Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example architectural covering assembly includes an architectural covering movable between an upper limit position, a lower limit position, and a transition limit position between the upper limit position and the lower limit position. The example architectural covering assembly also includes a motor, a consumer touchpoint, and an architectural covering controller. In response to detecting a first gesture at the consumer touchpoint, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering to the transition limit position and stop, and in response to detecting a second gesture at the consumer touchpoint, different from the first gesture, the architectural covering controller is to activate the motor to move the architectural covering through the transition limit position and to the upper limit position or the lower limit position.

Abstract: A system and method for laser sealing an edge portion of a covering of an architecture-structure covering is disclosed. In one embodiment, after cutting a covering of an architectural-structure covering to an appropriate size, lasering the cut edge portions or surfaces of the covering to seal the cut edge portions or surfaces of the covering to prevent fraying. The beam of the laser may be positioned to contact the cut edge portions or surfaces of the covering in a plane of the fabric. Subsequently, the beam of the laser scans or moves across the surface of the cut edge portion of the covering. In use, the beam of the laser is arranged and configured to apply heat to the surface of the fabric material at discrete points or spots to vaporize any loose fibers located along the cut edge portion of the covering.

Abstract: A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.

Abstract: A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing light leakage between light gaps such as, for example, between the sides of a covering (e.g., shade) of an architectural-structure covering and the interior side surfaces of a window frame, or between the covering and the outer surface of an interior wall is disclosed. The perimeter light blockout system including a light blocking device and a mounting element for coupling the light blocking device to the interior side surface of the window frame, or the outer surface of the interior wall. The light blocking device may include rear and front channel members. The mounting element may be a mounting extrusion. Alternatively, the mounting element may be a spring clip. In use, the light blocking device may be adapted and configured so as not to contact the covering as the covering moves between extended and retracted positions. The mounting element may include a degree of adjustment so that the light blocking device may be aligned with an out-of-skew window frame.

Abstract: Example end caps for architectural coverings are disclosed herein. An example end cap for an architectural covering includes a first cable-routing element provided in a first region of the end cap and a second cable-routing element provided in a second region of the end cap spaced apart from the first region of the end cap. The example end cap includes a cable-directing element and a motor mount configured to couple with a portion of a motor having a cable extending therefrom. In the example end cap, the cable-directing element is configured to engage a transition portion of the cable and to selectively route a second portion of the cable from the cable-directing element to either the first cable-routing element or the second cable-routing element.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening has a dual cord operating system. The covering may include a head rail, blind panels depending from the head rail, and an operating system. The operating system may include a housing connected to the head rail, a first drive assembly rotatably mounted within the housing and operable to move the blind panels between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and a second drive assembly rotatably mounted within the housing and operable to move the blind panels between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

Abstract: A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.

Abstract: A self-centering end cap for a bottom rail of an architectural structure covering. The end cap may include a contoured top surface that is configured to contact a head rail of the architectural structure covering to deflect the end cap and hence the bottom rail and covering of the architectural structure covering toward a horizontally centered position, thus enabling the covering and the bottom rail to be fully retracted to a docked position within the head rail without impediment.

Abstract: A static mitigation end cap for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a head rail having an end cap. The end cap may include a housing extending along a longitudinal length of the head rail and defining a chamber. The end cap may include a printed circuit board received within the chamber and configured to control a motor assembly operatively connected to the at least one end cap. The end cap may include an actuation member slidably coupled with the end cap for selective engagement with the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening has a dual cord operating system. The covering may include a head rail, blind panels depending from the head rail, and an operating system. The operating system may include a housing connected to the head rail, a first drive assembly rotatably mounted within the housing and operable to move the blind panels between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and a second drive assembly rotatably mounted within the housing and operable to move the blind panels between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

Abstract: An attachment member for coupling a shade material of an architectural covering to a rail member. The attachment member may include a first portion arranged to perform a first function affecting the shade material in a first manner, and a second portion arranged to perform a second function affecting the shade material in a second manner. The first portion may be arranged to couple the shade material to the rail member, such as coupling the shade material within the rail member. The second portion may be arranged to affect a portion of the shade material with respect to the rail member, such as affecting a portion of the shade material external to the rail member.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer tube, a rotatable inner tube, a shade attached to the outer tube, and an operating element secured to the inner tube. The outer tube may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer tube and opening to an interior of the outer tube. The inner tube may be received within the outer tube. The shade may be retractable to and extendable from the outer tube. The operating element may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner tube. The inner tube may rotate relative the outer tube to open and close the shade once the support sheet is in a fully extended position.

Abstract: A shading display and sample may include a frame structure, a drive assembly operably connected to the frame structure, and a shade material associated with the drive assembly for corresponding movement thereof. Operation of the drive assembly may move the shade material between open and closed positions. The display may permit users to position and operate a covering sample near an architectural opening to assess the overall operation, appearance, translucence, texture, or other qualities of the covering based on the angular orientation and material of the sample.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a window covering for an architectural opening. The method includes operatively coupling a support material and at least one operating element to a roller for selective rotative movement during use. The at least one operating element extending along at least a part of the length of the support material. The method also includes extending a plurality of vanes relative to the support material. Each vane including an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the upper edge of each of the vanes is fixed against movement relative to the support material, the lower edge of each of the vanes is fixed against movement relative to the at least one operating element, and the lower edge of each of the vanes moves relative to the upper edge of each of the vanes by moving the at least one operating element.

Abstract: A static mitigation end cap for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a head rail having an end cap. The end cap may include a housing extending along a longitudinal length of the head rail and defining a chamber. The end cap may include a printed circuit board received within the chamber and configured to control a motor assembly operatively connected to the at least one end cap. The end cap may include an actuation member slidably coupled with the end cap for selective engagement with the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An operating system for an architectural covering is provided. The operating system allows at least three modes of operation of an architectural covering. A transmission may be included between an input assembly and an output drive member, and the transmission may be selectively engaged to place the operating system into one of the at least three modes of operation. The operating system may include a first drive section including an input, a second drive section including an output, and a control mechanism arranged to selectively lock an element of the first and second drive sections to control movement of the output of the operating system upon actuation of the input. A shift lock is also disclosed herein. In use, the shift lock operates to restrict shifting operation of the operating system from one operating mode to another.

Abstract: An operating system for an architectural covering is provided. The operating system allows at least three modes of operation of an architectural covering. A transmission may be included between an input assembly and an output drive member, and the transmission may be selectively engaged to place the operating system into one of the at least three modes of operation. The operating system may include a first drive section including an input, a second drive section including an output, and a control mechanism arranged to selectively lock an element of the first and second drive sections to control movement of the output of the operating system upon actuation of the input. A shift lock is also disclosed herein. In use, the shift lock operates to restrict shifting operation of the operating system from one operating mode to another.

Abstract: A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing light leakage between light gaps such as, for example, between the sides of a covering (e.g., shade) of an architectural-structure covering and the interior side surfaces of a window frame, or between the covering and the outer surface of an interior wall is disclosed. The perimeter light blockout system including a light blocking device and a mounting element for coupling the light blocking device to the interior side surface of the window frame, or the outer surface of the interior wall. The light blocking device may include rear and front channel members. The mounting element may be a mounting extrusion. Alternatively, the mounting element may be a spring clip. In use, the light blocking device may be adapted and configured so as not to contact the covering as the covering moves between extended and retracted positions. The mounting element may include a degree of adjustment so that the light blocking device may be aligned with an out-of-skew window frame.

Abstract: An architectural covering with an operable vane having a fabric backing is provided. The vane may include a vane fabric and a backing material connected to the vane fabric by a layer of adhesive. The backing material may increase a machine-direction stiffness of the vane while slightly affecting a cross-direction stiffness of the vane. As such, the vane may have increased stiffness in its machine direction while simultaneously remaining flexible in its cross direction.