Abstract: A shade system includes a plurality of shade assemblies each including an elongated shade tube having an inner surface defining an inner cavity, an outer surface for winding receipt of a flexible shade, at least one coupling end, and an axis of rotation; a connector assembly having a first coupling unit secured to the inner surface at the coupling end of a first shade tube and a second coupling unit secured to the inner surface at the coupling end of a second shade tube substantially adjacent the first shade tube, the first coupling unit and the second coupling unit cooperating to transfer an applied torque from the first shade tube to the second shade tube; an end bracket for rotatably supporting a free end portion of a shade tube when attached to a supporting structure; and a mounting bracket for adjusting the connector assembly.

Abstract: A shade system includes a plurality of shade assemblies each including an elongated shade tube having an inner surface defining an inner cavity, an outer surface for winding receipt of a flexible shade, at least one coupling end, and an axis of rotation; a connector assembly having a first coupling unit secured to the inner surface at the coupling end of a first shade tube and a second coupling unit secured to the inner surface at the coupling end of a second shade tube substantially adjacent the first shade tube, the first coupling unit and the second coupling unit cooperating to transfer an applied torque from the first shade tube to the second shade tube; an end bracket for rotatably supporting a free end portion of a shade tube when attached to a supporting structure; and a mounting bracket for adjusting the connector assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for reducing the space requirements of, and improving the performance of, a flat type spring formed to produce a negative gradient torque. In an embodiment, a retainer can be added over at least two coils on the free end of each spring to reduce the space requirement for the spring. Embodiments of the invention can incorporate a flat type spring with a negative gradient having reduced space requirements into a shade or blind. Such a shade or blind will then be able to fit into a smaller area or volume. Specific embodiments can use multiple springs restrained in accordance with the subject invention to achieve a desired counterbalancing of the shade or blind. Further embodiments can incorporate gearing to alter the torque output of the springs. Further specific embodiments can incorporate one or more springs restrained in accordance with the invention and gearing to alter the torque output of the one of more springs.

Abstract: There is provided a motorized roller shade that includes a roller shade tube including an outer surface, an inner surface defining an inner cavity, and two end portions. The motorized shade further includes a shade attached to the outer surface of the roller shade tube, a counterbalancing unit configured to provide a counterbalancing force to the shade, and the roller shade tube further comprising substitution configurations to allow the roller shade tube to receive and operate with either a motor assembly or a manual operation assembly.

Abstract: An automatic releasable top down shade system includes a header. A release mechanism is provided that is conformed to connect with the header. A shade with an upper section and a lower section is provided where the upper section of the shade is connected with both the header and the release mechanism and where the lower section is connected with the release mechanism. A lift cord supports the shade and the lift cord is also connected with the release mechanism such that the lift cord activates the release mechanism.

Abstract: A frame assembly may be secured within an opening in a structure and is adapted to carry a window assembly therein. The frame assembly may include a pair of spaced vertical rails and a top rail secured to a top end of the vertical rails. A bottom rail may be secured to a bottom end of the vertical rails and the window assembly is removable without damaging the underlying structure.