Abstract: A roller shade assembly for a shade made from a relatively heavy and/or stiff material is described. The roller shade assembly includes a cylindrical member that is attached to the shade. A control mechanism rotates the cylindrical member for winding the shade upon the cylindrical member. Thus, winding the cylindrical member in one direction causes the shade to retract, while unwinding the cylindrical member in an opposite direction causes the shade to extend. In order to maintain the shade in alignment as the shade is retracted and extended, the roller shade assembly includes a pair of opposing retaining members that may have a disc-like shape. The retaining members may be positioned adjacent to the vertical edges of the shade and have an effective diameter larger than the diameter of the shade when fully wound and retracted. In one embodiment, the roller shade assembly can further include fixed edge guides for further maintaining the shade in alignment.

Abstract: A rail for use in a covering for an architectural opening to secure one edge of a retractable shade material includes a recess opening toward the top or bottom of the rail with the recess being adapted to secure an associated edge of the shade material so that the shade material covers a front of the rail to conceal it from view. The edge of the shade material can be releasably retained within the recess by being connected to a removable insert that can be slidably or otherwise retained within the recess. The recess opens upwardly when the rail is used as a headrail or downwardly when the rail is used as a bottom rail.

Abstract: A roller shade assembly for a shade made from a relatively heavy and/or stiff material is described. The roller shade assembly includes a cylindrical member that is attached to the shade. A control mechanism rotates the cylindrical member for winding the shade upon the cylindrical member. Thus, winding the cylindrical member in one direction causes the shade to retract, while unwinding the cylindrical member in an opposite direction causes the shade to extend. In order to maintain the shade in alignment as the shade is retracted and extended, the roller shade assembly includes a pair of opposing retaining members that may have a disc-like shape. The retaining members may be positioned adjacent to the vertical edges of the shade and have an effective diameter larger than the diameter of the shade when fully wound and retracted. In one embodiment, the roller shade assembly can further include fixed edge guides for further maintaining the shade in alignment.

Abstract: A rail for use in a covering for an architectural opening to secure one edge of a retractable shade material includes a recess opening toward the top or bottom of the rail with the recess being adapted to secure an associated edge of the shade material so that the shade material covers a front of the rail to conceal it from view. The edge of the shade material can be releasably retained within the recess by being connected to a removable insert that can be slidably or otherwise retained within the recess. The recess opens upwardly when the rail is used as a headrail or downwardly when the rail is used as a bottom rail.