to be installed relative to the adjacent architectural structure, such as at a location at or adjacent to the top of the architectural structure. In general, the track rail 142 is configured as an elongated support member extending longitudinally in the lateral direction L of the covering 100 between a first rail end 144 and a second rail end 146. The drive track assembly 142 may also include or may be provided in operative association with one or more drive components for moving the covering element 102 in the lateral direction L between the extended and retracted positions. For instance, as shown in FIG. 1, a drive mechanism 150, such as a drive motor 151 (e.g., an electric motor), and a drive housing 152 may be provided in operative association with the track rail 142, such as by coupling or positioning the drive mechanism 150 and drive housing 152 at or adjacent to one of the ends of the track rail 142 (e.g., the first end 144). As will be described in greater detail below, the drive mechanism 150 may be configured to drive or translate a tensioned drive member 160 (FIG. 2) (e.g., a belt or other looped drive member) positioned within or relative to the track rail 142 to facilitate moving the covering element 102 between the extended and retracted positions. It should be appreciated that, although the drive mechanism 150 of the covering 100 will generally be described and illustrated herein as a drive motor 151, the drive mechanism 150 may correspond to any other suitable drive source or operating mechanism, such as a manually actuated or driven drive mechanism.

[0036] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the drive track assembly 140 includes a plurality of carriers 180, 182, 184 provided in operative association with the track rail 142 for supporting the covering element 102 relative to the rail 142 in a manner that allows the covering element 102 to be moved between the extended and retracted positions. For example, the carriers 180, 182, 184 may be movably coupled to or received within a portion of the track rail 142 to allow the carriers 180, 182, 184 to slide or otherwise move relative to the rail 142 in the lateral direction L between the rail’s first and second ends 144, 146. In such an embodiment, by coupling the carriers 180, 182, 184 to the covering element 102 at spaced apart locations along the lateral width of the covering element 102, the covering element 102 may be moved relative to the track rail 142 between the retracted and extended positions with movement of the carriers 180, 182, 184.

[0037] As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the drive track assembly 140 includes a pair of end carriers (e.g., a first end carrier 180 and a second end carrier 184) and one or more intermediate carriers 182 configured to be supported by the track rail 142 for movement along the length of the rail 142. In one embodiment, each end carrier 180, 184 is configured to be coupled to the covering element 102 adjacent to one of the lateral ends 112, 114 of the covering element 102, while each intermediate carrier 182 is configured to be coupled to the covering element 102 at a location between the opposed lateral ends 112,

114. As such, by moving one of the end carriers 180, 184 in the lateral direction L along the length of the track rail 142, the covering element 102 may be moved between the extended and retracted positions as the intermediate carrier(s) 182 are pushed or pulled in the same direction as such end carrier. In one embodiment, one of the end carriers 180, 184 may be configured to be fixed relative to or otherwise non-movably coupled to the track rail 142, while the other end carrier is configured to be moved relative to the track rail 142. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the first end carrier 180 comprises a “fixed end carrier” that is configured to be fixed in position relative to the track rail 142 (e.g., at the first end 144 of the rail 142). In such an embodiment, the second end carrier 184 may comprise a “movable end carrier” configured to be moved laterally along the length of the track rail 142 towards and away from the first end carrier 180 to move the covering element 102 between the retracted and extended positions, respectively. As will be described in greater detail below, the “movable end carrier” (e.g., the second end carrier 184) may be configured to be coupled to or otherwise provided in operative association with the tensioned drive member 160 (FIG. 2) of the covering 100. Thus, as the drive member 160 is translated relative to the track rail 142 via operation of the drive mechanism 150, the movable end carrier 184 may be configured to move with the drive member 160 between the opposed ends 144, 146 of the track rail 142.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, different perspective views of components of one embodiment of a drive track assembly are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the drive track assembly 140 shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, with an upper portion 152A of the drive housing 152 being exploded away from the remainder of the track assembly 140 for purposes of illustration. Additionally, FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a portion the drive track assembly 140 shown in FIG. 2 that is positioned to the right of line III-III.

[0039] As indicated above, various drive components configured to be coupled to or supported by the track rail 142may be included as part of or may otherwise be provided in operative association with the drive track assembly 140. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, a drive mechanism 150, such as the illustrated drive motor 151, is configured to be coupled to the track rail 142 at or adjacent to one of its ends (e.g., the first end 144) via an associated drive housing 152. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, a tensioned drive member 160 extends within the track rail 142 in the lateral direction L along at least a portion of the length of the track rail 142. In several embodiments, the drive member 160 may be coupled to or otherwise provided in operative association with the drive motor 151 to allow a drive input (e.g., rotational motion of the motor 151) to be transferred to the drive member 160, thereby resulting in translation or movement of the drive member 160.

[0040] For instance, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the drive member 160 comprises a looped drive member configured to form a continuous loop extending between a first looped portion or end 162 of the drive member 160 and a second looped portion or end 164 of the drive member 160. In such an embodiment, one of the looped ends of the drive member 160 (e.g., the first looped end 162) may be configured to be coupled to the drive motor 151 to allow the motor 151 to drive or translate the drive member 160 relative to the track rail 142. For instance, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the first looped end 162 of the drive member 160 is looped or wrapped around a drive gear 154 rotationally supported within the drive housing 152, with the drive motor 151 being coupled to the drive gear 154. As such, the drive motor 151 may be configured to rotationally drive the drive gear 154, which, in turn, engages the first looped end 162 of the drive member 160 to cause translation or movement of the drive member 160 between the first and second looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160. Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, the second looped end 164 of the drive member 160 (e.g., the looped end of the drive member 160 opposite the drive motor 151) is provided in operative association with a tensioner assembly 200 configured to allow the tension of the drive member 160 to be adjusted, as desired. For instance, as particularly shown in FIG. 3, the second looped end 164 of the drive member 160 is configured to loop or wrap around a portion of the tensioner assembly 200.

[0041] In several embodiments, the tensioner assembly 200 may be used to adjust the tension of the drive member 160 by increasing or decreasing the distance defined between the first and second looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the tensioner assembly 200 may include a first assembly component 220 configured to be non-movably coupled to the track rail 142 and a second assembly component 250 configured to be selectively movable relative to the first assembly component 220 (e.g., towards and away from the first assembly component 220 within the track rail 142) to adjust the distance defined between the first and second assembly components 220, 250. In such an embodiment, by coupling the adjacent or proximal looped portion of the drive member 160 (e.g., the second looped end 164) to the movable or second assembly component 250 of the tensioner assembly 200, such looped portion or end 164 may be selectively moved closer to or further away from the opposed looped end 162 of the drive member 160 with corresponding movement of the second assembly component 250 relative to the first assembly component 220 of the tensioner assembly 200, thereby allowing the tension of the drive member 160 to be decreased or increased, respectively. [0042] It should be appreciated that, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the drive member 160 is configured as a continuously looped belt defining a generally constant length such that the tension of the looped drive member 160 is adjustable by increasing or decreasing the distance defined between the opposed looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160. For instance, the drive member 160 may comprise a drive belt formed from rubber or a similar material. Specifically, in one embodiment, the drive member 160 may correspond to a toothed drive belt or V-belt having gear teeth formed along the inner perimeter of the belt. In such an embodiment, the inner gear teeth may be configured to mesh with corresponding teeth of the drive gear 154 to allow the drive gear 154 to engage the looped drive member 160. Alternatively, the drive member 160 may correspond to any other suitable type of looped drive member, such as a chain, cable, and/or the like, that allows for the tension of such drive member 160 to be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the distance defined between the opposed looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160.

In other embodiments, the drive member 160 may correspond to a non-looped drive member in which it is desirable to maintain a given amount of tension during operation of the associated covering.

[0043] Additionally, it should be appreciated that, although the example configuration shown in FIG. 2 includes a gear drive arrangement (e.g., via drive gear 154) between the drive motor 151 and the drive member 160, any other suitable drive arrangement or drive components may be utilized to allow rotational motion of the motor 151 to be transferred to the drive member 160 in a manner that causes the drive member 160 to be translated or moved in a looped path between its looped ends 162, 164. For instance, in another embodiment, a drive pulley or sprocket may be used as an alternative to the drive gear 154. Moreover, as indicated above, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, any other suitable drive mechanism 150 may be used for translating or moving the drive member 160 relative to the track rail 142 (e.g., in the looped path between its looped ends 162, 164), such as any suitable non-motorized or manually operated drive mechanism.

[0044] In several embodiments, the track rail 142 of the track assembly 140 may have a dual-track configuration. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the track rail 142 may include both a carrier track 170 extending in the lateral direction L along a front side 147 of the track rail 142, and a drive track 172 extending in the lateral direction L along a rear side 148 of the track rail 142. The tracks 170, 172 may be separated from each other by a divider wall 171 extending within the interior of the track rail 142. In one embodiment, the upper portions or top ends of the various carriers of the track assembly 140 (e.g., the first and second end carriers 180, 184 and intermediate carriers 182) may be configured to be received within the carrier track 170, with the carriers 180, 182, 184 being accessible via a downward-facing carrier slot 170A of the carrier track 170 to allow a portion of each carrier 180, 182, 184 to be coupled to an adjacent portion of the covering element 102 (FIG. 1). Specifically, in one embodiment, the carriers 180, 182, 184 may extend outwardly therefrom through the downward-facing carrier slot 170A to allow a lower portion or bottom end of each carrier 180, 182, 184 to be coupled to the adjacent portion of the covering element 102 (FIG. 1). For instance, the top ends of each intermediate carrier 182 and the movable end carrier (e.g., the second end carrier 184) may be configured to be slidably or movably mounted in the track rail 142 via the carrier track 170 to allow such carriers 182, 184 to be supported for movement along the length of the rail 142.

[0045] Additionally, the drive member 160 may be configured to extend at least partially within the separate drive track 172 of the track rail 142. For instance, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the drive member 160 is configured to extend within the drive track 172 between the drive housing 152 and the tensioner assembly 200. In such an embodiment, since the drive member 160 corresponds to a looped component, the drive member 160 may include a pair of runs extending within the drive track 172 between the looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the drive member 160 may include both a rear run 165 and a front run 166 extending within the drive track 172, with the rear run 165 being positioned closest to a rearward facing drive slot 172A defined in the drive track 172 along the rear side 148 of the track rail 142. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, the disclosed tensioner assembly 200 may also be configured to be positioned within the drive track 172 of the track rail 142. For instance, as will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 5-8, the tensioner assembly 200 may be positioned within the drive track 172 to allow the movable component of the tensioner assembly 200 (e.g., the second assembly component 250) to be moved laterally within the drive track 172 towards and away from the fixed component of the tensioner assembly 200 (e.g., the first assembly component 220), thereby facilitating adjustments of the tension of the drive member 160 via the connection provided between the movable component and the adjacent looped end (e.g., the second looped end 164) of the drive member 160.

[0046] It should be appreciated that, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, one or more of the components of the track assembly 140 may also be considered to form all or part of one or more embodiments of a track adjustment system 300 for adjusting the tension of drive members. For instance, in one embodiment, the system 300 may include the drive member 160 and the tensioner assembly 200 for adjusting the tension of the drive member.

[0047] As indicated above, the movable end carrier of the track assembly 140 may be configured to be coupled to the drive member 160 to allow the movable end carrier to be moved along the length of the track rail 142 with translation of the drive member 160. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the second end carrier 184 is configured to be coupled to the drive member 160 (e.g., at attachment location 185). In such an embodiment, by rotating the drive motor 151 in one direction or the other, the second end carrier 184 may be translated along the length of the track rail 142 with translation of the drive member 160, thereby facilitating movement of the associated covering element 102 (FIG. 1) between the retracted and extended positions. For instance, rotation of the drive motor 151 in a first rotational direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow 155 in FIG. 2) causes the second end carrier 184 to be translated towards the second end 146 of the track rail 142, thereby moving the covering element 102 towards the extended position. Similarly, rotation of the drive motor 151 in an opposed, second rotational direction (e.g., as indicated by arrow 156 in FIG. 2) causes the second end carrier 184 to be translated towards the first end 144 of the track rail 142, thereby moving the covering element 102 towards the retracted position.

[0048] It should be appreciated that the second end carrier 184 may be configured to be coupled to the drive member 160 in any suitable manner that allows the second end carrier 184 to move or translate with the drive member 160 along the length of the track rail 142. For instance, FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the track assembly 140 shown in FIG. 2 taken about line IV-IV, particularly illustrating one example embodiment of the second end carrier 184 and an associated arrangement for coupling the end carrier 184 to the drive member 164. As shown in FIG. 4, the second end carrier includes both a covering connector portion 186 and a driver connector portion 188. In general, the covering connector portion 186 may be configured to support the covering element 102 (FIG. 1) relative to the track rail 142. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, the covering connector portion 186 extends in the heightwise direction H of the covering between a top end 190 and a bottom end 192, with the covering connector portion 186 extending through the downward facing carrier slot 170A of the carrier track 170 of the track rail 142 such that the top end 190 of the covering connector portion 186 is positioned within the carrier track 170 and the bottom end 192 of the covering connector portion 186 is suspended below the track rail 142 to allow such bottom end 192 to be coupled to the covering element 102 (FIG. 2). In such an embodiment, the top end 190 of the covering connector portion 186 may be provided in operative association with the carrier track 170 to facilitate movement of the second end carrier 184 relative to the track 170. For instance, the top end 190 of the covering connector portion 186 may be supported within the carrier track 170 (e.g., via an associated roller 194) in a manner that allows the covering connector portion 186 to slide or move along the carrier track 170 as the covering element 102 is being moved between the extended and retracted positions.

[0049] Additionally, a portion of the second end carrier 184 may be configured to be coupled to the drive member 160. Specifically, in one embodiment, the drive connector portion 188 of the second end carrier 184 may be coupled to the drive member 160 to provide a coupling or connection between the second end carrier 184 and the drive member 160, thereby allowing the carrier connector portion 186 of the second end carrier 184 (and, thus, covering element 102 coupled thereto) to be translated along the length of the track rail 142 with corresponding translation of the drive member 160. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, the drive connector portion 188 is configured to extend outwardly from the carrier connector portion 186 (e.g. at a proximal end 195 of the drive connector portion 188) and wrap around the rear side 148 of the track rail 142 so that an opposed end of the drive connector portion 186 (e.g., a distal end 196 of the drive connector portion 188) is positioned adjacent to the rearward facing drive slot 172A defined through the drive track portion 188 may be coupled to one of the runs 165, 166 of the drive member 160 extending within the drive track 170 (e.g., the adjacent rear run 165 of the drive member 160). For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, the distal end 196 of the drive connector portion 188 may, in one embodiment, be coupled to a suitable fastener 198, which may, in turn, be coupled to the rear run 165 of the drive member 160 (e.g., by being clamped around the rear run 165), thereby providing a connection between the drive member 160 and the second end carrier 184. In this embodiment, as the rear run 165 of the drive member 160 is translated through the drive track 170 between the looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160 with rotation of the drive motor 151, the second end carrier 184 may translate with the rear run 165 to allow the covering element 102 to be moved between the extended and retracted positions.

In another embodiment, the distal end 196 of the drive connector portion 188 may be coupled to one of the runs 165, 166 of the drive member 160 directly or by using any other suitable fastening means or mechanism.

[0050] As indicated above, the disclosed tensioner assembly may generally be configured to adjust the tension of the drive member 160 by varying the length or distance defined between the opposed first and second looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160. For instance, in several embodiments, the drive member 160 may be configured as a looped belt or other looped member defining a generally constant length. As such, the tension of the drive member 160 can be increased by increasing the distance defined between the looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160. Similarly, the tension of the drive member 160 can be reduced by decreasing the distance defined between the looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160.

[0051] In several embodiments, the tensioner assembly may include both a first assembly component and a second assembly component, with the first assembly component configured to be fixed in position, and the second assembly component configured to be movable relative to the first assembly component. In such embodiment, the movable second assembly component may be configured to be coupled to the looped end of the drive member 160 positioned opposite the drive mechanism (e.g., drive motor 151) (e.g., the second looped end 164, also referred to herein as the “proximal looped end” of the drive member 160) to allow the tension of the drive member 160 to be adjusted by varying the position of the movable second assembly component (and, thus, the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160 coupled thereto) relative to the looped end of the drive member 160 coupled to the drive motor 151 (e.g.. the first looped end 162, also referred to herein as the “distal looped end” of the drive member 160). Specifically, the second assembly component may be configured to be actuated relative to the first assembly component to adjust the spacing between the assembly components, which, in turn, causes movement of the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160 towards and away from the distal looped end 162 of the drive member 160 (depending on the direction of actuation), thereby adjusting the tension of the drive member 160.

[0052] In several embodiments, to allow the second assembly component to be actuated or moved relative to the first assembly component, the tensioner assembly may also include a tension adjustment member extending or coupled between the assembly components. In one embodiment, the tension adjustment member may be coupled to the first assembly component and/or the second assembly component in a manner such that actuation of the tension adjustment member causes the second assembly component to be moved relative to the first assembly component, thereby adjusting the tension of the drive member 160. For instance, actuation of the tension adjustment member in a first direction may cause the second assembly component to be moved in a direction away from the first assembly component (and/or towards the distal looped end 162 of the drive member 160), thereby decreasing the distance defined between the looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160, and, thus, decreasing the tension of the drive member 160. Similarly, actuation of the tension adjustment member in a second direction may cause the second assembly component to be moved in a direction towards the first assembly component (and/or away from the distal looped end 162 of the drive member 160), thereby increasing the distance defined between the looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160, and, thus, increasing the tension of the drive member 160.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, several views of one embodiment of a tensioner assembly 200 for adjusting the tension of a tensioned drive member of a covering are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate respective assembled and exploded views of the tensioner assembly 200. Additionally, FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the tensioner assembly as installed within the track rail 142 shown in FIG. 2 taken from the perspective of line VII-VII (with all other track assembly components being removed for illustrative purposes), while FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tensioner assembly 200 shown in FIG. 7 taken about line VIII- VIII. For purposes of discussion, the tensioner assembly 200 will generally be described herein with reference to the embodiment of the covering 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. However, it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the tensioner assembly 200 may be utilized with a covering having any other suitable configuration, including a covering having any other suitable track configuration and/or any other suitable drive arrangement or configuration.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the tensioner assembly 200 generally includes a first assembly component 220, a second assembly component 250, and a tension adjustment member 280. In general, the first assembly component 220 is configured to be fixed relative to or otherwise non-movably coupled to the track rail 142 of the track assembly 140, while the second assembly component 250 is configured to be selectively movable relative to both the first assembly component 220 and the track rail 142. As particularly shown in FIG. 8, the second assembly component 250 is also configured for coupling the adjacent or proximal looped portion or end of the drive member 160 (e.g., the second looped end 164) thereto. As will be described in greater detail below, the tension adjustment member 280 may be configured to be coupled between the first and second assembly components 220, 250 in a manner such that actuation of the tension adjustment member 280 causes the second assembly component 250 to be moved or actuated relative to the first assembly component 220, thereby adjusting the tension of the drive member 160 by varying the distance defined between the opposed looped ends 162, 164 of the drive member 160.

[0055] For instance, as shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5-8, the tension adjustment member 280 is configured as a threaded member (e.g., an adjustment screw) extending between a first end 282 (e.g., a head end) and an opposed second end 284 of the tension adjustment member 280, with the second end 284 of the tension adjustment member 280 being configured to threadably engage the second assembly component 250. In such an embodiment, the tension adjustment member 280 may be configured to be rotated to actuate or move the second assembly component 250 towards or away from the first assembly component 220, depending on the rotational direction of the tension adjustment member 280. For instance, rotation of the tension adjustment member 280 relative to the second assembly component 250 in a first rotational direction may cause the second assembly component 250 to move along the length of the tension adjustment member 280 towards the first assembly component 220 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 286 in FIG. 8) to reduce the distance defined between the assembly components 220, 250, and, thus, increase the tension of the drive member 160 as the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160 is pulled further away from the distal looped end 162 of the drive member 160. Similarly, rotation of the tension adjustment member 280 relative to the second assembly component 250 in a second rotational direction (opposite the first rotational direction) may cause the second assembly component 250 to move along the length of the tension adjustment member 280 away from the first assembly component 220 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 288 in FIG. 8) to increase the distance defined between the assembly components 220, 250, and, thus, reduce the tension of the drive member 160 as the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160 is allowed to move closer to the distal looped end 162 of the drive member 160. It should be appreciated that, when the tension adjustment member 280 is configured as a threaded member, such as screw, the tension adjustment member 280 may be rotated using a suitable tool (e.g., Allen wrench or any other suitable tool keyed or otherwise configured to engage the first or head end 282 of the tension adjustment member 280), thereby allowing a user to quickly and easily adjust the tension of the drive member 160.

[0056] It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the tension adjustment member 280 may be readily accessible by an installer or user while the tensioner assembly 200 is installed within the track rail 142. For instance, referring briefly back to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the tensioner assembly 200 is configured to be installed at or adjacent to one of the ends 144, 146 of the track rail 142 (e.g., the second end 146). In such an embodiment, the tension adjustment member 280 may be accessed at such adjacent end to adjust the tension of the drive member 160. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the tensioner assembly 200 is installed within the track rail 142 so that the tension adjustment member 280 can be directly accessed at the adjacent second end 146 of the track rail 142, such as by inserting a tool through the adjacent open end 146 of the track rail 142 to allow the tension adjustment member 280 to be actuated or rotated. Accordingly, the tension of the drive member 160 can be adjusted quickly and easily via the direct access provided to the tension adjustment member 280 positioned within the track rail 142.

[0057] In several embodiments, the first assembly component 220 of the tensioner assembly 200 may generally be configured as a clamping block including a body 222 defining the general shape and/or structure of the component 220. In one embodiment, the body 222 may be dimensionally configured and/or shaped so as to allow the first assembly component 220 to be inserted or installed within the drive track 172 of the track rail 142.

For instance, as particularly shown in FIG. 7, the body 222 of the first assembly component 220 may define a height 224 between a top end 226 and a bottom end 228 of the first assembly component 220 that is slightly less than an overall height 290 (FIG. 7) of the drive track 172 in the height wise direction H. Additionally, as particularly shown in FIG. 7, the body 222 of the first assembly component 220 may define a width 230 between a first side 232 and a second side 234 of the first assembly component 220 that is slightly less than an overall width 292 (FIG. 7) of the drive track 172 in the depthwise direction D. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, the first assembly component 220 may include a first guide rib 236 positioned at the top end 226 of the body 222 that is configured to extend within a corresponding guide channel 174 provided in the drive track 172. For instance, as particularly shown in FIG. 7, the guide channel 174 may be formed at the top of the drive track 172 between opposed guide channel walls 176 of the drive track 172. In such an embodiment, when the tensioner assembly 200 is inserted into the drive track 172 (e.g., at one of the ends 144, 146 of the track rail 146), the first guide rib 136 of the first assembly component 220 may extend between the opposed guide channel walls 176 and into the guide channel 174.

[0058] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, a first through-hole or adjustment opening 238 may be defined through the body 222 of the first assembly component 220 in the lateral direction L between opposed first and second end faces 240, 242 of the first assembly component 220 through which the tension adjustment member 280 is configured to extend. In one embodiment, the adjustment opening 238 may correspond to a non- threaded opening to allow the tension adjustment member 280 to pass through the opening 238 without engaging the first assembly component 220 (e.g., when the tension adjustment member 280 is configured as a threaded member, such as an adjustment screw). As shown in FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the adjustment opening 238 may include a counter-bored section 239 (e.g., at the first end face 240 of the first assembly component 220) to allow the first end 282 or head of the tension adjustment member 280 to be seated flush with the adjacent end face 240 of the first assembly component 220.

[0059] Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5-8, a second through-hole or lock opening 244 may be defined through the body 222 of the first assembly component 220, such as in the depthwise direction D (or a direction transverse to the adjustment opening 238), between the opposed first and second sides 232, 234 of the first assembly component 220. In one embodiment, the lock opening 244 may correspond to a threaded opening configured to receive a corresponding threaded locking member 214 of the tensioner assembly 200 for locking or fixing the first assembly component 220 in position relative to the track rail 142 when the assembly 200 is installed therein. Specifically, the threaded locking member 214 may correspond to a set screw or similar component that is configured to be threaded through the lock opening 244 and into engagement with a portion of the track rail 142. For instance, as shown in FIG. 7, the threaded locking member 214 may be configured to be threaded through the lock opening 244 and into engagement with the divider wall 171 of the track rail 142. Thus, once the tensioner assembly 200 is properly installed within the drive track 172, the threaded locking member 214 may be tightened against the divider wall 171 to lock or fix the first assembly component 220 within the drive track 172. For instance, referring briefly back to FIG. 3, the threaded locking member 214 may be accessed via the rearward facing drive slot 172A defined in the drive track 172 to allow the threaded locking member 214 to be tightened against the divider wall 171 while the tensioner assembly 200 is installed within the drive track 172.

[0060] Referring still to FIGS. 5-8, in several embodiments, the second assembly component 250 of the tensioner assembly 200 may generally be configured as a carriage block including a body 252 defining the general shape and/or structure of the component. In one embodiment, the body 252 may be dimensionally configured and/or shaped so as to allow the second assembly component 250 to be inserted or installed within the drive track 170 of the track rail 142. For instance, as particularly shown in FIG. 8, the body 252 of the second assembly component 250 may have a height 254 between a top end 256 and a bottom end 258 of the second assembly component 250 that is slightly less than the overall height 290 (FIG. 7) of the drive track 172. In one embodiment, the second assembly component 250 may have a height 254 that is equal or substantially equal to the height 224 of the first assembly component 220. Additionally, as particularly shown in FIG. 6, the body 252 of the second assembly component 250 may define a width 260 between a first side 262 and a second side 264 of the second assembly component 250 that is slightly less than the overall width 292 (FIG. 7) of the drive track 172. In one embodiment, the second assembly component 250 may have a width 260 that is equal or substantially equal to the width 230 of the first assembly component 220. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second assembly component 250 may include a second guide rib 266 positioned at the top end 256 of the body 252. Similar to the first guide rib 236 of the first assembly component 220, the second guide rib 266 may be configured to extend within the guide channel 174 (FIG. 7) provided in the drive track 172. For instance, when tensioner assembly 200 is inserted into the drive track 172 (e.g., at one of the ends 144, 146 of the track rail 142), the second guide rib 266 of the second assembly component 250 may extend into the guide channel 174.

[0061] As indicated above, the second assembly component 250 may be configured to be coupled to the adjacent or proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160. In several embodiments, the second assembly component 250 may have a clevis-type configuration to facilitate coupling the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160 to the second assembly component 250. For instance, as particularly shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the second assembly component extends in the lateral direction L between a first lateral end 268 and a opposed second lateral end 270, with the body 252 of the second assembly component 250 having a clevis-type configuration at or adjacent to the second axial end 270 such that the second assembly component 250 defines an open-ended loop channel 272 at the second axial end 270 that is configured to receive the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 8, the loop channel 272 is defined between opposed first and second channel walls 273, 274 of the second assembly component 250 spaced apart from each other in the heightwise direction H.

[0062] Additionally, in several embodiments, the tensioner assembly 200 includes a retention pin 210 configured to extend within the loop channel 272 to retain the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160 relative to the second assembly component 250. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the retention pin 210 is configured to be inserted through aligned pin openings 275 defined in the opposed channel walls 273, 274 of the second assembly component 250 such that the pin 210 extends across the loop channel 272. Accordingly, with the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160 inserted into the loop channel 272, the retention pin 210 can be installed through the pin openings 275 such that the looped end 164 wraps or loops around the retention pin 210 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8), thereby coupling the proximal looped end 164 to the second assembly component 250. [0063] It should be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160 may simply be configured to loop directly around the retention pin 210 as the drive member 160 is being translated relative to the track rail 142 with rotation of the drive mechanism 150. Alternatively, a bearing or similar rotational member may be provided between the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160 and the retention pin 210 to reduce the amount of friction between such components. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, a bearing 212 (e.g., a roller or needle bearing) may be installed between the proximal looped end 164 of the drive member 160 and the retention pin 210. As such, the bearing 212 may rotate relative to the retention pin 210 as the drive member 160 wraps or loops around the bearing 212 with translation of the drive member 160.

[0064] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the second assembly component 250 may be configured to define a through-hole or engagement opening 278 configured to receive the second end 284 of the tension adjustment member 280, thereby allowing the tension adjustment member 280 to be coupled to the second assembly component 250. Specifically, in several embodiments, the engagement opening 278 may correspond to a threaded opening to allow the tension adjustment member 280 to threadably engage the second assembly component 250. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8, with the tensioner assembly 200 installed within the drive track 172 of the track rail 142, the tension adjustment member 280 may extend through the adjustment opening 238 defined through the first assembly component and be threaded into the engagement opening 278 of the second assembly component 250. As a result of such threaded engagement between the tension adjustment member 280 and the second assembly component 250, the relative positioning of the second assembly component 250 within the drive track 172 may be adjusted by rotating the tension adjustment member 280. Specifically, assuming there is tension in the drive member 160, the second assembly component 250 will be biased away from the first assembly component 220 (e.g., in direction 288 (FIG. 8)). Thus, as the tension adjustment member 280 is rotated in a first rotational direction, the threaded engagement between the tension adjustment member 280 and the second assembly component 250 causes the second assembly component 250 to be moved along the length of the tension adjustment member 280 against the biasing force applied by the drive member 160 towards the first assembly component 220 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 286 in FIG. 8). Similarly, as the tension adjustment member 280 is rotated in a second rotational direction (opposite the first rotational direction), the threaded engagement between the tension adjustment member 280 and the second assembly component 250 causes the second assembly component 250 to be moved along the length of the tension adjustment member 280 away from the first assembly component 220 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 288 in FIG.

8). In one embodiment, the biasing force applied by the drive member 160 maintains the first end 282 of the tension adjustment member 280 seated within the counter-bored section 239 of the adjustment opening 238 defined through the first assembly component 220. [0065] Moreover, in several embodiments, the first and second assembly components 220, 250 may include corresponding retention features to prevent the second assembly component 250 from becoming disengaged from the tension adjustment member 280 as the second assembly component 250 is being moved away from the first assembly component 220 to reduce the tension of the drive member 160. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second assembly component 250 includes a retention arm 276 extending from the arm’s first lateral end 268 that is configured to be received within or engaged with a corresponding retention channel 246 defined along one of the sides of the body 222 of the first assembly component 220 (e.g., the first side 232). As particularly shown in FIG. 6, the retention channel 246 of the first assembly component 220 may generally extend in the lateral direction L between an open end 247 and an opposed retention end 248 of the channel 246.

[0066] Additionally, the first assembly component 220 may include a retention bar 249 (FIG. 6) extending in the heightwise direction H across the retention end 248 of the retention channel 246. In one embodiment, the retention bar 249 is configured to function as a mechanical stop to limit further movement of the second assembly component 250 away from the first assembly component 220. For instance, the retention bar 249 may be configured to engage a corresponding retention extension 277 extending outwardly from the retention arm 276 of the second assembly component 250 to prevent the retention arm 276 from falling out or otherwise being removed from the retention channel 246 as the second assembly component 250 is being moved away from the first assembly component 220. Specifically, in several embodiments, with the retention arm 276 of the second assembly component 250 installed within the retention channel 246 of the first assembly component 200, the retention extension 277 may be configured to abut against the retention bar 249 when the second assembly component 250 is moved in direction 286 (FIG. 8) a maximum allowable distance away from the first assembly component 220 to limit further movement of the second assembly component in such direction 286. In such an embodiment, the maximum allowable distance may be selected, for instance, so that the tension adjustment member 280 is still threadably engaged within the threaded opening 278 of the second assembly component 250 when the retention extension 277 abuts against the retention bar 249, thereby ensuring that the tension adjustment member 280 does not become disengaged from the second assembly component 250.

[0067] It should be appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the retention arrangement described above may be reversed, with the first assembly component 220 including a retention arm 276 configured to be received within a corresponding retention channel 246 defined by the second assembly component 250. In such an embodiment, the second assembly component 250 may also include a retention bar 249 extending across the retention channel 246 to engage a corresponding portion of the retention arm 276 of the first assembly component 220 (e.g., a corresponding retention extension 277 of the retention arm 276).

[0068] 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 disclosure. Each example is provided by way of explanation without intent to limit the broad concepts of the present disclosure. 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 disclosure 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 disclosure. 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 disclosure being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description.

[0069] 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 disclosure, 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 disclosure. 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.

[0070] All apparatuses and methods disclosed herein are examples of apparatuses and/or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure. 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 disclosure, 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. [0071] This writen description uses examples to disclose the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present disclosure 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.

[0072] 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.