Lift Ring for a Window Treatment System

A window treatment system may include one or more lift rings (e.g., cord guides) for guiding flexible members (e.g., cords and/or ribbons) when wrapping around a roller tube of the window treatment system. Each of the lift rings may comprise a body that is ring-shaped and defines a central opening configured to receive the roller tube. The body may extend from a first end to a second end, where the first end is spaced apart from the second end by a gap. The body may be configured to be deformed by the first and second ends of the body being pulled in opposite directions to increase the size of the gap, such that the roller tube may be received through the gap. The body may be configured to reform when released, such that the roller tube is received in the central opening of the body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Typical window treatments (e.g., such as, for example, roller shades, draperies, Roman shades, and Venetian blinds) may be mounted in front of windows to prevent sunlight from entering a space and/or to provide privacy. Many types of window treatments may be moved between a raised position (e.g., a fully-raised position and/or an open position) and a lowered position (e.g., a fully-lowered position and/or a closed position), as well placed in any number of positions between the raised and lowered positions. The actuation of the window treatments may be manual or powered. For powered systems, which use a motor to control the movement of the window treatments, the motor may be powered by a power source. The power source may be a fixed power source, e.g., an alternating-current (AC) source or a direct-current (DC) power source connected to the internal electrical wiring of the dwelling (e.g., home, office, etc.), or may be from a temporary or replaceable power source, such as a battery.

SUMMARY

As disclosed herein, a window treatment system may include one or more guide members, such as lift rings (e.g., cord guides), for guiding flexible members (e.g., cords and/or ribbons) when wrapping around a roller tube of the window treatment system. The roller tube may be rotatably supported for brackets of the window treatment system. The window treatment system may comprise a covering material extending from a location adjacent to the roller tube to a bottom end (e.g., to hang and cover an opening, such as a window). The flexible member may extend from the roller tube to a bottom end of the covering material for raising and lowering the covering material in response to rotations of the roller tube in first and second angular directions, respectively.

Each of the lift rings may comprise a body that is ring-shaped and defines a central opening configured to receive the roller tube. The body may extend from a first end to a second end, where the first end is spaced apart from the second end by a gap. The body may further comprise an outer surface and an inner surface configured to abut against an outer surface of the roller tube when the roller tube in received in the central opening. The body may comprise a first side having a sidewall that extends from the outer surface to the inner surface and a second side. In addition, the lift ring may comprise a fastener configured to be received through a first opening in the first end of the body and a second opening in the second end of the body, such that the fastener is configured to be tightened and loosened to respectively decrease and increase a diameter of the lift ring to thus adjust how tightly the lift ring is attached to the roller tube. Further, the gap may still be present when the fastener is received through the first opening in the first end and the second opening in the second and tightened until the inner surface of the body abuts the roller tube.

The body may be configured to be deformed by the first and second ends of the body being pulled in opposite directions to increase the size of the gap, such that the roller tube may be received through the gap. The body may be configured to reform when released, such that the roller tube is received in the central opening of the body. The first end of the body may be configured to be attached to the second end of the body for fixedly attaching the lift ring to the roller tube. For example, the body may be made from a flexible material, such as an unfilled nylon material. In addition, the body may comprise one or more recesses in the sidewall on the first side of the body to improve the flexibility of the body. Further, the second side of the body may be open and absent of material.

The sidewall of the body may define a cord-abutment surface against which the flexible member may be configured to abut as the flexible member wraps around the roller tube (e.g., when the flexible members are cords). In addition, the body may comprise a cord-attachment structure configured to attach a cord to the lift ring (e.g., when the flexible members are cords). Further, the body may comprise a channel configured to receive one end of a pin that may be attached to the end of a ribbon (e.g., when the flexible members are ribbons).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a front perspective view andFIG.2is a rear perspective view of a window treatment system, such as a Roman shade system100, in a lowered position (e.g., a fully-lowered position and/or a closed position).FIG.3is a front perspective view of the Roman shade system100in a raised position (e.g., a fully-raised and/or an open position). The Roman shade system100may include a covering material, such as a shade fabric102(e.g., a hobbled shade fabric), which may be adapted to fold into a plurality of pleats104(e.g., horizontal pleats) as the Roman shade system100is opened. The pleats104may be formed by rigid battens105(e.g., dowels), which are sewn into the shade fabric102and extend horizontally across the width of the shade fabric. The Roman shade system100may comprise two or more ribbons106that extend along the length of a rear surface108of the shade fabric102and are attached to the rear surface108of the shade fabric102at the battens. Accordingly, the shade fabric102(e.g., the hobbled shade fabric) may hang with a plurality of folds109when the Roman shade system100is in the lowered position as shown inFIGS.1and2. The Roman shade system100may include one or more flexible members, such as cords112(e.g., three cords as shown inFIG.2), which allow for raising and lowering of the shade fabric102. The cords112may be attached to a lowest one105aof the battens105and pass through a plurality of eyelets114(e.g., attachment points) that are coupled to the rear surface108of the shade fabric102. The eyelets114may be coupled to the battens. Although three cords112are illustrated, it should be understood that fewer (e.g., one or two) or more cords may be used.

The Roman shade system100may comprise a head rail assembly120, which may be located in an enclosure119(e.g., as shown inFIG.2).FIG.4is a perspective view of the head rail assembly120. The head rail assembly120may comprise a roller tube122that may be configured to rotate about a first axis116(FIG.7), which may be a longitudinal axis of the roller tube122. The roller tube122may have a cylindrical shape and may extend from a first end121to a second end123. As shown inFIGS.1-3, the shade fabric102(e.g., a top end102aof the shade fabric102) may be attached (e.g., fixedly attached) to the enclosure119surrounding the head rail assembly120and may be configured to hang from the enclosure119(e.g., for covering an opening, such as a window). The cords112may be coupled to the roller tube122of the head rail assembly120. The cords112may be configured to wrap around the roller tube122and a bottom end102bof the shade fabric102may be configured to move as the roller tube122rotates. The enclosure119may hide the head rail assembly120from view. While the Roman shade system100is shown with the head rail assembly120located in the enclosure119inFIGS.1-3, the head rail assembly120may also be installed without the enclosure119and the top end of the shade fabric102may be attached to a portion of the structure of the building around the head rail assembly120.

The Roman shade system100may comprise one or more guide members, such as lift rings110(e.g., cord guides and/or collars), coupled to the roller tube122for guiding the cords112as the cords wind around and unwind from the roller tube122. The lift rings110may each extend around the roller tube122. For example, the Roman shade system100may comprise one lift ring110(e.g., a single lift ring) for each of the cords112of the Roman shade system100. Each cord112may be attached to the respective lift ring110(e.g., such as at an inner side of the left lift ring110near the roller tube122) and may extend from the lift ring110such that the cord112wraps around the roller tube122adjacent to one side of the respective lift ring110as the roller tube122rotates. While two lift rings110are shown inFIG.4, the Roman shade system100may comprise more than two lift rings110around the roller tube122depending on the number of cords112required for the shade fabric102(e.g., one lift ring110for each cord112).

In addition, the Roman shade system100may comprise a pair of lift rings110for each of the cords112in the Roman shade system100, e.g., as shown inFIG.5. The lift rings110of each pair of lift rings110may be spaced apart from each other along the roller tube122. Each cord112may be attached to one of the lift rings110of each pair of lift rings110, and may extend from the lift ring110such that the cords112may wrap around the roller tube122between the pair of lift rings110as the roller tube122rotates. While two pairs of lift rings110are shown inFIG.5, the Roman shade system100may comprise more than two pairs of lift rings110around the roller tube126depending on the number of cords112required for the shade fabric102(e.g., one pair of lift rings110for each cord112).

Further, rather than using the cords112, the Roman shade system100may comprise one or more flexible members, such as ribbons111(e.g., straps) as shown inFIG.6. For example, the ribbons111may have a narrow width (e.g., approximately ¼ inch or less). The ribbons111may each wrap around the roller tube122between adjacent lift rings110of each pair of lift rings110. The Roman shade system100may comprise a pair of lift rings110for each of the ribbons111in the Roman shade system100. Each ribbon111may be attached to a pin113(e.g., a rod) at one end of the ribbon111. The pin113may be configured to be received in respective channels115in the lift rings110of each pair of lift rings110. The lift rings110(of each pair of lift rings110) may be spaced apart from each other along the roller tube122, such that the pin113extends between the adjacent lift rings110and the ribbons111wrap around the roller tube122between the lift rings110as the roller tube122rotates. While two ribbons111and two pairs of lift rings110are shown inFIG.6, the Roman shade system100may comprise more than two ribbons111and respective pairs of lift rings110around the roller tube126depending on the number of ribbons111required for the shade fabric102(e.g., one pair of lift rings110for each ribbon111).

FIG.7is a front view andFIG.8is an exploded view of the head rail assembly120. The roller tube122may be hollow such that the roller tube122defines an internal cavity125sized and configured to receive a motor drive unit160(e.g., a motor drive assembly) as shown inFIG.7. For example, the position of the motor drive unit160in the roller tube122may be illustrated by a dashed line inFIG.7. The motor drive unit160may be received in the first end121of the roller tube122. One example of a motor drive unit is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,783, issued Jan. 10, 2006, entitled MOTORIZED SHADE CONTROL SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG.9is a perspective view of the motor drive unit160removed from the roller tube122. The motor drive unit160may include an internal motor (not shown) that may be coupled to a drive coupler162via a drive shaft164for rotatably driving the drive coupler162. The drive coupler162may be notched about its outer periphery to facilitate engagement between the drive coupler162and an interior surface of the roller tube122in which the motor drive unit160is received. The motor drive unit160may further comprise an end portion165having a connector166, such as a male or female connector, for connecting the motor drive unit160to a power source, such as one or more batteries154(e.g., as will be described in greater detail below). The motor drive unit160may comprise a bearing assembly168, which may be rotatably coupled to the roller tube122at the first end121of the roller tube122. The second end123of the roller tube120may receive an idler assembly170(FIG.8), which may be rotatably coupled to the roller tube120at the second end123of the roller tube120.

The head rail assembly120may also include a first bracket130aand a second bracket130bfor mounting the Roman shade system100to a structure (e.g., a wall, a ceiling, a window frame, or other structure to which the Roman shade system is to be coupled). For example, the brackets130a,130bmay each include a flange132defining holes134. The holes134may be sized and configured to receive fasteners (e.g., screws) for coupling the brackets130a,130bto the structure. The first and second brackets130a,130bmay be configured to support (e.g., rotatably support) the roller tube122(e.g., via a bearing assembly of the motor drive unit160and the idler assembly170). The first bracket130amay be coupled to the end portion165of the motor drive unit160and the second bracket130bmay be coupled to the idler assembly170to support (e.g., rotatably support) the roller tube122. The first and second brackets130a,130bmay comprise respective attachment structures for attaching to the end portion165of the motor drive unit160and the idler assembly170, respectively. For example, the second bracket130bmay comprise an attachment structure135configured to attach to and support the idler assembly170(e.g., as shown inFIG.8). The first bracket130amay comprise a corresponding attachment structure (not shown) configured to attach to and support the end portion165of the motor drive unit160.

FIG.10is a left-side perspective view andFIG.11is a right-side perspective view of the head rail assembly120with the brackets130a,130bremoved. The head rail assembly120may further include a housing140(e.g., an elongated housing or body), which extends from a first end142to a second end144(e.g., extends the length of the roller tube122). The housing140may comprise sidewalls146that extend the length of the housing140from the first end142to the second end144. The housing140may define an elongated slot145that may extend the length of the housing140from the first end142to the second end144(e.g., between the sidewalls146in a bottom of the housing140). The first and second brackets130a,130balso may be configured to support (e.g., fixedly support) the housing140. For example, the first and second brackets130a,130bmay also include couplings, such as holes, recesses, detents, projections, and/or other physical constructions that facilitate coupling the first and second brackets130a,130bto the housing140, either directly or indirectly. The first bracket130amay be coupled to the first end142of the housing140and the second bracket130bmay be coupled to the second end144of the housing140. The first and second brackets130a,130bmay comprise walls136that line up with the sidewalls146of the housing140. The housing140may be coupled to the first and second brackets130a,130bvia fasteners147(e.g., screws) received in openings138in the first and second brackets130a,130band openings148in the sidewalls146of the housing140.

As shown inFIG.8, the head rail assembly120may further comprise a top cover126configured to cover a top of the head rail assembly120and a bottom cover128configured to cover a bottom of the head rail assembly120. The top cover126may extend the length of the head rail assembly120(e.g., the length of the roller tube122) between the first and second mounting brackets130a,130b. The bottom cover128may extend the length of the head rail assembly120(e.g., the length of the housing140) and may cover the elongated slot145in the housing140. The top cover126and the bottom cover128may be configured to attached to the head rail assembly120(e.g., to the first and second mounting brackets130a,130b) via one or more attachment mechanisms, such as snaps and/or fasteners (e.g., screws).

The housing140may house a battery holder150that may define a battery compartment152that may be sized and configured to receive the one or more batteries154for powering the motor drive unit160. For example, the housing140may define an internal compartment149that is sized and configured to receive the battery holder150. The battery holder150may comprise a cable156(e.g., electrical wiring) with a plug155at its end. The cable156may be electrically connected to the batteries154in the battery holder150. The plug155may be configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to the connector166of the motor drive unit160for powering the motor drive unit160. The cable156may extend from the battery holder150to the motor drive unit160adjacent to the first bracket130a. The battery holder150may comprise a spring (not shown) for pushing the batteries154together and holding the batteries154in the battery compartment152of the battery holder150when the Roman shade system100is installed. The number and type of the batteries154that may be received in the battery compartment152of the battery holder150may be based on the type of window treatment system that will be supported. In some examples, the battery compartment152of the battery holder150may be sized and configured to receive five D-cell batteries, although one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a different number and type (e.g., size and/or capacity) of batteries may be used depending on the power needs for a particular system. For example, while five D-cell batteries are referenced, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that fewer (e.g., 1-4) or more batteries may be used. Additionally or alternatively, other types of batteries (e.g., A, AA, AAA, and/or lithium-ion batteries) may be used instead of D-cell batteries. In some examples, the motor drive unit160may be powered from an external power source, such as an alternating-current (AC) power source and/or a direct-current (DC) power supply, and/or from an energy-harvesting power source, such as a photovoltaic cell (e.g., a solar cell).

As shown inFIG.8, the battery holder150may be disposed at or adjacent to the first end142of the housing140. Locating the motor drive unit160in the first end121of the roller tube122and the battery holder150adjacent to the first end142of the housing140may enable the plug155of the battery holder150to be electrically connected to the connector166of the motor drive unit160and may allow the cable156to be made as short as possible. In addition, the internal compartment149of the housing140in which the battery holder150is housed may be located below the roller tube122, which may allow for easy access to the batteries154in the battery holder150when the Roller shade system100is installed to the structure. For example, the battery holder150may comprise a gap158(e.g., as shown inFIG.11) through which the batteries154may be removed and replaced to allow for replacement of the batteries154through the elongated slot145in the housing140. Since the batteries154may be received through the gap158in the battery holder150and the elongated slot145in the housing140, the batteries154may be replaced without unmounting the head rail assembly120from the structure.

The head rail assembly120may also comprise a lift assistance subsystem180, which may be housed and/or supported by the housing140. For example, the internal compartment149of the housing140may also be sized and configured to receive the lift assistance subsystem180, such that both the battery holder150and the lift assistance subsystem180may be located in the internal compartment149of the housing140. The lift assistance subsystem180may be configured to assist the motor drive unit160in the cavity125of the roller tube122with adjusting the shade fabric102between first and second positions (e.g., raised and lowered positions). In some examples, such as when the shade fabric102is a Roman shade fabric, the lift assistance subsystem180may include a lift assistance spring182that may be a variable force spring, such as a negative-gradient spring, which may have a negative gradient force profile (e.g., decreasing load with increasing deflection). The lift assistance spring182may comprise a shaft184that may be configured to rotate about a second axis118(FIG.7). The negative-gradient spring may provide greater assistance (e.g., a greater force) when the shade fabric102is near the raised position (e.g., the fully-raised position) as compared to when the shade fabric102is near the lowered position (e.g., the fully-lowered position), e.g., as there is less torque required to move the roller tube122when the shade fabric102is near the lowered position (e.g., the fully-lowered position) compared to when the shade fabric102is near the raised position (e.g., the fully-raised position).

The roller tube122may be coupled to the shaft184of the lift assistance spring182via a gear assembly190.FIGS.12-13are right side views of the Roman shade system100(e.g., with the right-side bracket130bof the head rail assembly120not shown in order to illustrate the gear assembly190in greater detail).FIG.12shows the Roman shade system100in a front-control configuration (e.g., a rear-fabric configuration) andFIG.13shows the Roman shade system100in a rear-control configuration (e.g., a front-fabric configuration).FIG.14is a partial exploded view of the head rail assembly120showing the second bracket130b, the lift assistance subsystem180, and the gear assembly190in greater detail. The gear assembly190may be supported by the second bracket130band may be configured to mechanically couple the roller tube122to the lift assistance spring182of the lift assistance subsystem180(e.g., as will be described in greater detail below).

In the front-control configuration shown inFIG.12, the head rail assembly120may be located towards the room in which the Roman shade system100is installed and the shade fabric102may be located towards the window that the Roman shade system100is adapted to cover (e.g., the window may be located to the right of the shade fabric102as shown inFIG.12). The cords112may extend from the roller tube122through an opening115in the shade fabric102towards the lowest one of the battens105between the shade fabric102and the window. In the front-control configuration, the shade fabric102may hang from the window-side of the enclosure119and may wrap around the enclosure119as shown inFIG.12to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the enclosure119.

In the rear-control configuration shown inFIG.13, the head rail assembly120may be located towards the window that the Roman shade system100is adapted to cover and the shade fabric102may be located towards the room in which the Roman shade system100is installed (e.g., the window may be located to the right of the shade fabric102as shown inFIG.13). The cords112may extend from the roller tube122towards the lowest one of the battens105between the shade fabric102and the window. In the rear-control configuration, the shade fabric102may hang from the room-side of the enclosure119and may wrap at least partially around the enclosure119as shown inFIG.13to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the enclosure119.

The gear assembly190may comprise a first gear192that may be coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled) to the roller tube210(e.g., to the second end214of the roller tube122) and may be configured to rotate about the first axis116. For example, the idler assembly170may comprise a stationary portion172(FIGS.12and13) configured to be attached to (e.g., fixedly attached to) the attachment structure135(FIG.14) of the second bracket130b. The idler assembly170may also comprise a rotatable portion174configured to be received in the second end123of the roller tube122and attached to (e.g., fixedly attached to) the roller tube122. For example, the rotatable portion174may comprise notches176configured to receive ribs (not shown) on an inner surface of the roller tube for fixedly attaching the rotatable portion174to the roller tube122. The rotatable portion174may be configured to rotate around the stationary portion172, e.g., as the motor drive unit160rotates the roller tube122. For example, the stationary portion172and the rotatable portion174may meet at a bearing surface (not shown). The first gear192may be connected to (e.g., formed as a part of) the rotatable portion174of the idler assembly170, such that the first gear192rotates as the roller tube122rotates.

The gear assembly190may also comprise a second gear194that may be coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled) to the shaft184of the lift assistance spring182and may be configured to rotate about the second axis118. The second gear194may comprise an opening198configured to receive and attach to the shaft184of the lift assistance spring182. The second gear194may also comprise a drum199(e.g., a cylindrical drum) configured to be received (e.g., rotatably received) within an opening139(e.g., a cylindrical opening) in the second bracket130b. The gear assembly190may comprise a third gear196located between the first and second gears192,194, and configured to mechanically couple the first gear192to the second gear194. The second bracket130bmay support the first, second, and third gears192,194,196of the gear assembly190. The engagement between the first, second, and third gears192,194,196of the gear assembly190may provide the connection through which the lift assistance subsystem180provides the assistance to the motor of the motor drive unit160in moving the shade fabric102.

In operation, the motor of the motor drive unit160may cause the roller tube122to rotate in either a first angular direction (e.g., clockwise) or a second angular direction (e.g., counterclockwise) depending on whether the shade fabric102is to be moved toward the lowered position or toward the raised position. As the roller tube122rotates, the cords112, for example, may be either wound around the roller tube122(e.g., guided by the lift rings110) or unwound from the roller tube122depending on the direction of the rotation. When the cords112are wound around the roller tube122, the cords112may pull on the battens105to cause the shade fabric102to raise and fold. For example, if starting in the lowered position, rotation of the roller tube122may cause the cords112to wind around the roller tube122, which may result in the lowest one of the battens105(e.g., along with the shade fabric102) being pulled in an upward direction. When the lowest one of the battens105contacts the next highest batten, both the lowest one of the battens105and the next highest one of the battens105may move together in an upward direction. When lowering of the shade fabric102, all of the battens105may move together until a pleat is fully expanded at which point the upper-most batten may stop moving (e.g., due to its engagement with the shade fabric102) and the remainder of the lower battens105may continue to move in a downward direction until all of the battens105reach their lowest position.

FIGS.15-20illustrate an example lift ring200(e.g., a cord guide and/or a guide member) that may be deployed as the lift rings110of the Roman shade system100. The lift ring200may be configured to extend around a roller tube202(e.g., the roller tube122), which may have a cylindrical shape. The lift ring200may guide a flexible member, such as a cord (e.g., one of the cords112) and/or a ribbon (e.g., one of the ribbons111) as the flexible member is wound around the roller tube210.FIG.15is a perspective view of the lift ring200decoupled from the roller tube202andFIG.16is a perspective view of the lift ring200extending around the roller tube202.FIG.17is a first side view (e.g., a right-side view) andFIG.18is a second side view (e.g., a left-side view) of the lift ring200when not attached to the roller tube202. The lift ring200may comprise a body210that may be a broken ring defining a central opening211and having first and second ends212,214, where the first end212extends to the second end214. The first and second ends212,214of the body210may be separated by a gap215. The central opening211of the body210may receive the roller tube202when the lift ring110is installed around the roller tube202.

The body210of the lift ring200may comprise an outer surface220and an inner surface222. The inner surface222may be configured to abut against an outer surface204of the roller tube202when the lift ring200is installed on the roller tube202and the roller tube202is received in the central opening211of the body210. For example, the inner surface222of the body210of the lift ring200may define a circular shape to match the cylindrical shape (e.g., cylindrical periphery) of the roller tube202. As shown inFIGS.15-18, the outer surface220of the body210of the lift ring200may define a circular shape. In addition, the outer surface220of the body210may have the shape of an oval, a triangle, a square, or another polygon shape. In some examples, the body210of the lift ring200may not comprise the outer surface220.

The body210of the lift ring200may further comprise a first side224(e.g., a closed side) and a second side226(e.g., an open side). The first side224may comprise a sidewall228that extends between the outer surface220and the inner surface222of the body210. The sidewall228may define a cord-abutment surface against which the flexible member (e.g., the cord) may abut as the flexible member wraps around the roller tube202. The second side226of the body210of the lift ring200may be open and absent of material (e.g., may not comprise a sidewall). WhileFIGS.15-20are described herein with cords of the Roman shade system abutting the sidewall228of the body210, ribbons of the Roman shade system may also abut against the sidewall228of the body210when the Roman shade system comprises ribbons (e.g., rather than cords).

The first end212of the body210may be configured to be connected to the second end214via a fastener216(e.g., a screw) received through a first opening218in the first end212and a second opening219in the second end214. For example, the second opening219may be threaded (or vice versa). The fastener216may be tightened and loosened to respectively decrease and increase a diameter the central opening211of the lift ring200to thus adjust how tightly the lift ring200is attached to the roller tube202. For example, the fastener216may be tightened to a degree that prevents angular movement of the lift ring200around the roller tube202as the roller tube202is being rotated and also prevents the lift ring200from sliding along the roller tube202(e.g., in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the roller tube202). In some instances, the gap215between the first end212and the second end214of the body210may still be present when the lift ring200is attached to the roller tube202and the fastener216is tightened until the inner surface222of the body210abuts the roller tube202. The gap215and the fastener216may allow the lift ring200to be installed on roller tubes of different diameters.

The lift ring200may comprise one or more cord-attachment structures230(FIG.16) for attaching the respective cord to the lift ring200. For example, each cord-attachment structure230may comprise a cavity232(e.g., a tunnel) that extends from the first side224to the second side226of the body210. The cavity232may define a first opening234in the sidewall228at the first side224of the body210and a second opening235at the second side226of the body210. Each cord-attachment structure230may comprise a lip236that at least partially surrounds the second opening235at the second side226of the body210. The cord may extend through the cavity232of one of the cord-attachment structures230(e.g., through the first opening234, the cavity232, and the second opening235). The cord may enter the cavity232through the second opening235and exit the cavity232(e.g., exit the body210) through the first opening234, such that the cord may wrap around the roller tube202adjacent to the sidewall228(e.g., the cord-abutment surface) after exiting through the second opening234.

The lip236of each of the cord-attachment structures230may comprise a notch238, which may receive the cord as the cord enters the second opening235of the cavity232. The end of the cord may be tied into a knot and the cord may be received in the notch238in the lip236, such that the cord extends through the cavity232and the knot is located outside of the cavity232and adjacent to the notch238. The notch238and/or the knot formed in the cord may be sized to prevent the knot in the cord from passing through the notch238to secure the cord to the lift ring200. When the cord extends from the notch238to shade fabric of the Roman shade system, the weight of the shade fabric may cause the cord to be secured in the notch238in the lip236(e.g., since the knob is not able to pass through the notch238). In some examples, the first opening234in the sidewall228at the first side224of the body210and/or a knot formed in the cord may be sized such to prevent the knot from passing through the second opening235when the knot is received in the cavity232. In such examples, the knot formed in the cord may be retained in the cavity232and the cord may extend through the first opening234and wrap around the roller tube202adjacent to the sidewall228(e.g., the cord-abutment surface). In addition, the cavity232may be sized to prevent a knot formed in the cord from passing through the cavity232when the knot is received in the cavity232and the cord extends through the first opening234in the sidewall228at the first side224of the body210. Further, the second opening235at the second side226of the body210may be sized to prevent a knot formed in the cord from passing through the second opening235when the cord is received by the cavity232and the cord extends through the first opening234and the second opening235.

The lift ring200may alternatively and/or additionally be configured to facilitate attachment of ribbons (e.g., the ribbons111) to the roller tube202, for example, when paired with another lift ring200as shown inFIG.6. The lift ring200may comprise one or more channels240(e.g., the channel117). The channel240may be configured to receive one end of a pin (e.g., the pin115) that may be attached to an end of the ribbon. The other end of the pin may be received in a respective channel in the adjacent lift ring. The ribbon may wrap around the roller tube202between the adjacent lift rings200. For example, the adjacent lift rings200may be installed around the roller tube202and oriented such that the first sides224of the respective bodies210faces each other to allow the ribbon to wrap around the roller tube202between the sidewalls228of the adjacent lift rings200. The channels240may be formed in, for example, the inner surface222of the body210of the lift ring200. The pin (e.g., the end of the pin) may be captured in the respective channel240of the adjacent lift rings200between the body210of the lift ring200and the roller tube202.

The lift ring200may be configured to be deformed (e.g., twisted) to be installed on the roller tube202.FIGS.19and20are perspective views of the lift ring200in a deformed state illustrating how the lift ring200may be installed on the roller tube202. To place the lift ring200into the deformed state, the first end212of the body210may pulled away from the second end214to enlarge the size of the gap215(e.g., as shown inFIG.19). For example, the first end212of the body210may be pulled away from the second end214to enlarge the size of the gap215to be larger than a diameter of the roller tube202(e.g., larger than approximately 1.625 inches). When in the deformed state, the roller tube202may pass through the gap215between the first end212and the second end214of the body210(e.g., as shown inFIG.20). After the roller tube202is received through the gap215between the first end212and the second end214of the body210, the lift ring200may be released to allow the lift ring200to reform into its original shape (e.g., as shown inFIG.16) after which the fastener216may be inserted into the first opening218in the first end212and the second opening219in the second end214and then tightened to secure the lift ring200to the roller tube202.

The lift ring200may be characterized by a number of characteristics and/or features that improve the flexibility of the lift ring200. For example, the lift ring200(e.g., the body210) may be made of a suitable material (e.g., a conditioned, unfilled nylon material) that may improve the flexibility of the lift ring200. In addition, the second side226of the body210of the lift ring200being open and absent of material may also improve the flexibility of the lift ring200. Finally, the body210of the lift ring200may comprise a number of recesses250in the sidewall228on the first side224of the body210. The recesses250may also extend into the inner surface222of the body210of the lift ring200. The recesses250(e.g., lack of material along the first side224of the body210) may also improve the flexibility of the lift ring200.

Although the present disclosure has been described in relation to particular examples thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, although the kits, systems, and methods have been described in relation to Roman shades, it should be understood that the concepts may be applied to other types of window treatments, such as Venetian blinds and cellular shades, to list only a couple of possibilities.