System for coupling roller shade tubes

Abstract

A coupler assembly for coupling first and second roller tubes together includes first and second side assemblies. The first side assembly includes a clutch mechanism having first and second clutch members supported on a shaft for movement between a closed clutch condition in which the roller tubes rotate simultaneously and an opened clutch condition in which the tubes are uncoupled for relative rotation. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch drive member preferably including an elongated bar slidably received in an elongated groove defined on an exterior surface of the shaft. The clutch drive member may include a lug received in an interior of the second clutch member to apply a pulling force to the second clutch member. Alternatively, the clutch drive member may include a thrust member contacting the second clutch member to apply a pushing force.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/361,900, filed Feb. 24, 2006, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/691,850, filed Oct. 23, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,782. The entire disclosures of both applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to motorized roller shades. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system for coupling multiple roller shade tubes together for rotation by the same drive system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motorized roller shade systems include a flexible shade fabric windingly received on a roller tube. The roller tube is supported for rotation about a central axis and is driven by a drive system motor to wind the shade fabric.

Roller shade systems having separate roller tubes secured together for simultaneous rotation are known. The roller tubes are rotatably supported such that the central axes of the tubes are substantially aligned. The tubes of known shade roller systems are fastened together to transfer rotation of one of the tubes, provided by the drive system motor, to the other one of the tubes.

The space occupied by the fastening elements securing roller tubes of known shade systems creates a gap between the ends of the tubes. A corresponding gap, therefore, is also created between the associated shade fabrics wound onto the roller tubes. Reduction in the space occupied by the tube fastening structure in a multiple-tube shade system, therefore, is desirable for limiting potential light gaps between shade fabrics supported by the tubes.

The assembly of the fastening structure for multiple-tube shade systems can be difficult and time-consuming, and may require the use of a specific tool, or tools. Also, the steps involved in fastening the tubes, and in mounting the multiple-tube roller shade to its supporting structure, may render assembly and installation of the roller shade impractical or impossible in applications where only limited clearance is provided.

When position adjustment of one of the shade fabrics of a known multiple-tube shade system is desired, either the tubes must be unfastened to allow for relative rotation between the tubes or the shade fabric must be removed from the associated tube and re-attached. The procedures and time required for unfastening the tubes of a known multiple-tube shade system, therefore, tends to deter a user from adjusting shade position by unfastening the tubes. A multiple-tube shade system having a construction that facilitates uncoupling of the tubes for relative rotation to adjust shade fabric position is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a coupler assembly is provided for coupling first and second roller tubes together for simultaneous rotation of the roller tubes. The coupler assembly comprises a first side assembly adapted to rotatingly support the first roller tube and a second side assembly adapted to rotatingly support the second roller tube. Each of the first side assembly and the second side assembly includes a shaft. The shafts of the first and second side assemblies are adapted for attachment to each other for simultaneous rotation of the shafts.

The first side assembly includes a clutch mechanism movable between a closed clutch condition in which the first and second roller tubes are coupled for simultaneous rotation and an opened clutch condition in which the first and second roller tubes are uncoupled for relative rotation between the first and second roller tubes. The clutch mechanism includes first and second clutch members adapted to engage each other for torque transfer between the first and second clutch members when the clutch mechanism is in the closed condition. The first clutch member is rotationally coupled to the first roller such that the first clutch member rotates with the first roller and the second clutch member is rotationally coupled to the shaft such that the second clutch member rotates with the shaft. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch drive member adapted to drive the second clutch member axially with respect to the shaft when the clutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutch condition such that the first and second are separated from each other to provide for relative rotation between the first and second clutch members.

According to one embodiment, the clutch drive member includes an elongated bar adapted to slide along an exterior surface of the shaft of the first side assembly. The clutch drive member may include a lug adapted for receipt within an interior of the second clutch member for applying a pulling force to the second clutch member. Alternatively, the clutch drive member may include a thrust member adapted to contact a surface of the second clutch member for applying a pushing force to the second clutch member.

According to another aspect of the invention, a shade roller system comprises first and second elongated roller tubes each windingly supporting a flexible shade fabric and a tube support assembly supporting the first and second roller tubes. The tube support assembly is rotatably mounted to a fixed support for rotation of the first and second roller tubes about an axis of rotation. The tube support assembly includes a clutch mechanism having first and second clutch members. The first clutch member is coupled to the first roller tube such that the first clutch member rotates with the first roller tube about the axis of rotation.

The clutch mechanism is adapted for movement between a closed clutch condition and an opened clutch condition. The first and second clutch members engage each other in the closed clutch condition for torque transfer therebetween such that the first and second roller tubes are coupled together for simultaneous rotation about the axis of rotation. The first and second clutch members are disengaged from each other in the opened clutch condition such that relative rotation between the first and second roller tubes is permitted.

According to one embodiment, the tube support assembly includes a shaft supported for rotation about the axis of rotation and each of the first and second clutch members defines an opening in which the shaft is received. The second clutch member slides axially along the shaft to disengage the second clutch member from the first clutch member when the clutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutch condition.

According to another embodiment, the clutch mechanism of the tube support assembly includes a clutch drive member contacting the second clutch member to drive the second clutch member between the closed and opened condition of the clutch mechanism. The clutch drive member may include a lug received within an interior of the second clutch member to apply a pulling force to the second clutch member. Alternatively, the clutch drive member may include a thrust member adapted to contact a surface of the second clutch member for applying a pushing force to the second clutch member.

According to another aspect of the invention, a motorized shade system is provided. The motorized shade system comprises a plurality of elongated roller tubes each having opposite end portions. The roller tubes are substantially aligned along a common axis of rotation and arranged to define at least one pair of adjacently located tube end portions. Each of the roller tubes is adapted for winding receipt of a flexible shade fabric.

The motorized shade system also comprises a drive system including a motor operably engaged with one of the roller tubes for rotating the roller tube about the common axis of rotation and a mounting assembly for each pair of tube end portions. The mounting assembly includes first and second tube support assemblies respectively engaging a first tube end portion and a second tube end portion of the pair of tube end portions and adapted to rotatably support the tube end portion. The first and second tube support assemblies are secured together to provide for simultaneous rotation of the associated roller tubes.

The first tube support assembly of each mounting assembly includes a clutch mechanism having first and second clutch members and adapted for movement between a closed clutch condition and an opened clutch condition. The first and second clutch members are adapted to engage each other for torque transfer therebetween when the clutch mechanism is in the closed condition. The first clutch member is rotationally coupled to the first tube end portion such that the first clutch member rotates with the first roller. The second clutch member is rotationally coupled to a shaft of the first tube support assembly such that the second clutch member rotates with the shaft. The clutch mechanism includes a clutch drive member adapted to drive the second clutch member axially with respect to the shaft of the first tube assembly when the clutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutch condition such that the first and second are separated from each other to provide for relative rotation between the first and second clutch members.

According to one embodiment, the clutch drive member includes an elongated bar adapted to slide along an exterior surface of the shaft of the first side assembly. The clutch drive member may include a lug adapted for receipt within an interior of the second clutch member for applying a pulling force to the second clutch member. Alternatively, the clutch drive member may include a thrust member adapted to contact a surface of the second clutch member for applying a pushing force to the second clutch member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a motorized roller shade according the present invention including multiple roller tubes coupled together for rotation by the same drive system.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the roller shade of FIG. 1 showing coupled ends of two roller tubes shown without the removable cover.

FIG. 3 is a partial section view of the roller shade of FIG. 1 showing the coupler assembly joining two roller tubes.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the coupler assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 4 removed from the roller shade system and shown without the tube end rotational fitting and mounting plate set.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the coupler first side of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the coupler first side of FIG. 5 showing the clutch mechanism in its closed condition.

FIG. 8 is a section view of the coupler first side of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the coupler first side of FIG. 5 showing the clutch mechanism in its opened condition.

FIG. 10 is a section view of the coupler first side of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the coupler assembly first side and associated roller tube of FIG. 3 shown removed from the roller shade system and without the set of mounting plates.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the second side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 4 removed from the bracket structure and shown without the tube end rotational fitting.

FIG. 13 is a section view of the coupler second side of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the shafts of the coupler first and second sides and the shaft connector of the coupler assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the second side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 4 removed from the bracket structure and showing the set of mounting plates separated from the tube-end fitting.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the bracket structure of the coupler assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of a roller shade coupler assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the roller shade coupler assembly of FIG. 17 shown engaging an adjacent pair of roller tubes.

FIG. 19 is a perspective of a first side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 17 removed from a bracket assembly of the coupler assembly and shown without a tube end rotational fitting and a mounting plate set.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the first side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the first side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 19, shown with a clutch mechanism of the first side in a closed condition.

FIG. 22 is a side sectional view of the first side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the first side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 19, shown with the clutch mechanism of the first side in an opened condition.

FIG. 24 is a side sectional view of the first side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 17 removed from the bracket assembly of the coupler assembly and shown without a tube end rotational fitting and a mounting plate set.

FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of the second side of the coupler assembly of FIG. 25 shown without a cotter pin received by a shaft of the second side.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing the shafts of the first and second sides of the coupler assembly of FIG. 17 and the cotter pin of the coupler assembly for interconnecting the shafts.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a roller shade having a roller coupler assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 29 is sectional view of the roller shade of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a first side of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the first side of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 31 and a roller tube.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the first side of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 30, shown with a clutch mechanism of the first side in a closed condition.

FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of the first side of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a side view of the first side of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 30, shown with a clutch mechanism of the first side in an opened condition.

FIG. 36 is a side sectional view of the first side of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a second side of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 30.

FIG. 38 is a side sectional view of the second side of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 30.

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the second side of the roller coupler assembly of FIG. 30.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, where like numerals identify like elements, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a motorized roller shade system 10 according to the present invention. The roller shade system 10 is mounted to the wall of a structure adjacent a window frame 12. The roller shade system 10 includes three shade fabrics 14 separately wound onto three roller tubes 16. The roller tubes 16 are rotatably supported above the window frame 12 by bracket structure 18 located at the opposite ends of the roller shade system 10 and bracket structure 20 located between the roller tubes 16. The roller shade system 10 includes a motor 22 for rotating the roller tubes 16 to wind and unwind the associated shade fabrics 14. The motor 22 of the drive system is shown schematically in FIG. 1 within an end of one of the roller tubes 16 in a known manner adjacent the right-hand end of the roller shade system 10.

The present invention provides for rotatable support of adjacently located end portions of the roller tubes 16 and interconnection therebetween. The interconnection provided between the roller tubes 16 desirably provides for simultaneous rotation of the multiple roller tubes 16 by the motor 22. As described below in greater detail, the present invention also facilitates optional uncoupling between the adjacently located ends of the roller tubes 16 to provide for relative rotation between the roller tubes. Such relative rotation desirably provides for adjustment of the position of a lower end 26 of one or more of the shade fabrics 14, for example, without requiring that the shade fabric 14 be removed from the associated roller tube 16 or that the roller tube be removed from the roller shade system 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the coupling system of the present invention includes coupler assemblies 24 located between adjacent ends of the roller tubes 16. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coupler assembly 24 provides for tube engagement and rotational support with only minimal clearance required between the tubes 16. This construction desirably provides for minimization of the distance, d_g, between the side edges of adjacent shade fabrics 14 wound onto the respective roller tubes 16 of the roller shade system 10.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a portion of the roller shade system 10 of FIG. 1 that includes one of the coupler assemblies 24 joining adjacent roller tubes 16. The coupler assembly 24 is shown without the removable cover 28 for clarity of view. The coupler assembly 24 includes first and second sides 30, 32 secured together for torque transfer therebetween. As shown, each of the first and second coupler sides 30, 32 is received by an end of the one of the roller tubes 16 such that a portion is located within an interior defined by the roller tube 16.

The first and second sides 30, 32 of the coupler assembly 24 respectively include drive transfer members 34, 36. Each of the drive transfer members 34, 36 is preferably made from a resilient material such as rubber and is dimensioned for engagement with an inner surface defined by the associated roller tube 16. The engagement between the drive transfer members 34, 36 and the roller tubes 16 provides for torque transfer between the roller tubes 16 and the coupler assembly 24. Rotation of one of the coupled roller tubes 16, by the drive system of roller shade system 10 for example, will be transferred through the coupler assembly 24 resulting in rotation of the other of the coupled roller tubes 16.

The first and second sides 30, 32 of coupler assembly 24 include tube-end fittings 38, 40, respectively. The tube-end fittings 38, 40 connect the roller tubes 16 to the bracket structure 20 and provide for rotatable support of the tubes. Each of the tube-end fittings 38, 40 includes inner and outer portions 42, 44, which are rotatable with respect to each other. The outer portion 44 of each tube-end fitting 38, 40 engages the inner surface of the associated roller tube 16 and defines an annular shoulder that contacts an end of the roller tube 16 to limit receipt of the tube-end fitting 38, 40 within the interior of the tube. As described in greater detail below, the inner portion 42 of each tube-end fitting 38,40 engages a set 46 of mounting plates, which are in turn secured to the bracket structure 20 by fasteners 48.

The first and second sides 30, 32 of the coupler assembly 24 include shafts 50, 52 respectively, including end portions 54, 56. As shown in FIG. 3, the shafts 50, 52 are received by the tube-end fittings 38, 40 such that the end portions 54, 56 of each of the shafts 50,52 extends from an end of the associated tube-end fitting 38, 40 opposite the drive transfer members 34, 36, respectively. The end portion 54 of the first side shaft 50 is adapted to receive the end portion 56 of the second side shaft 52 and is secured thereto by a hairpin cotter pin 58 received by both shaft end portions 54, 56. As described in greater detail below, the connection between the shaft end portions 54, 56 provides for torque transfer between the first and second sides 30, 32 of the coupler assembly 24.

As described above, the present invention provides for optional uncoupling of the multiple roller tubes 16 of the roller shade system 10 for relative rotation therebetween. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the coupler assembly 24 includes a clutch mechanism 60, which provides for the optional uncoupling of the multiple roller tubes 16 of roller shade system 10. The first side 30 of the coupler assembly 24 is shown removed from the bracket structure 20 and without the associated tube-end fitting 38 and mounting plate set 46 to facilitate description of the clutch mechanism 60. The clutch mechanism 60 includes a face-gear 62 having first and second halves 64, 66 each defining teeth 68 about a periphery thereof. The teeth 68 of the first and second face-gear halves 64, 66 are dimensioned for engagement and torque transfer therebetween when the face-gear 62 is in the closed condition shown in FIG. 5.

The first half 64 of face-gear 62 is secured to the first side drive transfer member 34 by threaded fasteners 70 and a retainer bracket 72. The fasteners 70 are received through aligned openings 74, 76 of the face-gear first half 64 and drive transfer member 34, respectively, to engage openings 78 in the retainer bracket 72. The face-gear first half 64 includes a substantially cylindrical collar portion 80 defining a bore in which the first side shaft 50 is received. The face-gear first half 64 is restrained against longitudinal movement with respect to the first side shaft 50 by split-ring retainers 82, 84 received in spaced circumferential recesses 86, 88 formed in the outer surface of the first side shaft 50. The face-gear second half 66 also includes a substantially cylindrical collar portion 90 defining a bore 91 that receives the first side shaft 50.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, the clutch mechanism 60 is shown in its closed condition providing torque transfer of the associated roller tubes 16 and its opened condition providing for optional uncoupling of the roller tube 16 and relative rotation therebetween. The clutch mechanism 60 includes a pull rod 92 and a draw pin 94, which provide for longitudinal movement of the face-gear second half 66 with respect to the first side shaft 50. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the draw pin 94 is received in openings 96, 98, 100 respectively provided in the collar portion 90 of the face-gear second half 66, in the first side shaft 50 and in the pull rod 92. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 8, the openings 96, 98 include aligned openings on each of opposite sides of the face-gear second half 66 and the first side shaft 50. The openings 98 in the first side shaft 50 define elongated slots providing for translation of the draw pin 94 with respect to the first side shaft 50 for movement of the face-gear second half 66 between the closed and opened positions for the face gear 62.

The clutch mechanism 60 includes a face-gear biasing spring 102 received on the first side shaft 50. The biasing spring 102 is located between the collar portion 90 of the face-gear second half 66 and a thrust washer 104 translatably received by the first side shaft 50. Longitudinal movement of the thrust washer 104 with respect to the first side shaft 50 is limited by a split-ring retainer 106 received in a longitudinal recess 108 formed in the outer surface of the first side shaft 50. The face-gear biasing spring 102 reacts against the thrust washer 104 and split-ring retainer 106 to apply a biasing force to the face-gear second half 66 tending to maintain the face gear 62 in the closed condition shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The first side shaft 50 and the pull rod 92 of clutch mechanism 60 further include openings 110, 112, respectively, located adjacent an end of the first side shaft 50 and the pull rod 92 opposite from the openings 98, 100 discussed above. In a similar fashion to openings 98, the openings 110 of the first side shaft 50 define elongated slots and are preferably located on each of opposite sides of the shaft 50.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the respective openings 110, 112 of the first side shaft 50 and the pull rod 92 are located between an end 114 of the associated roller tube 16 and the set 46 of mounting plates. A space is provided between the roller tube end 114 and the set 46 of mounting plates. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner portion 42 of the first side tube-end fitting 38 provides an access area 116. As shown, the openings 110, 112 in the first side shaft 50 and the pull rod 92 are presented in the access area 116 during rotation of the associated roller tube 16.

The above-described construction desirably provides for relative rotation between the multiple roller tubes 16 in an uncomplicated and rapid manner as follows. The access provided to the openings 110, 112 allows for insertion of an elongated release tool 118, such as a screwdriver for example, into the opening 112 of the pull rod 92 for moving the pull rod 92 and the connected face-gear second half 66. The elongated release tool 118 is shown schematically in FIGS. 8 and 10 inserted into the opening 112 of pull rod 92. Application of force to the pull rod 92 sufficient to overcome the biasing force applied by the face-gear biasing spring 102 causes longitudinal movement of the face-gear second half 66 with respect to shaft 50 to the opened position shown in FIG. 10. This movement separates the face-gear halves 64, 66, and the associated teeth 68, from each other allowing for relative rotation between the face gear halves 64, 66 and, therefore, between the pair of roller tubes 16 otherwise coupled together by the coupler assembly 24.

The coupler assembly first side 30 also includes a locator spring 120 received on the first side shaft 50 between a pair of thrust washers 122, 124. As shown in FIG. 3, the thrust washer 122 contacts the split-ring retainer 106 opposite the thrust washer 104 provided for face-gear biasing spring 102. Thrust washer 124 contacts the inner portion 42 of the first side tube-end fitting 38. Another thrust washer 126 is received on the first side shaft 50 and is located outside of the first side tube-end fitting 38 to contact an end surface 128 of the associated inner portion 42. A split-ring retainer 130 is received in a circumferential recess 132 in the first side shaft 50 adjacent the shaft end portion 54. The thrust washer 126 and split-ring retainer 130 limit removal of the first side tube-end fitting 38 from the first side shaft 50. The locator spring 120 reacts against the thrust washer 122 and the inner portion 42 of the first side tube-end fitting 38 to bias the first side shaft 50 with respect to the tube-end fitting 38. As an alternative to locator spring 120, the coupler assembly first side 30 could include a thrust washer, contacting an end of the tube-end fitting 38 opposite the thrust washer 126, and a split-ring retainer received in a recess in first side shaft 50 to limit translation of tube-end fitting 38.

Referring to FIG. 12, the second side 32 of the coupler assembly 24 is shown removed from the coupler assembly 24 and without the second side tube-end fitting 40 and mounting plate set 46. In FIG. 12, the hairpin cotter pin 58 is shown engaged with the end portion 56 of the second side shaft 52. As described below in greater detail, however, to secure the first and second shafts 50, 52 together as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hairpin cotter pin 58 is received by both end portions 54, 56 of the first and second side shafts 50, 52. The coupler assembly second side 32 includes a drive transfer mount 134, which receives an end 136 of the second side shaft 52 and is secured to the shaft by a pin 138. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, the drive transfer mount 134 is received within an interior defined by the second drive transfer member 36 and is retained therein by opposite peripheral ledges 140 defined by the drive transfer member 36. As described above, the drive transfer member 36 is preferably made from a resilient rubber material. Preferably, the drive transfer mount 134 is made from a relatively rigid plastic material. The resilient nature of the drive transfer member 36 facilitates insertion of the relatively rigid drive transfer mount 134 within the interior defined by the drive transfer member 36.

Referring to FIG. 14, the first shaft end portion 54 includes opposite faceted sides 142 each including an opening 144. The second shaft end portion 56 includes a curved wall 146 in the form of a partial cylinder such that an access opening 148 is defined by the shaft end portion 56. Aligned openings 150 are formed in the curved wall 146 of second shaft end portion 56. As illustrated by the dashed lines, the first shaft end portion 54 is received by the second shaft end portion 56 such that the openings 144, 150 are aligned with each other. The hairpin cotter pin 58, which is preferably a cotter pin, is received through the aligned openings 144, 150 to secure the shafts 50, 52 to each other.

The use of a hairpin cotter pin to connect the shaft end portions 54, 56 is not required. It is conceivable that shaft connectors of various construction could be received through the aligned openings 144, 150 formed in the shaft end portions 54, 56 to secure them together. The use of the hairpin cotter pin 58, however, which includes two leg portions 152, 154 and a curved return portion 156 provides a useful visual aid for orienting the shafts 50, 52 for insertion of the elongated release tool 118 for opening the clutch mechanism 60. As described above, the first side shaft 50 includes two slotted openings 110 located oppositely from each other on the first side shaft 50. Therefore, the pull rod opening 112 will be presented in the access area 116 shown in FIG. 11 with every 180 degrees of rotation of the associated roller tube 16. Referring to FIG. 4, the elongated, and non-symmetric, shape of the hairpin cotter pin 58 facilitates rapid determination of the angular position of the shafts 50, 52 without requiring proximity to the coupler assembly 24 for a close examination of the access area 116.

The shafts 50, 52 of the first and second sides 30, 32 are shown in FIG. 14 separated from each other in a longitudinal direction with respect to the shafts. It should be understood, however, that the above described construction, which includes faceted sides 142 for shaft end portion 54 and an access opening 148 in shaft end portion 56, also provides for insertion of shaft end portion 54 in a transverse direction with respect to the shafts 50, 52. Such optional transverse receipt of shaft end portion 54 by shaft end portion 56 desirably provides for assembly and disassembly of the coupler assembly 24 in limited clearance installations where an in-line assembly in a longitudinal direction is either impractical or impossible.

Referring to FIG. 15, the second side 32 of the coupler assembly 24 is shown removed from the coupler assembly and with the set 46 of mounting plates separated from the tube-end fitting 40. The set 46 of mounting plates includes first and second plates 158, 160. A similar set 46 of mounting plates is provided for the first side 30 of the coupler assembly 24. The first plate 158 includes spaced side portions 162 interconnected by a top portion 164. The spacing of the side portions 162 provides for receipt of the first plate 158 in opposite notches 166 defined by the inner portion 42 of the associated tube-end fitting 38, 40. The second plate 160 includes spaced side portions 168 and top and bottom portions 170, 172 interconnecting the side portions 168 to define a rectangular opening 174. The rectangular opening 174 receives the inner portion 42 of the associated tube-end fitting 38,40 and shaft 50, 52. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first and second plates 158, 160 of each mounting plate set 46 are adapted for placement in a stacked relationship and are secured to the bracket structure 20 by the above-identified fasteners 48.

Referring again to FIG. 15, the second plate 160 of each mounting plate set 46 includes a support panel 176 connected to the bottom portion 172 and oriented substantially perpendicular thereto. A vertical adjustment member 178 includes an elongated shaft portion 180 threadedly engaging the inner portion 42 of the associated tube-end fitting 38, 40. An enlarged head portion 182 of the vertical adjustment member 178 rests on the support panel 176 of the second plate 160. The head portion 182 contacts an opening 184 provided in the support panel 176 in a nesting manner. A tab projection 186 connected to the second plate top portion 170 is located adjacent a curved part 188 of the first plate top portion 164. A terminal end portion 190 of the vertical adjustment member 178 opposite the head portion 182 is located between the curved part 188 of the first plate top portion 164 and the second plate top portion 170. The location of the vertical adjustment member 178 with respect to the associated tube-end fitting 38, 40 is varied by rotating the vertical adjustment member 178. This results in adjustment of the location of the tube-end fitting 38, 40 with respect to the mounting plate set 46 and the bracket structure 20 to which the mounting plate set 46 is secured.

Referring to FIG. 16, the bracket structure 20 of the coupler assembly 24 is shown in greater detail. The bracket structure 20 includes a base member 192 and first and second angle brackets 194, 196. The base member 192 includes openings 198 for attachment of the base member 192 to the wall of a structure, for example, using screws (not shown). Each of the angle brackets 194, 196 includes a base-connecting panel 200 and a tube-support panel 202, which are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. The base-connecting panel 200 includes opposite side edges 204, 206. Side edge 204 forms a returned portion of the base-connecting panel 200 received by an edge 208 of the base member 192 in hook-like fashion for hanging support of the angle brackets 194, 196 on the base member 192. Side edge 206 of the base-connecting panel 200 is rounded for receipt of the side edge on tab projections 216 of the base member 192, as shown in FIG. 3.

The engagement between the base-connecting panel side edges 204, 206 and the base member 192 provides for sliding of the angle brackets 194, 196 with respect to the base member 192. Screws 212 received in openings 214 of the base-connecting panel adjacent the side edge 206 engage slotted openings 218 formed in the tab projections 216 of the base member 192. The engagement provided by screws 212 limits the relative movement between the angle brackets 194, 196 and the base member 192.

The tube support panel 202 of each angle bracket 194, 196 includes an opening 220 for receipt of the associated shaft 50, 52 of the first and second tube coupler sides 30, 32. Slot openings 222 located on opposite sides of the shaft opening 220 are engaged by the fasteners 48 to secure the mounting plate sets 46 to the bracket structure 20. The inclusion of the slot openings 222 allows for horizontal adjustment of the location of the plate sets 46 with respect to the bracket structure 20 and, therefore, horizontal adjustment of the shafts 50, 52.

In FIGS. 2-4, the clutch mechanism 60 is shown within the roller tube 16 that is located on the left-hand side of the coupler assembly 24. As described above, the motor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 located adjacent the right-hand side of the roller shade system 10. Arranged in this manner, the roller tube 16 on the right-hand side of FIGS. 2-4 will be located on the motor-side of the associated coupler assembly 24. When a user actuates the clutch mechanism 60 in the above-described manner, the left-hand side roller tube 16 opposite the motor-side of the assembly will be released for manual rotation while the motor-side roller tube 16 is held against rotation.

The number of teeth 68 provided for the first and second halves 64, 66 of face-gear 62 may vary from that shown in the drawings. The use of a relatively large number of teeth in the manner shown, however, desirably facilitates re-engagement between the teeth 68 of the respective face-gear halves 64, 66 when the second face-gear half 66 is returned by the biasing spring 102. The relatively fine-toothed construction shown in the drawings provides for meshing engagement of the teeth 68 of the first and second face-gear halves 64, 66 in rotational increments of 3 degrees.

The force applied to the face-gear 62 by the biasing spring 102 tends to maintain the face-gear 62 in the closed condition. This desirably serves to ensure meshing engagement between the teeth for torque transfer through the coupler assembly 24 when simultaneous driving of multiple shades by a single drive system is desired. The roller shade system may include more or fewer roller tubes than the three that are shown in the drawings. The number of roller tubes that may be coupled together in a given application will be limited by the torque capability of the drive system associated with the roller shade.

Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown a coupler assembly 224 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The coupler assembly 224 is supported by bracket structure 20 in a similar manner as coupler assembly 24. The coupler assembly 224 includes first and second sides 226, 228 respectively having shafts 230, 232 secured together for torque transfer therebetween as described below. The first and second sides 226, 228 of coupler assembly 224 include drive transfer members 234, 236 and tube-end fittings 238, 240.

Referring to FIG. 18, the tube-end fittings 238, 240 of coupler assembly 224 are similar in construction to tube-end fittings 38, 40 of coupler assembly 24 each having inner and outer portions 242, 244 that are rotatable with respect to each other for rotatably connecting an adjacent pair of roller tubes 246, 248 to the bracket structure 20. Each of the tube-end fittings 238, 240 engages a pair of stacked mounting plates 250, 252, which are in turn secured to the bracket structure 20 by fasteners 254.

Each of the drive transfer members 234, 236 of the first and second sides 226, 228 of coupler assembly 224 includes a central hub 256 defining an opening for receipt of the associated one of the shafts 230, 232 of the first and second sides 226, 228, respectively. The drive transfer member 234 of the first side assembly 226 also functions as part of a clutch mechanism of the first side assembly, as described below in greater detail, to provide for optional disengagement between the rollers 246, 248 for relative rotation therebetween. Each of the drive transfer members 234, 236 includes a disc-like body 258 and tabs 260 located on supports 262 spaced about an outer periphery of the body 258. As shown, the tabs 260 are located within notches 264 defined by the supports 262 and are arranged such that the tabs 260 extend generally longitudinally with respect to the associated one of the shafts 230, 232. As shown in FIG. 18, however, the tabs 260 also extend outwardly to a slight extent in a radial direction to contact an inner surface of the associated roller tube 246, 248. Preferably, the tabs 260 are adapted to flex under lateral loading to provide for an interfering contact, and an associated frictional engagement, between the tabs 260 and the roller tubes 246, 248. The roller tubes 246, 248 may also define longitudinally extending notches adapted for receiving the peripherally-located supports 262 of the drive transfer members 234, 236.

The construction of the drive transfer members 234, 236 desirably provides a unitary construction that may be integrally formed in an injection molding process from a plastic material, for example. This construction differs from that of the drive transfer members 34, 36 of coupler assembly 24. As described above, the drive transfer members 34, 36 are preferably made from a resilient rubber material. The drive transfer member 34 is secured to the first half 64 of face-gear 62 by fasteners 70 and retainer bracket 72. The drive transfer member 36 defines an interior in which a relatively rigid mount 134 is received and retained therein by ledges 140. The construction of the drive transfer members 234, 236, therefore, is desirably simplified compared to that of drive transfer members 34, 36.

Referring to FIGS. 19 through 24, the first side 226 of coupler assembly 224 is shown in greater detail. To facilitate description, the first side 226 is shown without the tube-end fitting 238 and the mounting plates 250, 252. The first side 226 includes a clutch mechanism 266 that is adapted to provide for relative rotation between adjacent roller tubes, such as roller tubes 246, 248, of a multiple-tube shade roller. The clutch mechanism 266 includes a face-gear 268 having a first half 270 and a second half 272. As discussed above, the drive transfer member 234 of the first side 226 is adapted to provide torque transfer between the roller 246 and the first side 226. The drive transfer member 234, however, also functions as a first clutch member of the clutch mechanism 266, and, therefore, carries the first half 270 of face-gear 268. The drive transfer member 234, therefore, is also referred to hereinafter as “the first clutch member 234” of clutch mechanism 266. The second half 272 of face-gear 270 is carried by a second clutch member 267 of clutch mechanism 266. Similar to the face-gear 62 of coupler assembly 24, each of the first and second halves 270, 272 of face-gear 268 defines teeth 274 dimensioned for interfitting engagement with the teeth 274 of the other one of the first and second halves 270, 272. The interfit between the teeth 274 provides for torque transfer between the first and second halves 270, 272 of face-gear 268 when the clutch mechanism 266 is in a closed condition, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

The shaft 230 of first side 226 includes an annular flange 276 and a circumferential notch 278 located adjacent a first end of the shaft 230. As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 22, the shaft 230 is received in the opening defined by the central hub 256 of the first clutch member 234 such that the first clutch member 234, which carries the first half 270 of face-gear 268, is located in a space defined between the flange 276 and the notch 278. A split-ring retainer 280 received in the notch 278 captures the first clutch member 234 in the space between the flange 276 and notch 278 to limit axial movement of the first clutch member 234 with respect to the shaft 230. Relative rotation between the first clutch member 234 and the shaft 230, however, is not restrained.

The second clutch member 267 of clutch mechanism 266 includes a central hub 282 defining an opening for receipt of the shaft 230. The shaft 230 includes radially-projecting lugs 284 adjacent the flange 276 arranged for receipt in longitudinal grooves 286 formed on an inner surface of the hub 282, as shown in FIG. 22. The lugs 284 and grooves 286 are adapted such that relative rotation between the shaft 230 and the second clutch member 267 is limited. The grooves 286 are elongated with respect to the lugs 284, however, such that the second clutch member 267 can slide axially with respect to the shaft 230. The sliding of the second clutch member 267 in this manner provides for relative movement between the first and second halves 270, 272 of face-gear 268 during movement of the clutch mechanism between closed and opened conditions, as described below in greater detail.

Similar to the first side 30 of coupler assembly 24, the first side 226 of coupler assembly 224 includes a spring 288 received by the shaft 230 and contacting the second clutch member 267 of clutch mechanism 266 to bias the second clutch member 267 towards the first clutch member 234 (i.e., towards the closed-condition of clutch mechanism 266). An opposite end of the spring 288 contacts a washer 290, which in turn contacts a split-ring retainer 292 received in a circumferential notch 294 in shaft 230. As shown in FIG. 18, the first side 226 of coupler assembly 224 also includes a pair of washers 296, and an associated pair of split-ring retainers 298 received in notches 300 in shaft 230 for limiting axial movement of the tube-end fitting 238 with respect to the shaft 230.

The first side 226 of coupler assembly 224 includes a pair of draw bars 302 each slidably received in a longitudinal groove 304 formed in an exterior surface of the shaft 230. The longitudinal grooves 304 are located on opposite sides of the shaft 230. Each of the draw bars 302 includes a lug 306 at one end of the draw bar 302 such that the lug 306 is received within one of the internal grooves 286 of the second clutch member 267 adjacent one of the lugs 284 of shaft 230. Each of the draw bars 302 also includes a tool formation 308 at an opposite end defining an eye opening. The tool formation 308 is adapted to receive a tool through an access opening in the tube-end fitting 238 for applying a pulling force to the draw bar 302. The lug 306 of draw bar 302 contacts an inner surface of the second clutch member 267 to move the second clutch member 267 to the opened condition of clutch mechanism 266, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. Each of the draw bars 302 includes recessed portions 310, 312 respectively located along the draw bar 302 to facilitate receipt of split-ring retainer 292 and one of the pair of split-ring retainers 298 over the draw bar 302 in the associated notches 294, 300 of shaft 230.

The location of the draw bars 302 on the exterior of the shaft 230, therefore, differs from the location of pull rod 92 of the above-described coupler assembly 24, which is received within an interior of shaft 50. The inclusion of lug 306 as an integral formation on the draw bar 302 also provides a simplified construction compared to coupler assembly 24, which includes draw pin 94 received in elongated opening 98 of shaft 50 an aligned opening 100 of pull rod 92.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the second side 228 of coupler assembly 224 is shown in greater detail. To facilitate description, the second side 228 is shown without the tube-end fitting 240 and mounting plates 250, 252. The shaft 232 of second side 228 includes lugs 316 (see FIG. 27) adjacent an end of the shaft 232 adapted for receipt within grooves 318 defined by the drive transfer member 236, as shown in FIG. 25, such that relative rotation between the drive transfer member 236 and shaft 232 is limited. A split-ring retainer 320 is received within a circumferential notch 322 formed in shaft 232 such that relative axial motion between the drive transfer member 236 and shaft 232 is also limited. Similar to the above-described coupler assembly 24, the shaft 232 of second side 228 of coupler assembly 224 includes a semi-cylindrical end portion 326 adapted for receipt of an end portion 328 of shaft 230 of first side 226. The end portions 326, 328 of the shafts 232, 230 define openings adapted for alignment to receive a cotter pin 330 to secure the shafts 232, 230 together.

Referring to FIGS. 28 through 30, there is shown a coupler assembly 332 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The coupler assembly 332 is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 joining adjacent roller tubes 334, 336 each windingly supporting a flexible shade fabric 338. The coupler assembly 332 includes first and second sides 340, 342 respectively engaging the roller tubes 334, 336.

Referring to FIGS. 31 through 36, the first side 340 of coupler assembly 332 is shown in greater detail. The first side 340 includes a tube-end fitting 344 having an inner portion 346, an outer portion 348, and a bearing 350 mounted between the inner and outer portions 346, 348 to provide relative rotation between the inner and outer portions 346, 348. The outer portion 348 is adapted to engage roller tube 334 to transfer rotation between the first side 340 of coupler assembly 332 and roller tube 334. As shown in FIG. 32, the roller tube 334 preferably includes longitudinally-extending grooves 352 for receiving ribs 354 projecting from a cylindrical portion of the outer portion 348. It is not a requirement of the invention, however, that the roller tube 334 include grooves 352 adapted for receipt of ribs 354 formed on the outer portion 348. It is conceivable for example that the outer portion 348 and roller tube 334 could be adapted for a press-fit engagement for transferring rotation of the outer portion 348 of tube-end fitting 344 to rotation of the roller tube 334.

The inner portion 346 of tube-end fitting 344 includes a hub 356 defining a central opening that receives a shaft 358 of the first side 340. The shaft 358 includes a circumferential flange 360 adapted for contact with an end of hub 356 when the inner portion 346 of tube-end fitting 344 is received on the shaft 358 as shown in FIG. 29. A split-ring retainer 362 is received in a circumferential groove 364 defined by shaft 358 to retain the inner portion 346 of tube-end fitting 344 in position axially with respect to shaft 358. The inner portion 346 is secured to a mounting bracket 366 by fasteners 368 for support of the first side 340 of coupler assembly 332 from a support surface (e.g., a wall).

The first side 340 includes a clutch mechanism 370 to provide relative rotation between roller tubes 334, 336 when the clutch mechanism 370 is moved to an opened condition, shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, from a closed condition, shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. The clutch mechanism 370 includes a face-gear 372 having first and second halves 374, 376 respectively carried by first and second clutch members 371, 373. As described below, the first clutch member 371 is preferably formed integrally as part of the outer portion 348 of tube-end fitting 344. Each of the halves 374, 376 of face-gear 372 defines teeth 378 adapted for interfitting engagement with the teeth 378 of the other one of the halves 374, 376 for torque transfer between the halves 374, 376 when the clutch mechanism 370 is in the closed condition shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. The second clutch member 373 includes a body 380 having a hub 382 defining an opening for receipt of the shaft 358. The shaft 358 includes spaced lugs 384 adapted for receipt in grooves 386 defined about an inner surface of the hub 382. The receipt of the lugs 384 of shaft 358 within the grooves 386 of the second clutch member 373 functions to limit relative rotation between the shaft 358 and the second clutch member 373. The second clutch member 373, however, is able to slide axially with respect to shaft 358. The teeth 378 of the second half 376 of face-gear 372 are spaced about a periphery of the body 380 of second clutch member 373 as shown in FIG. 32.

As discussed above, the first clutch member 371 of clutch mechanism 370 is preferably integrally formed with the outer portion 348 of the tube-end fitting 344. As shown, the first half 374 of face-gear 372 is defined by an annular end wall 388 of the outer portion 348 of tube-end fitting 344. The inclusion of the first half 374 of face-gear 372 as part of the outer portion 348 of the tube-end fitting 344 desirably facilitates assembly of the first side 340 of coupler assembly 332. As described below in greater detail, the clutch mechanism 370 is adapted to provide for movement of the second clutch member 373 with respect to the first clutch member 371 when the clutch mechanism 370 is moved between the closed and opened conditions of the clutch mechanism 370. The clutch mechanism 370 includes a compression spring 390 that contacts the second clutch member 373 at an end of the spring 390 to urge the second clutch member 373 towards the first clutch member 371 (i.e., towards the closed condition of the clutch mechanism 370). The clutch mechanism 370 also includes a washer 392 contacting an opposite end of the compression spring 390 and a split-ring retainer 394 received in a circumferential notch 396 of the shaft 358.

In the above-described coupler assemblies 24, 224, the clutch mechanisms 60, 266 include a pull rod 92 and a pair of draw bars 302, respectively, to apply a pulling force to separate the first and second halves of face-gear 62, 268. The operation of the coupler assembly 332 differs from that of the coupler assemblies 24, 224 in that a pushing force is applied to the second clutch member 373, rather than a pulling force, to provide separation between the first and second halves 374, 376 of face-gear 372. The clutch mechanism 370 includes a pair of push bars 398 each adapted to apply a pushing force to the second clutch member 373 to drive the second clutch member 373 away from the first clutch member 371 for separating the first and second halves 374, 376 of face-gear 372 from each other.

Each of the push bars 398 includes an elongated body 400 and an arcuate thrust member 402 located adjacent an end of the body 400. The arcuate thrust member 402 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the body 400 for contact with the body 380 of second clutch member 373, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 34. Each of the push bars 398 also includes a tool formation 404 at an end of the body 400 opposite the thrust member 402. The tool formation 404 defines a concavely-curved recess for contact by a tool adapted for applying a pushing force to the push bar 398.

The elongated body 400 of each of the push bars 398 is received in a longitudinally-extending groove 406 defined by the shaft 358. The groove 406 has a length that allows for sliding of the push bar 398 within the groove 406 to provide for movement of the second clutch member 373 of clutch mechanism 370 to the opened condition for clutch mechanism 370, which is shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. As shown in FIG. 32, the circumferential flange 360 of shaft 358 includes discontinuities to accommodate the body 400 of each push bar 398. The body 400 of each push bar 398 also defines a recess 408 to facilitate receipt of split-ring retainer 362 within circumferential notch 364 of shaft 358.

Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, the first side 340 of coupler assembly 332 is arranged such that the tool formations 404 of the push bars 398 are located adjacent the inner portion 346 of tube-end fitting 344 where the inner portion 346 is secured to bracket 366. As shown, an opening is defined by the inner portion 346 of tube-end fitting 344 adjacent the tool formation 404 of each of the push bars 398 to provide for receipt by the push bar 398 of a tool adapted to apply a pushing force to the push bar 398.

Referring to FIG. 37 through 39, the second side 342 of the coupler assembly 332 is shown in greater detail. The second side 342 includes a tube-end fitting 408 having an inner portion 410, an outer portion 412, and a bearing 414 mounted between the inner and outer portions 410, 412 to provide relative rotation between the inner and outer portions 410, 412. The outer portion 412 is adapted to engage roller tube 336 to transfer rotation between the first side 340 of coupler assembly 332 and roller tube 336. As shown in FIG. 37, the outer portion 412 preferably includes longitudinally-extending ribs 416 formed on the outer portion 412. Similar to the ribs 354 on the outer portion 348 of first side 340, the ribs 416 on outer portion 412 are adapted for receipt by longitudinally-extending grooves in the roller 336 for torque transfer between the second side 342 and roller 336.

The inner portion 410 of the tube-end fitting 408 includes a hub 418 defining a central opening that receives a shaft 420 of the second side 342. The outer portion 412 of tube-end fitting 408 includes an end wall 422 defining an opening that receives the shaft 420 of second side 342. As shown in FIG. 39, the shaft 420 includes lugs 423 adapted for receipt by the opening in end wall 422 to limit relative rotation between the shaft 420 and the outer portion 412 of tube-end fitting 408. Similar to the inner portion 346 of first side 340, the inner portion 410 is secured to a mounting bracket 424 by fasteners 426 for support of the second side 342 of coupler assembly 332 from a support surface.

The second side 342 includes a washer 428 that contacts the inner portion 410 of the tube-end fitting 408 adjacent the hub 418. A split-ring retainer 430 adjacent washer 428 is received in a circumferential notch 432 formed in the shaft 420. A split-ring retainer 434 is also received in a notch 436 formed in shaft 420 adjacent an end of the shaft 420 for contact with the end wall 422 of outer portion 412 of tube-end fitting 408 for retaining the outer portion 412 on shaft 420. The second side 342 includes a spring 438 located within an interior defined by the outer portion 412 of tube-end fitting 408. As shown in FIG. 37, the spring 438 is located between the end wall 422 of outer portion 412 and the bearing 414. Arranged in this manner, the spring 438 functions to position the outer portion 412 with respect to shaft 420 (i.e., to urge the outer portion 412 into contact with retainer 434) and to position the inner portion 410 with respect to shaft 420 (i.e., to urge the inner portion 410 into contact with the washer 428 via the intermediately located bearing 414).

As shown in FIGS. 37 and 39, the shaft 420 of second side 342 includes a hexagonally shaped end portion 440. The hexagonally shaped end portion 440 is adapted for receipt by a hexagonally shaped socket opening 442 defined by the shaft 358 of first side 340, which is shown in FIG. 31. The hexagonal shapes for the end portion 440 of shaft 420 and the socket opening 442 of shaft 358 is adapted to facilitate torque transfer between the shafts 358, 420.

The foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A coupler assembly for coupling first and second roller tubes together for simultaneous rotation of the roller tubes, the coupler assembly comprising:

a first side assembly adapted to rotatingly support the first roller tube; and

a second side assembly adapted to rotatingly support the second roller tube, each of the first side assembly and the second side assembly including a shaft, the shafts of the first and second side assemblies adapted for attachment to each other for simultaneous rotation of the shafts,

the first side assembly including a clutch mechanism movable between a closed clutch condition in which the first and second roller tubes are coupled for simultaneous rotation and an opened clutch condition in which the first and second roller tubes are uncoupled for relative rotation between the first and second roller tubes,

the clutch mechanism including first and second clutch members adapted to engage each other for torque transfer between the first and second clutch members when the clutch mechanism is in the closed condition, the first clutch member rotationally coupled to the first roller such that the first clutch member rotates with the first roller, the second clutch member rotationally coupled to the shaft such that the second clutch member rotates with the shaft,

the clutch mechanism including a clutch drive member adapted to drive the second clutch member axially with respect to the shaft when the clutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutch condition such that the first and second clutch members are separated from each other to provide for relative rotation between the first and second clutch members.

2. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the clutch drive member comprises an elongated bar adapted to slide along an exterior surface of the shaft of the first side assembly.

3. The coupler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the elongated bar of the clutch drive member is received in an elongated groove defined by the shaft of the first side assembly.

4. The coupler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the clutch drive member is a first clutch drive member, the clutch mechanism further including a second clutch drive member located on an opposite side of the shaft of the first side assembly from the first clutch drive member.

5. The coupler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the clutch drive member includes a lug adjacent an end of the elongated bar, the lug adapted for receipt within an interior of the second clutch member for applying a pulling force to the second clutch member to separate the second clutch member from the first clutch member.

6. The coupler assembly according to claim 5, wherein the clutch drive member further includes a tool formation adjacent an end of the elongated bar opposite the lug, the tool formation defining an eyelet opening for receipt of a tool adapted to apply a pulling force to the clutch drive member.

7. The coupler assembly according to claim 2, wherein the clutch drive member includes a thrust member adjacent an end of the elongated bar, the thrust member adapted to contact a surface of the second clutch member for applying a pushing force to the second clutch member to separate the second clutch member from the first clutch member.

8. The coupler assembly according to claim 7, wherein the clutch drive member further includes a tool formation adjacent an end of the elongated bar opposite the thrust member, the tool formation defining a concavely curved surface for receiving a tool adapted to apply a pushing force to the clutch drive member.

9. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the clutch mechanism further includes a compression spring received on the shaft and contacting the second clutch member to apply a biasing force to the second clutch member urging the second clutch member towards the first clutch member.

10. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shaft of the first side assembly includes at least one lug extending longitudinally with respect to the shaft, the lug on the shaft adapted for receipt by a groove defined in an interior of the second clutch member of the clutch mechanism to limit relative rotation between the second clutch member and the shaft, the lug on the shaft of the first side assembly and the groove in the interior of the second clutch member of the clutch mechanism adapted to permit axial sliding of the second clutch member with respect to the shaft for movement of the second clutch member between the closed clutch condition and the opened clutch condition.

11. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shaft of the first side assembly includes a circumferential flange adjacent a first side of the first clutch member of the clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism including a retainer received in a notch defined by the shaft adjacent an opposite second side of the first clutch member, the circumferential flange and the retainer respectively adapted for contact with the first and second sides of the first clutch member of the clutch mechanism to limit axial sliding of the first clutch member with respect to the shaft of the first side assembly.

12. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second clutch members of the clutch mechanism of the first side assembly respectively include first and second halves of a face-gear, each of the first and second halves of the face-gear defining a plurality of teeth adapted for interfitting engagement with the teeth of the other one of the first and second halves of the face-gear when the clutch mechanism is in the closed condition.

13. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first clutch member of the clutch mechanism includes a plurality of tabs spaced about a periphery of the first clutch member, the tabs adapted for engagement with an inner surface of the first roller tube to transfer rotation between the first clutch member and the first roller tube.

14. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first side assembly also includes a tube-end fitting having inner and outer portions that are rotatable with respect to each other, the inner portion of the tube-end fitting adapted for attachment to a fixed support member, the outer portion adapted for engagement with an inner surface of the first roller tube to transfer rotation between the outer portion of the tube-end fitting and the first roller tube, and wherein the first clutch member of the clutch mechanism is defined by an end wall of the outer portion of the tube-end fitting.

15. The coupler assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second roller tubes are adapted for winding receipt of first and second flexible shade fabrics, respectively, each of the first and second flexible shade fabrics defining a bottom edge, such that when the clutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutch condition the first and second clutch members are separated from each other to provide for relative rotation between the first and second clutch members, thereby providing for relative adjustment of the bottom edges of the associated flexible shade fabrics.

16. A shade roller system comprising:

first and second elongated roller tubes each windingly supporting a flexible shade fabric, each of the flexible shade fabrics defining a bottom edge; and

a tube support assembly supporting the first and second roller tubes, the tube support assembly rotatably mounted to a fixed support for rotation of the first and second roller tubes about an axis of rotation,

the tube support assembly including a clutch mechanism having first and second clutch members, the first clutch member coupled to the first roller tube such that the first clutch member rotates with the first roller tube about the axis of rotation, the clutch mechanism adapted for movement between a closed clutch condition and an opened clutch condition, the first and second clutch members engaging each other in the closed clutch condition for torque transfer therebetween such that the first and second roller tubes are coupled together for simultaneous rotation about the axis of rotation, the first and second clutch members disengaged from each other in the opened clutch condition such that relative rotation between the first and second roller tubes is permitted, thereby providing for relative adjustment of the bottom edges of the associated flexible shade fabrics.

17. The shade roller system according to claim 16, wherein the tube support assembly includes a shaft supported for rotation about the axis of rotation, each of the first and second clutch members of the clutch mechanism defining an opening in which the shaft is received, and wherein the second clutch member slides axially along the shaft to disengage the second clutch member from the first clutch member when the clutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutch condition.

18. The shade roller system according to claim 17, wherein the clutch mechanism includes a clutch drive member contacting the second clutch member to drive the second clutch member between the closed and opened conditions of the clutch mechanism, the clutch drive member including an elongated bar adapted to slide with respect to the shaft of the tube support assembly.

19. The shade roller system according to claim 18, wherein the bar of the clutch drive member is received in an elongated groove defined on an exterior surface of the shaft.

20. The shade roller system according to claim 18, wherein the clutch drive member includes a lug adjacent an end of the elongated bar, the lug adapted for receipt within an interior of the second clutch member for applying a pulling force to the second clutch member to separate the second clutch member from the first clutch member.

21. The shade roller system according to claim 20, wherein the clutch drive member further includes a tool formation adjacent an end of the elongated bar opposite the lug, the tool formation defining an eyelet opening for receipt of a tool adapted to apply a pulling force to the clutch drive member.

22. The shade roller system according to claim 18, wherein the clutch drive member includes a thrust member adjacent an end of the elongated bar, the thrust member adapted to contact a surface of the second clutch member for applying a pushing force to the second clutch member to separate the second clutch member from the first clutch member.

23. The shade roller system according to claim 22, wherein the clutch drive member further includes a tool formation adjacent an end of the elongated bar opposite the thrust member, the tool formation defining a concavely curved surface for receiving a tool adapted to apply a pushing force to the clutch drive member.

24. The shade roller system according to claim 16, wherein the clutch mechanism further includes a compression spring received on the shaft and contacting the second clutch member to apply a biasing force to the second clutch member urging the second clutch member towards the first clutch member.

25. The shade roller system according to claim 16, wherein the tube support assembly includes first and second drive transfer members respectively adapted to engage an inner surface of the first and second roller tubes, each of the drive transfer members including a plurality of flexible tabs located about a periphery of the drive transfer members.

26. A motorized shade system comprising:

a plurality of elongated roller tubes each having opposite end portions, the roller tubes substantially aligned along a common axis of rotation and arranged to define at least one pair of adjacently located tube end portions, each of the roller tubes adapted for winding receipt of a flexible shade fabric, each of the flexible shade fabrics defining a bottom edge; and

a mounting assembly for each pair of tube end portions, the mounting assembly including first and second tube support assemblies respectively engaging a first tube end portion and a second tube end portion of the pair of tube end portions and adapted to rotatably support the tube end portion, the first and second tube support assemblies secured together to provide for simultaneous rotation of the associated roller tubes,

the first tube support assembly of each mounting assembly including a clutch mechanism having first and second clutch members and adapted for movement between a closed clutch condition and an opened clutch condition, the first and second clutch members adapted to engage each other for torque transfer therebetween when the clutch mechanism is in the closed condition, the first clutch member rotationally coupled to the first tube end portion such that the first clutch member rotates with the first roller, the second clutch member rotationally coupled to a shaft of the first tube support assembly such that the second clutch member rotates with the shaft,

the clutch mechanism including a clutch drive member adapted to drive the second clutch member axially with respect to the shaft of the first tube assembly when the clutch mechanism is moved to the opened clutch condition such that the first and second are separated from each other to provide for relative rotation between the first and second clutch members, thereby providing for relative adjustment of the bottom edges of the associated flexible shade fabrics.

27. The motorized shade system according to claim 26, wherein the clutch drive member comprises an elongated bar adapted to slide along an exterior surface of the shaft of the first side assembly.

28. The motorized shade system according to claim 27, wherein the elongated bar of the clutch drive member is received in an elongated groove defined by the shaft of the first side assembly.

29. The motorized shade system according to claim 27, wherein the clutch drive member is a first clutch drive member, the clutch mechanism further including a second clutch drive member located on an opposite side of the shaft of the first side assembly from the first clutch drive member.

30. The motorized shade system according to claim 27, wherein the clutch drive member includes a lug adjacent an end of the elongated bar, the lug adapted for receipt within an interior of the second clutch member for applying a pulling force to the second clutch member to separate the second clutch member from the first clutch member.

31. The motorized shade system according to claim 30, wherein the clutch drive member further includes a tool formation adjacent an end of the elongated bar opposite the lug, the tool formation defining an eyelet opening for receipt of a tool adapted to apply a pulling force to the clutch drive member.

32. The motorized shade system according to claim 27, wherein the clutch drive member includes a thrust member adjacent an end of the elongated bar, the thrust member adapted to contact a surface of the second clutch member for applying a pushing force to the second clutch member to separate the second clutch member from the first clutch member.

33. The motorized shade system according to claim 32, wherein the clutch drive member further includes a tool formation adjacent an end of the elongated bar opposite the thrust member, the tool formation defining a concavely curved surface for receiving a tool adapted to apply a pushing force to the clutch drive member.

34. The motorized shade system according to claim 26 further comprising a drive system including a motor operably engaged with one of the roller tubes for rotating the roller tube about the common axis of rotation.