Abstract:
A latching apparatus is disclosed. A latching frame has at least one end portion that includes a guiding edge. At least one latching member has a curved part and a guiding edge located at an outer end of the curved part, and is coupled at a pivot to the end portion such that the guiding edge and the curved part of the latching member face the guiding edge of the end portion. The curved part of the latching member and the guiding edge of the end portion form an opening. At least one spring is coupled at one end to the latching member such that the spring exerts a force that drives the curved part of the latching member about the pivot toward the guiding edge of the end portion. The guiding edge of the latching member is configured to guide an external mounting pin toward the opening in response to the mounting pin being pushed against the guiding edge of the latching member whereby the mounting pin initially causes the latching member to pivot away from the end portion until the mounting pin slides past the guiding edge of the latching member and is secured between the curved part of the latching member and the guiding edge of the end portion by the force exerted by the spring.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/279,225, filed Jan. 15, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present embodiments relates generally to roller shade latching, and more particularly to a roller shade latching apparatus that couples to a shade mounting bracket using spring-loaded latching members. 
         [0004]    Background Art 
         [0005]    Roller shades are typically hung in place over a window using simple hooks. Gravity is the force that holds the roller shade in place. Due to rotational forces, the roller shade can move and cause noise. Further, to remove or unhang the roller shade, the roller shade must be lifted up to disengage the hooks. Lifting a large diameter shade up to disengage the hooks can be difficult due to the lack of space between the shade and ceiling (i.e., head room). 
         [0006]    It is therefore desirable to provide a roller shade latching apparatus that more securely holds the roller shade in place and which can more readily engage and disengage the roller shade. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is to be understood that both the general and detailed descriptions that follow are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive. 
       DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
       [0008]    In accordance with an aspect, a latching apparatus, comprises: (a) a latching frame having at least one end portion that includes a guiding edge; (b) at least one latching member having a curved part and a guiding edge located at an outer end of the curved part, and being coupled at a pivot to the end portion such that the guiding edge and the curved part of the latching member face the guiding edge of the end portion, the curved part of the latching member and the guiding edge of the end portion forming an opening; and (c) at least one spring coupled at one end to the latching member such that the spring exerts a force that drives the curved part of the latching member about the pivot toward the guiding edge of the end portion; wherein (d) the guiding edge of the latching member is configured to guide an external mounting pin toward the opening in response to the mounting pin being pushed against the guiding edge of the latching member whereby the mounting pin initially causes the latching member to pivot away from the end portion until the mounting pin slides past the guiding edge of the latching member and is secured between the curved part of the latching member and the guiding edge of the end portion by the force exerted by the spring. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect, a latching apparatus, comprises: (a) a latching frame that includes a first end portion located at one end of the latching frame and a second end portion located at another end of the latching frame, each having a respective guiding edge; (b) a first latching member having a curved part and a guiding edge located at an outer end of the curved part, the first latching member being coupled at a first pivot to the first end portion such that the guiding edge and the curved part of the first latching member face the guiding edge of the first end portion, the curved part of the first latching member and the guiding edge of the first end portion forming a first opening; (c) a first spring coupled at one end to the first latching member and at another end to the first end portion such that the first spring exerts a force that drives the curved part of the first latching member about the first pivot toward the guiding edge of the first end portion, (d) a second latching member having a curved part and a guiding edge located at an outer end of the curved part, the second latching member being coupled at a second pivot to the second end portion such that the guiding edge and the curved part of the second latching member face the guiding edge of the second end portion, the curved part of the second latching member and the guiding edge of the second end portion forming a second opening; (e) a second spring coupled at one end to the second latching member and at another end to the second end portion such that the second spring exerts a force that drives the curved part of the second latching member about the second pivot toward the guiding edge of the second end portion; wherein (f) the guiding edge of the first latching member is configured to guide a first mounting pin of an external bracket toward the first opening in response to the first mounting pin being pushed against the guiding edge of the first latching member whereby the first mounting pin initially causes the first latching member to pivot away from the first end portion until the first mounting pin slides past the guiding edge of the first latching member and is secured between the curved part of the first latching member and the guiding edge of the first end portion by the force exerted by the first spring, and (g) the guiding edge of the second latching member is configured to guide a second mounting pin of the external bracket toward the second opening in response to the second mounting pin being pushed against the guiding edge of the second latching member whereby the second mounting pin initially causes the second latching member to pivot away from the second end portion until the second mounting pin slides past the guiding edge of the second latching member and is secured between the curved part of the second latching member and the guiding edge of the second end portion by the force exerted by the second spring. 
         [0010]    According to a further aspect, a latching apparatus, comprises: (a) a latching frame that includes a first end portion located at one end of the latching frame and a second end portion located at another end of the latching frame, each having a respective guiding edge; (b) a first latching member having a curved part and a guiding edge located at an outer end of the curved part, the first latching member being coupled at a first pivot to the first end portion such that the guiding edge and the curved part of the first latching member face the guiding edge of the first end portion, the curved part of the first latching member and the guiding edge of the first end portion forming a first opening; (c) a second latching member having a curved part and a guiding edge located at an outer end of the curved part, the second latching member being coupled at a second pivot to the second end portion such that the guiding edge and the curved part of the second latching member face the guiding edge of the second end portion, the curved part of the second latching member and the guiding edge of the second end portion forming a second opening; (d) a spring coupled at one end to the first latching member and at another end to the second latching member such that the spring exerts a force that drives the curved part of the first latching member about the first pivot toward the guiding edge of the first end portion and drives the curved part of the second latching member about the second pivot toward the guiding edge of the second end portion; wherein (e) the guiding edge of the first latching member is configured to guide a first mounting pin of an external bracket toward the first opening in response to the first mounting pin being pushed against the guiding edge of the first latching member whereby the first mounting pin initially causes the first latching member to pivot away from the first end portion until the first mounting pin slides past the guiding edge of the first latching member and is secured between the curved part of the first latching member and the guiding edge of the first end portion by the force exerted by the spring, and (f) the guiding edge of the second latching member is configured to guide a second mounting pin of the external bracket toward the second opening in response to the second mounting pin being pushed against the guiding edge of the second latching member whereby the second mounting pin initially causes the second latching member to pivot away from the second end portion until the second mounting pin slides past the guiding edge of the second latching member and is secured between the curved part of the second latching member and the guiding edge of the second end portion by the force exerted by the spring. 
         [0011]    According to yet another aspect, a latching system, comprises: (a) a bracket including a first mounting pin and a second mounting pin; and (b) a latching apparatus, comprising: (i) a latching frame that includes a first end portion located at one end of the latching frame and a second end portion located at another end of the latching frame, each having a respective guiding edge, (ii) a first latching member having a curved part and a guiding edge located at an outer end of the curved part, the first latching member being coupled at a first pivot to the first end portion such that the guiding edge and the curved part of the first latching member face the guiding edge of the first end portion, the curved part of the first latching member and the guiding edge of the first end portion forming a first opening, (iii) a first spring coupled at one end to the first latching member and at another end to the first end portion such that the first spring exerts a force that drives the curved part of the first latching member about the first pivot toward the guiding edge of the first end portion, (iv) a second latching member having a curved part and a guiding edge located at an outer end of the curved part, the second latching member being coupled at a second pivot to the second end portion such that the guiding edge and the curved part of the second latching member face the guiding edge of the second end portion, the curved part of the second latching member and the guiding edge of the second end portion forming a second opening, (v) a second spring coupled at one end to the second latching member and at another end to the second end portion such that the second spring exerts a force that drives the curved part of the second latching member about the second pivot toward the guiding edge of the second end portion, wherein (vi) the guiding edge of the first latching member is configured to guide the first mounting pin of the bracket toward the first opening in response to the first mounting pin being pushed against the guiding edge of the first latching member whereby the first mounting pin initially causes the first latching member to pivot away from the first end portion until the first mounting pin slides past the guiding edge of the first latching member and is secured between the curved part of the first latching member and the guiding edge of the first end portion by the force exerted by the first spring, and (vii) the guiding edge of the second latching member is configured to guide the second mounting pin of the bracket toward the second opening in response to the second mounting pin being pushed against the guiding edge of the second latching member whereby the second mounting pin initially causes the second latching member to pivot away from the second end portion until the second mounting pin slides past the guiding edge of the second latching member and is secured between the curved part of the second latching member and the guiding edge of the second end portion by the force exerted by the second spring. 
         [0012]    According to a still further aspect, a latching system, comprises: (a) a bracket including a first mounting pin and a second mounting pin; and (b) a latching apparatus, comprising: (i) a latching frame that includes a first end portion located at one end of the latching frame and a second end portion located at another end of the latching frame, each having a respective guiding edge; (ii) a first latching member having a curved part and a guiding edge located at an outer end of the curved part, the first latching member being coupled at a first pivot to the first end portion such that the guiding edge and the curved part of the first latching member face the guiding edge of the first end portion, the curved part of the first latching member and the guiding edge of the first end portion forming a first opening; (iii) a second latching member having a curved part and a guiding edge located at an outer end of the curved part, the second latching member being coupled at a second pivot to the second end portion such that the guiding edge and the curved part of the second latching member face the guiding edge of the second end portion, the curved part of the second latching member and the guiding edge of the second end portion forming a second opening; (iv) a spring coupled at one end to the first latching member and at another end to the second latching member such that the spring exerts a force that drives the curved part of the first latching member about the first pivot toward the guiding edge of the first end portion and drives the curved part of the second latching member about the second pivot toward the guiding edge of the second end portion; wherein (v) the guiding edge of the first latching member is configured to guide the first mounting pin of the bracket toward the first opening in response to the first mounting pin being pushed against the guiding edge of the first latching member whereby the first mounting pin initially causes the first latching member to pivot away from the first end portion until the first mounting pin slides past the guiding edge of the first latching member and is secured between the curved part of the first latching member and the guiding edge of the first end portion by the force exerted by the spring, and (vi) the guiding edge of the second latching member is configured to guide the second mounting pin of the bracket toward the second opening in response to the second mounting pin being pushed against the guiding edge of the second latching member whereby the second mounting pin initially causes the second latching member to pivot away from the second end portion until the second mounting pin slides past the guiding edge of the second latching member and is secured between the curved part of the second latching member and the guiding edge of the second end portion by the force exerted by the spring. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The accompanying figures further illustrate the present embodiments. 
           [0014]    The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0015]      FIG. 1A  is an exploded view of and  FIG. 1B  is an illustrative isometric projection of a shade latching apparatus, according to one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an illustrative isometric projection of a dual shade motor bracket with two shade latching apparatuses of  FIGS. 1A-1B  disposed therein, according to one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an illustrative isometric projection of a shade latching apparatus, according to another embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the embodiments is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the embodiments as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the embodiments. 
         [0019]    Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE MAJOR ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWINGS 
       [0020]    The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings in numerical order.
         100  shade latching apparatus     102  latching frame     103  horizontal portion     104   a  left latching member     104   b  right latching member     106   a  left curved portion     106   b  right curved portion     108   a  left latching member actuating portion     108   b  right latching member actuating portion     110   a  left spring retention screw     110   b  right spring retention screw     112   a  left inside spring retention member     112   b  right inside spring retention member     114   a  left pin pocket stop     114   b  right pin pocket stop     116   a  left pin     116   b  right pin     118   a  left outside spring retention member     118   b  right outside spring retention member     120   a  left compression spring     120   b  right compression spring     122   a  left threaded pivot     122   b  right threaded pivot     124   a  left opening     124   b  right opening     126   a  left vertical portion guiding edge     126   b  right vertical portion guiding edge     127   a  left latching member guiding edge     127   b  right latching member guiding edge     128   a  left through hole     128   b  right through hole     130   a  left vertical portion     130   b  right vertical portion     132   a  left vertical portion through hole     132   b  right vertical portion through hole     134   a  nut     134   b  nut     136   a  threaded hole     136   b  threaded hole     200  dual shade motor bracket     202   a  first opening     202   b  second opening     204   a  first mounting pin     204   b  second mounting pin     204   c  third mounting pin     204   d  fourth mounting pin     300  shade latching apparatus     302  latch frame     303  horizontal portion     304   a  left latching member     304   b  right latching member     306   a  left curved portion     306   b  right curved portion     308   a  left latching member actuating portion     308   b  right latching member actuating portion     316   a  left pin     316   b  right pin     318   a  left spring retention member     318   b  right spring retention member     320  extension spring     322   a  left threaded pivot     322   b  right threaded pivot     324   a  left opening     324   b  right opening     326   a  left vertical portion guiding edge     326   b  right vertical portion guiding edge     327   a  left latching member guiding edge     327   b  right latching member guiding edge     328   a  left through hole     328   b  right through hole     330   a  left vertical portion     330   b  right vertical portion     332   a  left latching member through hole     332   b  right latching member through hole     334   a  nut     334   b  nut       
 
       MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
       [0097]    The embodiment described herein in the context of roller shade latching, but is not limited thereto, except as may be set forth expressly in the appended claims. 
         [0098]    Disclosed is a roller shade latching apparatus or mechanism that includes one or more springs to positively hold the shade in place. The disclosed shade latching mechanism allows the shade to be placed (i.e., hung) over a window by simply pushing the shade up or in to engage the shade mounting bracket. The latch provides a crisp “snap” sound that indicates to the installer that the roller tube is in place. The geometry of the latch is such that the weight of the shade helps to provide more holding force. Removing the shade is accomplished by squeezing the latch brackets which allows the shade to disengage from the pins, as described in detail herein below. 
         [0099]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1B , in one embodiment, an illustrative exploded view of a shade latching apparatus/mechanism  100  is shown in  FIG. 1A , and an illustrative isometric projection of the shade latching apparatus/mechanism  100  is shown in  FIG. 1B . The latching mechanism  100  includes a latching frame  102 , which includes a horizontal portion  103 , a left vertical portion  130   a , and a right vertical portion  130   b . The latching mechanism  100  further includes a left compression spring  120   a , a right compression spring  120   b , a left latching member  104   a , and a right latching member  104   b . The horizontal portion  103  defines a left through hole  128   a  and a right through hole  128   b . The left and right through holes  128   a ,  128   b  are dimensioned and arranged to receive a mounting screw therethrough for coupling the latching mechanism  100  to a shade motor. 
         [0100]    The left vertical portion  130   a  defines a left pin pocket stop  114   a  and a left through hole  132   a . The left pin pocket stop  114   a  is dimensioned and arranged for receiving a left pin  116   a . The left through hole  132   a  is dimensioned and arranged for receiving a left threaded pivot  122   a . The left vertical portion  130   a  includes a left inside spring retention member  112   a  that defines a threaded hole  136   a  dimensioned and arranged for receiving a left spring retention screw  110   a . The left vertical portion  130   a  further includes a left vertical portion guiding edge  126   a.    
         [0101]    The right vertical portion  130   b  defines a right pin pocket stop  114   b  and a right through hole  132   b . The right pin pocket stop  114   b  is dimensioned and arranged for receiving a right pin  116   b . The right through hole  132   b  is dimensioned and arranged for receiving a right threaded pivot  122   b . The right vertical portion  130   b  includes a right inside spring retention member  112   b  that defines a threaded hole  136   b  dimensioned and arranged for receiving a right spring retention screw  110   b . The right vertical portion  130   b  further includes a right vertical portion guiding edge  126   b.    
         [0102]    The left latching member  104   a  includes a left latching member actuating portion  108   a , a left outside spring retention member  118   a , a left curved portion  106   a , a left latching member guiding edge  127   a , and the left pin  116   a . The left threaded pivot  122   a  may be a threaded stud that is affixed to the left latching member  104   a . Alternatively, the left threaded pivot  122   a  may be a screw, and the left latching member  104   a  defines a threaded hole (not shown) dimensioned and arranged for receiving the screw therethrough. 
         [0103]    The right latching member  104   b  includes a right latching member actuating portion  108   b , a right outside spring retention member  118   b , a right curved portion  106   b , a right latching member guiding edge  127   b , and the right pin  116   b . The right threaded pivot  122   b  may be a threaded stud that is affixed to the right latching member  104   b . Alternatively, the right threaded pivot  122   b  may be a screw, and the right latching member  104   b  defines a threaded hole (not shown) dimensioned and arranged for receiving the screw therethrough. 
         [0104]    The left latching member  104   a  is coupled to the left vertical portion  130   a  by passing the left threaded pivot  122   a  through the left through hole  132   a  in the left vertical portion  130   a  and then securing the left latching threaded pivot  122   a  with a nut  134   a . The left pin  116   a  is also disposed in the left pin pocket stop  114   a . The left compression spring  120   a  is disposed between the left outside spring retention member  118   a  and the left inside spring retention member  112   a . The spring retention screw  110   a  is secured in the threaded hole  136   a  in the left inside spring retention member  112   a  and is disposed into the left compression spring  120   a.    
         [0105]    The right latching member  104   b  is coupled to the right vertical portion  130   b  by passing the right threaded pivot  122   b  through the right through hole  132   b  in the right vertical portion  130   b  and then securing the right latching pivot screw  122   b  with a nut  134   b . The right pin  116   b  is also disposed in the right pin pocket stop  114   b . The right compression spring  120   b  is disposed between the right outside spring retention member  118   b  and the right inside spring retention member  112   b . The spring retention screw  110   b  is secured in the threaded hole  136   b  and is disposed into the right compression spring  120   b.    
         [0106]    When the latching mechanism is assembled, the left curved portion  106   a  of the left latching member  104   a  and the guiding edge  127   a  of the left vertical portion  130   a  form an opening  124   a , and the right curved portion  106   b  of the right latching member  104   b  and the guiding edge  127   b  of the right vertical portion  130   b  form an opening  124   b . The left latching member  104   a  pivots (left or right) about the left threaded pivot  122   a . The left pin pocket stop  114   a  restricts the range of movement of the left pin  116   a  and thereby limits the pivoting motion of the left latching member  104   a . The right latching member  104   b  pivots (left or right) about the right threaded pivot  122   b . The right pin pocket stop  114   b  restricts the range of movement of the right pin  116   b  and thereby limits the pivoting motion of the right latching member  104   b.    
         [0107]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, an illustrative isometric projection of a dual shade motor bracket  200  with two shade latching mechanisms  100  disposed therein is shown. The dual shade motor bracket  200  defines a plurality of mounting through holes dimensioned and arranged to receive mounting screws therethrough for the purpose of securing the dual shade bracket  200  to a wall. The dual shade motor bracket  200  further defines a first opening  202   a  and a second opening  202   b . The dual shade motor bracket  200  includes a first mounting pin  204   a  and a second mounting pin  204   b  disposed on opposite sides of the first opening  202   a . The dual shade motor bracket  200  further includes a third mounting pin  204   c  and a fourth mounting pin  204   d  disposed on opposite sides of the first opening  202   b . The mounting pins  204   a ,  204   b ,  204   c ,  204   d  are dimensioned and arranged to receive a latching shade mechanism  100 , as described above. 
         [0108]    In one embodiment, in operation, the latching mechanism  100  is mounted to a shade motor via through holes  128   a ,  128   b . The shade motor is inserted into one end of a roller shade roller tube and an idler is inserted into the opposite end of the roller shade roller tube. 
         [0109]    The idler includes an idler pin, which is then inserted into a mounted idler bracket. Thereafter, the side of the roller shade tube that includes the shade motor and coupled latching mechanism  100  is pushed toward a mounted roller shade motor bracket that includes a first mounting pin and a second mounting pin, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0110]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1B and 2 , as the roller shade motor side of the roller shade is pushed into the motor bracket, the first mounting pin  204   a  contacts the left vertical portion guiding edge  126   a  (and the left latching member guiding edge  127   a ), and the second mounting pin  204   b  contacts the right vertical portion guiding edge  126   b  (and the right latching member guiding edge  127   b ). The first mounting pin  204   a  then pushes the left vertical portion guiding edge  126   a  and causes the left latching member  104   a  to pivot left (about the threaded pivot  122   a ) and compress the left compression spring  120   a  until the first mounting pin  204   a  slides into the left opening  124   a . Concurrently, the second mounting pin  204   b  pushes the right vertical portion guiding edge  127   b  and causes the right latching member  104   b  to pivot right (about the threaded pivot  122   b ) and compress the right compression spring  120   b  until the second mounting pin  204   b  slides into the right opening  124   b . Thereafter, the left spring  120   a  pushes the left latch member  104   a  to pivot right and retain the first mounting pin  204   a , and the right spring  120   b  pushes the right latch member  104   b  to pivot left and retain the second mounting pin  204   b . The amount of holding force of the latching mechanism  100  is determined by tension of the springs  120   a ,  120   b  and the weight of the roller shade. 
         [0111]    To release the latching mechanism (i.e., unlatch the latching mechanism) from the first and second mounting pins  204   a ,  204   b , the left latching member actuating portion  108   a  and the right latching member actuating portion  108   b  are simultaneously pushed (e.g., by a technician/installer) toward each other to compresses the left and right springs  120   a ,  120   b , respectively. The spring compression causes the left latching member  104   a  to pivot left (about the threaded pivot  122   a ), and the right latching member  104   b  to pivot right (about the threaded pivot  122   b ) until both the left curved portion  127   a  and the right curved portion  127   b  move enough to allow first mounting member  204   a  to slide out of the left opening  124   a  and the second mounting member  204   b  to slide out of the right opening  124   b.    
         [0112]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , in another embodiment, an illustrative isometric projection of a shade latching apparatus/mechanism  300  is shown. Here, a single extension spring is used instead of the right and left springs of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , and the pivoting motion of the latching members are limited by pins affixed to the frame. 
         [0113]    The latching mechanism  300  includes a latching frame  302  which includes a horizontal portion  303 , a left vertical portion  330   a , and a right vertical portion  330   b . The latching mechanism  300  further includes an extension spring  320 , a left latching member  304   a , and a right latching member  304   b . The horizontal portion  303  defines a left through hole  328   a  and a right through hole  328   b . The left and right through holes  328   a ,  328   b  are dimensioned and arranged to receive a mounting screw therethrough for coupling the latching mechanism  300  to a shade motor. 
         [0114]    A left threaded pivot  322   a  may be a threaded stud that is affixed to the left vertical portion  330   a . Alternatively, the left threaded pivot  322   a  may be a screw, and the left vertical portion  330   a  defines a left threaded hole (not shown) that is dimensioned and arranged for receiving the screw. The left vertical portion  330   a  includes a left pin  316   a  and a left vertical portion guiding edge  326   a.    
         [0115]    A right threaded pivot  322   b  may be a threaded stud that is affixed to the right vertical portion  330   b . Alternatively, the right threaded pivot  322   b  may be a screw, and the right vertical portion  330   b  defines a right threaded hole (not shown) that is dimensioned and arranged for receiving the screw. The right vertical portion  330   b  includes a right pin  316   a  and a right vertical portion guiding edge  326   a.    
         [0116]    The left latching member  304   a  includes a left latching member actuating portion  308   a , a left outside spring retention member  318   a , a left curved portion  306   a , and a left latching member guiding edge  327   a . The left latching member  304   a  defines a through hole (not shown) dimensioned and arranged for receiving therethrough the left threaded pivot  322   a . The left outside spring retention member  318   a  defines a through hole  332   a  dimensioned and arranged for receiving therethrough one end of the extension spring  320 . 
         [0117]    The right latching member  304   b  includes a right latching member actuating portion  308   b , a right outside spring retention member  318   b , a right curved portion  306   b , and a right latching member guiding edge  327   b . The right latching member  304   b  defines a through hole (not shown) dimensioned and arranged for receiving therethrough the right threaded pivot  322   b . The right outside spring retention member  318   b  defines a through hole  332   b  dimensioned and arranged for receiving therethrough the other end of the extension spring  320 . 
         [0118]    The left latching member  304   a  is coupled to the left vertical portion  330   a  by passing the left threaded pivot  322   a  through a left through hole (not shown) in the latching member  304   a  and then securing the left threaded pivot  322   a  with a nut  334   a.    
         [0119]    The right latching member  304   b  is coupled to the right vertical portion  330   b  by passing the right threaded pivot  322   b  through a through hole (not shown) in the right latching member  304   b  and then securing the right threaded pivot  322   b  with a nut  334   a.    
         [0120]    When the latching mechanism  300  is assembled, the left vertical portion  330   a  and the left curved portion  306   a  form an opening  324   a , and the right vertical portion  330   b  and right curved portion  306   b  form an opening  124   b . The left latching member  304   a  pivots about the left threaded pivot  322   a , and the right latching member  304   b  pivots about the right threaded pivot  322   b . The left pin  316   a  limits the right pivotal motion of the left latching member  304   a , and the right pin  316   b  limits the left pivotal motion of the right latching member  304   b . One end of the extension spring  320  is disposed through the through hole  332   a , and the other end of the extension spring  320  is disposed through the through hole  332   b.    
         [0121]    In one embodiment, in operation, the latching mechanism  300  is mounted to a shade motor via through holes  328   a ,  328   b . The shade motor is inserted into one end of a roller shade roller tube and an idler is inserted into the opposite end of the roller shade roller tube. The idler includes an idler pin, which is then inserted into a mounted idler bracket. Thereafter, the side of the roller shade tube that includes the shade motor and coupled latching mechanism  300  is pushed toward a mounted roller shade motor bracket that includes a first mounting pin and a second mounting pin (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0122]    Similar to that described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and referring to  FIG. 3 , as the roller shade motor side of the roller shade is pushed into the motor bracket, a first mounting pin contacts the left vertical portion guiding edge  326   a  and the left latching member guiding edge  327   a , and a second mounting pin contacts the right vertical portion guiding edge  326   b  and the right latching member guiding edge  327   b . The first mounting pin pushes the left latching member  304   a  to pivot left (about the threaded pivot  322   a ) and extend the extension spring  320   a , and the second mounting pin pushes right latching member  304   b  to pivot right (about the threaded pivot  322   b ) and also extend the extension spring  320   b  until the first mounting pin slides into the left opening  324   a  and the second mounting pin slides into the right opening  324   b.    
         [0123]    Thereafter, the extension spring  320  pulls the left latch member  104   a  to pivot right and latch the first mounting pin, and the extension spring  320  pulls the right latch member  304   b  to pivot left and latch the second mounting pin. The amount of holding force of the latching mechanism  300  is determined by the spring  320  and the weight of the roller shade. 
         [0124]    To release the latching mechanism  300  (i.e., de-latch the latching mechanism) from the first and second mounting pins, the left latching member actuating portion  308   a  and the right latching member actuating portion  308   b  are simultaneously pushed (e.g., by a technician/installer) toward each other to simultaneously pivot the left and right latching members  304   a ,  304   b  away from each other and extend the extension spring  320  until both the left curved portion  327   a  and the right curved portion  327   b  move enough to allow left mounting member to slide out of the left opening  324   a  and the right mounting member to slide out of the right opening  324   b.    
         [0125]    In various embodiments, the latching mechanisms  100 ,  300  are made of aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, plastic, or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0126]    In the Décor version, the spring is extended by the latching operation. Once the shade is lifted into place, the spring forces the bracket to close on the pin. The amount of holding force is determined by the spring and the weight of the shade. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0127]    To solve the aforementioned problems, the present embodiments provide a roller shade latching apparatus that couples to a shade mounting bracket using spring-loaded latching members. 
       Alternate Embodiments 
       [0128]    Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the embodiments.