Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a drapery system is presented including a drapery support rod having a plurality of segments joined by one or more splice connectors. The splice connector includes a first section, a stop at an intermediate point, and a second section. The first and second sections include features configured and arranged to engage and connect with interior surfaces of the first and second segments, thereby operably connecting the first and second segments of the drapery support rod. The drapery support rod includes a helical guide structure on the exterior surface to move one or more of a plurality of ring members between an open and closed position, wherein the rings are configured and arranged to attach to an upper edge of a shade material and suspend the shade material from the drapery support rod.

Abstract: A drive assembly with finial connector for a drapery rod system that is configured to facilitate assembly of a drapery rod and finials with the finials aligned with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod and facilitate connection with and disconnection of drapery rod and finials from brackets while assembled. In one or more arrangements, the drive assembly includes a drive coupler, a gearbox, a motor, a control circuit housing positioned within a hollow interior of a drapery rod. In one or more arrangements, the drive assembly includes a lug and a shaft operably connected to an outward end of the control circuit housing. The lug is configured to connect with a bracket. In one or more arrangements, the drive assembly includes a finial connector configured to operably connect with the lug and/or shaft and facilitate connection with a finial aligned with the drapery rod.

Abstract: In one or more arrangements, an umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a upper hub that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by a lower hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the lower hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube, thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a rotational lock assembly configured to prevent rotation of the rotating tube when locked and permit rotation of the rotating tube when unlocked. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a counterbalance assembly that provides a counterbalance force positioned within a upper hub of the umbrella frame.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples of drapery systems one of which includes a drapery rod operatively connected to a structure by a first bracket and a second bracket. In one nonlimiting embodiment the drapery rod has an exterior surface with a guide structure and a hollow interior having a feature. At least one example drapery system includes a drive coupler and a motor operatively coupled to the drive coupler, wherein the drive coupler is configured to be inserted within the hollow interior of the drapery rod and the drive coupler is configured to engage the feature of the drapery rod, wherein when the motor operates the drive coupler rotates, and rotation of the drive coupler causes rotation of the drapery rod.

Abstract: In one or more arrangements, an umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a upper hub that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by a lower hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the lower hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube, thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a rotational lock assembly configured to prevent rotation of the rotating tube when locked and permit rotation of the rotating tube when unlocked. In one or more arrangements, the system includes a counterbalance assembly that provides a counterbalance force positioned within a upper hub of the umbrella frame.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a drapery system is presented including a drapery support rod having a plurality of segments joined by one or more splice connectors. The splice connector includes a first section, a stop at an intermediate point, and a second section. The first and second sections include features configured and arranged to engage and connect with interior surfaces of the first and second segments, thereby operably connecting the first and second segments of the drapery support rod. The drapery support rod includes a helical guide structure on the exterior surface to move one or more of a plurality of ring members between an open and closed position, wherein the rings are configured and arranged to attach to an upper edge of a shade material and suspend the shade material from the drapery support rod.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples of drapery systems one of which includes a drapery rod operatively connected to a structure by a first bracket and a second bracket. In one nonlimiting embodiment the drapery rod has an exterior surface with a guide structure and a hollow interior having a feature. At least one example drapery system includes a drive coupler and a motor operatively coupled to the drive coupler, wherein the drive coupler is configured to be inserted within the hollow interior of the drapery rod and the drive coupler is configured to engage the feature of the drapery rod, wherein when the motor operates the drive coupler rotates, and rotation of the drive coupler causes rotation of the drapery rod.