Abstract: An architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The architectural-structure covering may include a covering moveable between retracted and extended positions, and between closed and open configurations. The covering may include front and rear sheets and a plurality of vanes extending therebetween. In the deployed position, the covering may be configured so that the vanes are positioned substantially perpendicular to the incoming light. The architectural-structure covering may also include a rotatable member including a scoop configured to create a pocket to secure a bottom rail of a rear covering so that the bottom rail does not prematurely deploy.

Abstract: Examples of rail assemblies for architectural coverings disclosed herein stabilize motor assemblies via end caps to reduce transfers of vibrational motor forces to the rails. An example rail for an architectural covering includes a housing, a motor to be disposed in the housing, and an end cap to be coupled to said housing. The example rail includes a track defined in an exterior face of the rail. A first portion of the end cap is to be received in the track. The end cap is capable of at least two degrees of freedom of motion relative to the housing prior to the first portion being received in the track. In the example rail, the track is to restrict the at least two degrees of freedom of motion of the end cap when the first portion of the end cap is received in the track.

Abstract: A wand assembly for use with an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The wand assembly may include a first operating element (e.g., an operating cord) for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions and a second operating element (e.g., a tilt wand) for adjusting rotation of the covering between open and closed configurations. The first and second operating elements are coupled to a handle assembly via separate and distinct coupling mechanisms so that manipulation of the second operating element does not affect the first operating element thereby preventing twisting of the first operating element about the second operating element. The wand assembly may include a first, inner rotatable wand and a second, stationary outer wand. The inner wand is rotatable relative to the outer wand so that rotation of the inner wand does not rotate the outer wand, and hence the first operating element coupled to the outer wand.

Abstract: A transmission for use with an architectural-structure covering for moving a covering of the architectural-structure covering between an extended position and a retracted position is disclosed. The transmission may include a drive shaft, a driven shaft including a tapered shaft portion, a transmission cord operatively coupled to the drive shaft and the driven shaft for transferring rotation between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, and a geared assembly. The geared assembly may include an intermediate member, first and second gears coupled to the intermediate member, a first shaft, and an end cover coupled to the intermediate member and the housing.

Abstract: A tensioner for use with an architectural-structure covering including an operating element (e.g., a cord, a chain, or the like) is disclosed. The tensioner selectively securing a position of the operating element relative to the tensioner. In one embodiment, the tensioner includes a body, a slider, a bearing, and an optional biasing member. The body may include a first body member coupled to a second body member. The slider is movably positioned within the body between first and second positions to selectively enable movement of the operating element relative to the tensioner. The bearing includes a projection for coupling to the second body member to prevent the second body member from being decoupled from the first body member. In this manner, when the bearing is enclosed within the body, a user cannot readily open the body (e.g., a user cannot readily separate the first and second body members).

Abstract: A wand assembly for use with an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The wand assembly may include a first operating element (e.g., an operating cord) for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions and a second operating element (e.g., a tilt wand) for adjusting rotation of the covering between open and closed configurations. The first and second operating elements are coupled to a handle assembly via separate and distinct coupling mechanisms so that manipulation of the second operating element does not affect the first operating element thereby preventing twisting of the first operating element about the second operating element. The wand assembly may include a first, inner rotatable wand and a second, stationary outer wand. The inner wand is rotatable relative to the outer wand so that rotation of the inner wand does not rotate the outer wand, and hence the first operating element coupled to the outer wand.

Abstract: An operating system for use with an architectural-structure covering for moving a covering portion of the architectural-structure covering between an extended position and a retracted position is disclosed. The operating system may include a drive mechanism (e.g., a drive spool), a driven member operatively coupled to the drive mechanism, a clutch mechanism (e.g., a wrap spring) operatively coupled to the drive mechanism and the driven member, and a collar operatively associated with the clutch mechanism. The collar may be adapted and configured to receive an end portion of the clutch mechanism so that the end portion of the clutch mechanism is encased by the collar.

Abstract: A transmission for use with an architectural-structure covering for moving a covering of the architectural-structure covering between an extended position and a retracted position is disclosed. The transmission may include a drive shaft, a driven shaft including a tapered shaft portion, a transmission cord operatively coupled to the drive shaft and the driven shaft for transferring rotation between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, and a geared assembly. The geared assembly may include an intermediate member, first and second gears coupled to the intermediate member, a first shaft, and an end cover coupled to the intermediate member and the housing.

Abstract: A dual control architectural covering is disclosed. A dual control architectural covering includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a manual control to move the covering of the architectural opening while the motor is disengaged. The dual control architectural covering further includes a braking element to resist movement of a drive element of the covering when the motor is disengaged.

Abstract: A handle assembly for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a shade member, a movable rail attached to the shade member, and a handle secured to the movable rail. The handle may be secured to the rail in a manner that results in a smooth, relatively uninterrupted appearance.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening may include a shade movable between extended and retracted positions, and a wand having a rod with a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the wand may be operatively coupled to the shade via an operating cord and movable to actuate the operating cord to move the shade between the extended and retracted positions. A handle may be coupled to the bottom end of the rod.

Abstract: A tensioner for use with an architectural-structure covering including an operating element (e.g., a cord, a chain, or the like) is disclosed. The tensioner selectively securing a position of the operating element relative to the tensioner. In one embodiment, the tensioner includes a body, a slider, a bearing, and an optional biasing member. The body may include a first body member coupled to a second body member. The slider is movably positioned within the body between first and second positions to selectively enable movement of the operating element relative to the tensioner. The bearing includes a projection for coupling to the second body member to prevent the second body member from being decoupled from the first body member. In this manner, when the bearing is enclosed within the body, a user cannot readily open the body (e.g., a user cannot readily separate the first and second body members).

Abstract: A handle assembly for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a shade member, a movable rail attached to the shade member, and a handle secured to the movable rail. The handle may be secured to the rail in a manner that results in a smooth, relatively uninterrupted appearance.

Abstract: A dual control architectural covering is disclosed. A dual control architectural covering includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a manual control to move the covering of the architectural opening while the motor is disengaged. The dual control architectural covering further includes a braking element to resist movement of a drive element of the covering when the motor is disengaged.

Abstract: Examples of rail assemblies for architectural coverings disclosed herein stabilize motor assemblies via end caps to reduce transfers of vibrational motor forces to the rails. An example rail for an architectural covering includes a housing, a motor to be disposed in the housing, and an end cap to be coupled to said housing. The example rail includes a track defined in an exterior face of the rail. A first portion of the end cap is to be received in the track. The end cap is capable of at least two degrees of freedom of motion relative to the housing prior to the first portion being received in the track. In the example rail, the track is to restrict the at least two degrees of freedom of motion of the end cap when the first portion of the end cap is received in the track.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening may include a shade movable between extended and retracted positions, and a wand having a rod with a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the wand may be operatively coupled to the shade via an operating cord and movable to actuate the operating cord to move the shade between the extended and retracted positions. A handle may be coupled to the bottom end of the rod.

Abstract: A handle assembly for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a shade member, a movable rail attached to the shade member, and a handle secured to the movable rail. The handle may be secured to the rail in a manner that results in a smooth, relatively uninterrupted appearance.

Abstract: A dual control architectural covering is disclosed. A dual control architectural covering includes a clutch to disengage a motor when the motor is not in use. The dual control architectural covering further includes a manual control to move the covering of the architectural opening while the motor is disengaged. The dual control architectural covering further includes a braking element to resist movement of a drive element of the covering when the motor is disengaged.