Abstract: A trough shade system and method of use provide improved support for a roller tube and shade material. The roller tube and wound shade material are located within a support cradle to minimize unwanted deflection by the roller tube and associated wrinkling and deformation of the shade material. Various mechanisms allow the roller tube a limited range of movement within the support cradle. The system is suitable for shading larger areas than other shading systems which rely on roller tubes with fixed supports at the ends.

Abstract: A trough shade system and method of use provide improved support for a roller tube and shade material. The roller tube and wound shade material are located within a support cradle to minimize unwanted deflection by the roller tube and associated wrinkling and deformation of the shade material. Various mechanisms allow the roller tube a limited range of movement within the support cradle. The system is suitable for shading larger areas than other shading systems which rely on roller tubes with fixed supports at the ends.

Abstract: A trough shade system and method of use provide improved support for a roller tube and shade material. The roller tube and wound shade material are located within a support cradle to minimize unwanted deflection by the roller tube and associated wrinkling and deformation of the shade material. Various mechanisms allow the roller tube a limited range of movement within the support cradle. The system is suitable for shading larger areas than other shading systems which rely on roller tubes with fixed supports at the ends.

Abstract: An automated shade system that shades windows on different planes is disclosed. The automated shade system comprises a roller tube with shade material wound on the roller tube connected to a second roller tube with a second shade material wound on the second roller tube, wherein each roller tube is at an angle to the other. The roller tubes are connected by an off axis connector that transmits torque between the two roller tubes. The system has only one drive mechanism to operate the non coaxial roller tubes, whereas other shade systems would require separate drive mechanisms for each roller tube.

Abstract: A trough shade system and method of use provide improved support for a roller tube and shade material. The roller tube and wound shade material are located within a support cradle to minimize unwanted deflection by the roller tube and associated wrinkling and deformation of the shade material. Various mechanisms allow the roller tube a limited range of movement within the support cradle. The system is suitable for shading larger areas than other shading systems which rely on roller tubes with fixed supports at the ends.

Abstract: A coupler system which changes the relationship of two or more rotating shade tubes is disclosed. The invention enables the installer to compensate for the height of the hembar by rotating the tube forward or backward any desired number of degrees. The coupler includes a cam which is adjusted by opposing set screws. The cam may be rotated by about 15 degrees in each direction. Adjusting the cam adjusts the second tube without adjusting the first tube (e.g., the drive or motor end tube). The adjustment device is configured to rotate the cam which, in turn, rotates the second tube to align a second hem bar hanging from the second tube with a first hem bar hanging from the first tube. The adjustments may be accomplished with minimal or no removal or adjustment of the other shades, and with minimal friction on the aligned shade.

Abstract: A coupler system which changes the relationship of two or more rotating shade tubes is disclosed. The invention enables the installer to compensate for the height of the hembar by rotating the tube forward or backward any desired number of degrees. The coupler includes a cam which is adjusted by opposing set screws. The cam may be rotated by about 15 degrees in each direction. Adjusting the cam adjusts the second tube without adjusting the first tube (e.g., the drive or motor end tube). The adjustment device is configured to rotate the cam which, in turn, rotates the second tube to align a second hem bar hanging from the second tube with a first hem bar hanging from the first tube. The adjustments may be accomplished with minimal or no removal or adjustment of the other shades, and with minimal friction on the aligned shade.