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

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/266,632 filed on Nov. 7, 2008, now U.S Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0116443 entitled “TROUGH SHADE SYSTEM AND METHOD”. The entire contents of the foregoing application are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention generally relates to shade systems, and more specifically, to trough-style supports in conjunction with shade systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A variety of shade systems currently exist to deploy and retrieve a shade fabric over an area where shading is desired. Such systems often comprise a shade fabric wrapped around a roller tube, with supports located at the ends of the roller tube. However, the weight of the wound-up shade fabric may cause the support tube to bow, particularly in the middle of the tube. To avoid this undesirable condition, larger diameter, thicker, and/or stronger support tubes may be provided, or the amount of shade fabric may be reduced. These solutions restrict the amount of area that may be shaded, add further costs and increase the weight of the shading system. Therefore, a strong need exists for a shade system capable of deploying a larger area of shade fabric, wide, high, and monumental shades, while minimizing deflection of the shade tube and corresponding wrinkling of the shade fabric. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A trough shade system and method of use is disclosed. In one embodiment, a shade system comprises a support cradle configured to support a roller tube having a roller axis, and a floating plate configured with: a first channel configured to allow the roller axis of the roller tube to move a limited range along only a first axis of movement with respect to the support cradle, and a second channel configured to allow the roller axis of the roller tube to move a limited range along only a second axis of movement with respect to the support cradle. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment, a shade system comprises a roller tube having a roller axis, a support cradle configured to support the roller tube, and a floating plate configured to allow the roller tube to move along a first axis of movement and along a second axis of movement. Movement of the roller axis of the roller tube along the first axis of movement is independent of movement of the roller axis of the roller tube along the second axis of movement. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, a method comprises moving, with respect to a support cradle in a shade system, the roller axis of a roller tube. The moving is guided by a floating plate configured with: a first channel configured to allow the roller axis of the roller tube to move a limited range along only a first axis of movement with respect to the support cradle, and a second channel configured to allow the roller axis of the roller tube to move a limited range along only a second axis of movement with respect to the support cradle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals depict like elements, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a trough shade system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cut-away view of a trough shade system showing the roller tube having various portions of the shade material wound around the roller tube and the roller tube resting within the support cradle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a cut-away view of a trough shade system comprising various control linkages and support plates, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  illustrates an isometric view of a trough shade system comprising various control linkages and support plates, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein shows the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration, diagrams, charts and various processing steps including the best mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. 
         [0013]    Moreover, for the sake of brevity, certain sub-components of individual components and other aspects of the system may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, wireless connections or physical couplings may be present in a practical system. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform specified functions. 
         [0014]    Trough shade system  100  is configured to deploy and retrieve a shade fabric wrapped around roller tube  102 , while enabling movement of the roller tube  102  within a support cradle  108  such that the shade fabric is deployed and retrieved in a sufficiently constant plane. With reference to  FIG. 1 , and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, trough shade system  100  comprises a roller tube  102 , housing  104 , support cradle  108 , end cap  110 , floating plate  112 , motor plate  116 , rollers  114  and  118 , and motor  130  (not shown). 
         [0015]    Continuing with reference to  FIG. 1 , and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, roller tube  102  comprises a structure configured to receive and support shade material in a winding manner. In one embodiment, roller tube  102  comprises a metal alloy, a composite structure, a plastic structure, a carbon fiber structure, or other suitable material configured to receive and support shade material in a winding manner. Roller tube  102  may include grooves, flanges, trenches, or other portions configured to facilitate attachment of shade material to roller tube  102 . Moreover, roller tube  102  may be configured in any suitable manner for receiving and supporting shade material. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, roller tube  102  is coupled to motor  130 . Through operation of motor  130 , a portion of shade material is unrolled from roller tube  102  and/or rolled around roller tube  102 . In other exemplary embodiments, roller tube  102  may be rolled using manual force via, for example, a chain. Roller tube  102  may be operated in any appropriate manner and via any appropriate mechanism to cause shade material to unroll from and/or roll onto roller tube  102 . 
         [0017]    Any appropriate shade material, such as fabrics comprising polyester, cotton, nylon, Teflon, high density polyethelyene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic olefin (TPO), fiberglass, room darkening and/or blackout fabrics with a laminated or black-out coating, and the like, and/or any combination of the above, may be used with roller tube  102 . Further, shade material may be any type of material used for facilitating control of solar glare, daylighting, brightness, contrasting brightness, luminance ratios, room darkening, blackout, solar heat gain or loss, UV exposure, uniformity of design and/or for providing a better interior environment for the occupants of a structure supporting increased productivity, and the like. 
         [0018]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2  and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, housing  104  comprises a structure configured to partially or fully encase roller tube  102  and/or other components. Housing  104  may function as the main body of trough shade system  100 . Housing  104  may comprise aluminum, steel, copper, magnesium, titanium, or other suitable durable metal, and/or various alloys of or variations on the same, such as stainless steel, A36 steel, galvanized steel, duralumin, silumin, 6061 aluminum, and the like, or any combination thereof. Housing  104  may also comprise a composite structure, a plastic structure, a carbon fiber structure, or other suitable material. Further, housing  104  is configured for mounting on a building or other surface. Accordingly, housing  104  may be coupled to a building, such as by mounting hardware, e.g., screws and/or other mechanical fasteners. Moreover, housing  104  may be mounted to any appropriate surface via any suitable technique to secure housing  104  in place. Housing  104  is coupled to end cap  110  and to support cradle  108 . Housing  104  may also be coupled to various other components, including fascia  106  and the like. 
         [0019]    Housing  104  may comprise multiple portions. For example, a first portion of housing  104  may be coupled to a building. A second portion of housing  104  may be coupled to the first portion via one or more support clips  132 . Moreover, portions of housing  104  may be coupled together in any appropriate manner configured to secure the portions of housing  104  in place. 
         [0020]    Fascia  106  (not shown) comprises a structure configured to partially or fully hide a subset or all of the components of system  100 . In one embodiment, fascia  106  is configured to couple with housing  104 . Fascia  106  may partially or fully comprise aluminum, steel, copper, magnesium, titanium, or other suitable durable metal, and/or various alloys of or variations on the same, such as stainless steel, A36 steel, galvanized steel, duralumin, silumin, 6061 aluminum, and the like, or any combination thereof. Fascia  106  may also comprise a composite structure, a plastic structure, a carbon fiber structure, or other suitable material. Further, fascia  106  may protect the inner portions of trough shade system  100  from exposure to dirt, debris, and other foreign matter which may impair the operation of trough shade system  100 . Moreover, fascia  106  may comprise a composite structure, a plastic structure, a carbon fiber structure, or other suitable material. In one embodiment, fascia  106  is coupled to housing  104  via a snap fit. In other embodiments, fascia  106  may be coupled to housing  104  via adhesives, mechanical fasteners, slip fits, and the like. 
         [0021]    Returning to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in one embodiment, support cradle  108  comprises a structure configured to support a roller tube, such as roller tube  102 , having shade material wound thereon. Support cradle  108  may partially or fully comprise aluminum, steel, copper, magnesium, titanium, or other suitable durable metal, and/or various alloys of or variations on the same, such as stainless steel, A36 steel, galvanized steel, duralumin, silumin, 6061 aluminum, and the like, or any combination thereof. Support cradle  108  further comprises a low-friction coating in order to facilitate easier deployment (unrolling) and retrieval (rolling) of shade material from roller tube  102 . In other exemplary embodiments, support cradle  108  partially or fully comprises a low-friction material, such as high-density polyethelyne (HDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethelyne (UHMW-PE), polyoxymethelyne (e.g., Delrin®), polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon®), polyethylene terephthalate, and the like, or any combination thereof. Further, support cradle  108  may comprise any base material having desirable strength and/or weight characteristics. The base material may then be partially or fully coated with a low-friction material to achieve desired properties for support cradle  108 . Support cradle  108  may be coupled to housing  104 . Moreover, support cradle  108  may be continuously supported by housing  104 . In this manner, shade material wound on a roller tube may be supported across the length of the shade for improved safety. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , support cradle  108  is configured to partially or fully support shade material wound around roller tube  102 . For example, support cradle  108  may be symmetrical, asymmetrical, curved, arc-shaped, crescent-shaped, parabolic, hyperbolic, and the like. Support cradle  108  may also be comprised of multiple segments, such as segments having a flat face. Individual segments with a flat face of various inclinations may be coupled together to form support cradle  108 . As used herein, the side of support cradle  108  nearer to the area where shade material is deployed from trough shade system  100  is referred to as the “feed side”. The side of support cradle  108  opposite the feed side is referred to as the “rear side”. 
         [0023]    As best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in various embodiments, support cradle  108  is partially or fully configured with bull nose  134  at the feed side. Bull nose  134  may partially or fully guide shade material during unrolling. Further, bull nose  134  may partially or fully prevent roller tube  102  and wound-up shade fabric from moving out of support cradle  108  during operation of trough shade system  100 , and may assist in keeping roller tube  102  and wound-up shade fabric centered in support cradle  108 . In an exemplary embodiment, bull nose  134  at the feed side of support cradle  108  extends a sufficient distance from the center of shade tube  102  to cause the shade fabric to be deployed and retrieved in a sufficiently constant plane. Moreover, bull nose  134  at the feed side of support cradle  108  may comprise a roller bearing, a solid shape, or any other component or components configured to prevent roller tube  102  and wound-up shade material from rolling out of support cradle  108  and/or allow or the smooth movement of fabric during operation of trough shade system  100 . 
         [0024]    In another exemplary embodiment, support cradle  108  is configured with a stop or tube dam at the feed side. The tube dam may comprise a roller bearing which partially or fully extends the length of support cradle  108 . Alternatively, the feed side tube dam may comprise a solid shape or any other component or components configured to prevent roller tube  102  and wound-up shade material from rolling out of support cradle  108  and/or allow or the smooth movement of fabric during operation of trough shade system  100 . The feed side tube dam may guide shade material during unrolling. Further, the feed side tube dam may partially or fully prevent roller tube  102  and wound-up shade fabric from moving out of support cradle  108  during operation of trough shade system  100 , and may assist in keeping roller tube  102  and wound-up shade fabric centered in support cradle  108 . 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, support cradle  108  is configured with a stop tube dam at the rear side. The rear side tube dam may comprise a roller bearing which partially or fully extends the length of support cradle  108 . In another embodiment, the rear side tube dam may comprise a continuous bearing, a moulded shape, and the like. Further, the rear side tube dam may partially or fully prevent roller tube  102  and wound-up shade fabric from moving out of support cradle  108  during operation of trough shade system  100 , and may assist in partially or fully keeping roller tube  102  and wound-up shade fabric centered in support cradle  108 . 
         [0026]    Returning to  FIGS. 1 and 2  and in one embodiment, end cap  110  comprises a structure configured to partially or fully couple with housing  104 . End cap  110  may partially or fully comprise aluminum, steel, copper, magnesium, titanium, or other suitable durable metal, and/or various alloys of or variations on the same, such as stainless steel, A36 steel, galvanized steel, duralumin, silumin, 6061 aluminum, and the like, or any combination thereof. End cap  110  may also partially or fully comprise a composite structure, a plastic structure, a carbon fiber structure, or other suitable material. In one embodiment, end cap  110  is configured to couple with housing  104 , and with floating plate  112  via roller  114 . Further, fascia  106  may also be coupled to end cap  110 . End cap  110  may be configured for partially or fully mounting to a building or other surface, such as by mounting hardware, e.g., screws and/or other mechanical fasteners. Moreover, end cap  110  may be mounted to any appropriate surface via any suitable technique to secure end cap  110  in place. 
         [0027]    Continuing to reference  FIGS. 1 and 2  and in one embodiment, floating plate  112  comprises a structure configured to enable movement of roller tube  102 . Floating plate  112  is configured to partially or fully couple with rollers  114  and  118 . Floating plate  112  may partially or fully comprise aluminum, steel, copper, magnesium, titanium, or other suitable durable metal, and/or various alloys of or variations on the same, such as stainless steel, A36 steel, galvanized steel, duralumin, silumin, 6061 aluminum, and the like, or any combination thereof. Floating plate  112  may also partially or fully comprise a composite structure, a plastic structure, a carbon fiber structure, or other suitable material. Floating plate  112  is coupled to end cap  110  via roller  114 . Further, floating plate  112  is coupled to motor plate  116  via rollers  118 . Floating plate  112  may also be coupled to motor plate  116  via other low friction assemblies. 
         [0028]    In accordance with one embodiment, floating plate  112  includes one or more channels, grooves, or any other configuration or device which allows roller tube  102  to move. In one embodiment, floating plate  112  includes four channels, including two vertical channels and two horizontal channels all separated by a block. In another embodiment, floating plate  112  includes three channels, including one vertical channel  120  separating two horizontal channels  124 ,  126 . Moreover, floating plate  112  may include any suitable number of channels, grooves, or other configurations or devices which allow roller tube  102  to move. 
         [0029]    Floating plate  112  is configured to allow roller tube  102  to move in a vertical direction responsive to guidance from roller  114 . Further, floating plate  112  is configured to allow roller tube  102  to move in a horizontal direction responsive to guidance from rollers  118 . In this manner, the ends of roller tube  102  are confined to a limited range of movement with respect to support cradle  108 . However, roller tube  102  may move within support cradle  108 , such as in response to forces generated during winding or unwinding shade material. The ends of roller tube  102  may move in a vertical and/or horizontal direction, thereby reducing bowing, bending, and other deformation of roller tube  102 . 
         [0030]    In another exemplary embodiment, roller tube  102  may be allowed to move in a horizontal and/or vertical direction with respect to support cradle  108  through use of an inclined guide rail coupled to the ends of roller tube  102 . In one embodiment, roller tube  102  may be allowed to move in a horizontal and/or vertical direction with respect to support cradle  108  through use of a pivoting arm assembly. 
         [0031]    With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2  and in one embodiment, end cap  110  includes at least one roller  114  which is partially or fully received into floating plate  112 . Roller  114  may comprise bearings, low friction guides, enclosed or encapsulated bearings, and the like. Roller  114  is configured to allow roller tube  102  to have a limited range of vertical movement. Roller  114  is received into vertical channel  120  of floating plate  112  such that roller  114  allows roller tube  102  to translate vertically within a limited range. In one embodiment, the limited range is defined by the length of vertical channel  120  within floating plate  112 . Roller  114  may thus roll within vertical channel  120 , but the vertical motion is stopped when roller  114  hits the top or bottom of vertical channel  120 . The vertical movement of roller tube  102  causes motor plate  116  to impact the top or bottom portion of the horizontal channels within floating plate  112 , thereby causing vertical movement of floating plate  112  around roller  114 . 
         [0032]    In another embodiment, the limited range is defined by the length of two collinear vertical channels within floating plate  112 . The two vertical channels within floating plate  112  are divided by a block such that two vertical channels are formed within floating plate  112 , thereby allowing each roller  114  to roll within a respective channel, but the vertical motion is stopped when a roller  114  hits the block between the vertical channels. 
         [0033]    Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2  and in one embodiment, motor plate  116  comprises a structure configured to couple with floating plate  112  via rollers  118 . Motor plate  116  may be configured to couple with motor  130  (not shown). Motor plate  116  may partially or fully comprise aluminum, steel, copper, magnesium, titanium, or other suitable durable metal, and/or various alloys of or variations on the same, such as stainless steel, A36 steel, galvanized steel, duralumin, silumin, 6061 aluminum, and the like, or any combination thereof. Motor plate  116  may also partially or fully comprise a composite structure, a plastic structure, a carbon fiber structure, or other suitable material. Motor plate  116  may be partially or fully received into floating plate  112  via one or more rollers such as rollers  118 . 
         [0034]    Rollers  118  are partially or fully received into the horizontal channels  124 ,  126  of floating plate  112  such that rollers  118  enable roller tube  102  to translate horizontally within a limited range. In one embodiment, the limited range is defined by the length of the horizontal channels  124 ,  126  within floating plate  112 . In one embodiment, the horizontal channels  124 ,  126  within floating plate  112  are divided by a block such that two horizontal channels  124 ,  126  are formed within floating plate  112 , thereby allowing each roller  118  to roll within a respective channel, but the horizontal motion is stopped when a roller hits the block between the channels. In another embodiment, the horizontal channels  124 ,  126  within floating plate  112  are divided by vertical channel  120  such that two horizontal channels  124 ,  126  are formed within floating plate  112 , thereby allowing each roller  118  to roll within a respective channel, but the horizontal motion is stopped when a roller  188  reaches the end of a respective channel. Rollers  118  may comprise bearings, low friction guides, enclosed or encapsulated bearings, and the like. Rollers  118  are configured to allow roller tube  102  to have a limited range of horizontal movement. Further, motor plate  116  is configured to allow roller tube  102  to move in a horizontal direction responsive to guidance from rollers  118 . In this manner, the ends of roller tube  102  are confined to a limited range of horizontal movement with respect to support cradle  108 . However, roller tube  102  may move within support cradle  108 , such as in response to forces generated during winding or unwinding of the shade material. 
         [0035]    Motor  130  (not shown) may be coupled to motor plate  116  and to roller tube  102 . Motor  130  may comprise any suitable device configured to provide rotational force to roller tube  102 , such as, for example, a brushless direct current (DC) motor, a brushed DC motor, a coreless DC motor, a linear DC motor, and the like. Motor  130  may also comprise an alternating current (AC) motor, an induction motor, a cage rotor motor, a slip ring motor, a stepper motor, and the like. Moreover, any motor or similar device presently known or adopted in the future to drive shade tube  102  within trough shade system  100  falls within the scope of the present invention. In other exemplary embodiments, motor  130  may be replaced with another suitable power generation mechanism capable of moving roller tube  102 . In various exemplary embodiments, motor  130  comprises a tubular motor inserted into roller tube  102  and coupled to motor plate  116 . 
         [0036]    In one exemplary embodiment, motor  130  may be configured as any type of stepping motor capable of moving roller tube  102  at select, random, predetermined, increasing, decreasing, algorithmic or any other increments. For example, motor  130  may be configured to move roller tube  102  in 1/16-inch or ⅛-inch increments. Further, motor  130  may also be configured to have each step and/or increment last a certain amount of time. The time of the increments may be any range of time, for example, less than one second, one or more seconds, and/or multiple minutes. In one embodiment, each ⅛-inch increment of motor  130  may last five seconds. Motor  130  may be configured to move roller tube  102  at a rate which results in virtually imperceptible movement of the shade fabric. For example, motor  130  may be configured to continually iterate finite increments, thus establishing thousands of intermediate stopping positions across a shaded area. The increments may be consistent in span and time or may vary in span and/or time across the day and from day to day in order to optimize the comfort requirements of the space and further minimize abrupt window covering positioning transitions, such as those which may draw unnecessary attention from the occupants of a building. 
         [0037]    Motor  130  (not shown) may be activated to cause rotation of roller tube  102  in order to unroll a portion of shade fabric. Shade fabric may be deployed from the feed side of trough shade system  100 . A portion of the shade fabric may move across the feed side edge of support cradle  108 , such as bull nose  134 . In this manner, shade fabric may be guided as it exits the trough shade system  100 . Moreover, shade fabric may be deployed without moving across the feed side edge of support cradle  108 . In various exemplary embodiments, shade fabric is deployed from trough shade system  100  in a sufficiently constant and consistent plane with respect to the shaded surface. Moreover, shade fabric may be deployed from trough shade system  100  in a plane controlled by the location of the bull nose in support cradle  108 . 
         [0038]    In other exemplary embodiments, the distance between the shade fabric and the shaded surface may vary, e.g., as a result of variation in the amount of shade fabric remaining in a wound condition on roller tube  102 , as a result of the location of bull nose  134 , and the like. Friction on the shade fabric may thus be reduced, as the shade fabric may contact bull nose  134  during only a portion of the shade deployment and/or retrieval. 
         [0039]    In an exemplary embodiment, motor  130  may be activated to cause rotation of roller tube  102  in order to roll up a portion of shade fabric. Shade fabric may be retrieved at the feed side of trough shade system  100 . A portion of the shade fabric may move across the feed side edge of support cradle  108 , such as bull nose  134 . In this manner, shade fabric may be guided as it returns into trough shade system  100  and is wound on roller tube  102 . Moreover, shade fabric may be retrieved without moving across the feed side edge of support cradle  108 . In an exemplary embodiment, shade fabric is retrieved into trough shade system  100  in a sufficiently constant plane with respect to a shaded surface. In other exemplary embodiments, the distance between the shade fabric and the shaded surface may vary, e.g., as a result of variation in the amount of shade fabric collected in a wound condition on roller tube  102 . 
         [0040]    In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, trough shade system  100  comprises a double shade. For example, two shades may be provided in a back to back arrangement, an over/under arrangement, and the like. The first shade may be a room darkening/blackout shade. The second shade may be a sunscreen shade. Moreover, the first and second shade may be any appropriate shade material. The shades may be deployed, retrieved, and/or operated individually and/or together. 
         [0041]    A shade may comprise side channels to minimize edge-of-shade light leaks (such as those occurring due to distance between the edge of a fabric shade and the end of support cradle  108 ). Moreover, smooth deployment of a shade fabric without changing the location of the shade fabric in relation to side channels or windows may allow long, high shades to be inserted into side channels. Additionally, use of a floating bearing design may enable reduction of the gap between the end of a shade and the end of a support trough. 
         [0042]    A sunscreen shade may comprise a solar protection shade fabric. The solar protection shade fabric may be installed as a single shade. The solar protection shade fabric may also be installed as a series of individual shades, for example shades adjacent to each other and having a space between shades of between approximately ¼ inch to ¾ inch, or a wider space as appropriate in order to compliment or mimic the module of one or more windows intended to be covered. Individual shades coupled to a single roller tube  102  will operate together as a single unit. 
         [0043]    Trough shade system  100  may also comprise a triple shade, a four-shade system, and the like. Any suitable number of shades may be provided, as desired. 
         [0044]    In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, trough shade system  100  may be provided and installed in at least two portions. For example, a housing/support portion may be installed first. At least one trough portion may then be attached to and supported by the housing/support portion. Internal leveling devices may be provided in order to level and adjust the trough to assist with uniform operation and tracking of the shade bands. Moreover, internal attachments, such as Z-type clips, may facilitate installation and/or removal of one or more trough portions from the support/housing portion. 
         [0045]    With reference now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, trough shade system  300  comprises mounting clip  302 , housing  306 , support cradle  308  comprising anti-friction coating  309 , roller tube end portion  310 , first mounting plate  312 , horizontal control linkages  314 , bearings  316 , second mounting plate  318 , vertical control linkages  320 , and motor  322  (not shown). 
         [0046]    Mounting clip  302  may be mounted to any appropriate surface. Mounting clip  302  is coupled to housing  306 . Mounting clip  302  may also comprise ceiling tile support hanger  304 . 
         [0047]    Housing  306  is coupled to support cradle  308 . Housing  306  may provide support to support cradle  308  throughout the length of support cradle  308 . Shade fabric wound around a roller tube coupled to roller tube end portion  310  may be supported via support cradle  308 . Support cradle  308  may comprise an anti-friction coating in order to reduce friction between support cradle  308  and shade fabric. Support cradle  308  may further comprise various components on the feed side and/or rear side, such as a bull nose, a roller bearing, a tube dam, and the like. 
         [0048]    Motor  322  (not shown in the figures) is coupled to roller tube end portion  310 . In this manner, force provided by motor  322  may be translated into movement of at least one shade fabric coupled to a roller tube. 
         [0049]    Continuing to reference  FIGS. 3A and 3B , roller tube end portion  310  is in turn coupled to a first mounting plate  312 . First mounting plate  312  is coupled to at least two horizontal control linkages  314  via a series of bearings  316 . Horizontal control linkages  314  may be configured to allow a roller tube to move in a substantially horizontal direction. 
         [0050]    Horizontal control linkages  314  are coupled to second mounting plate  318 . Second mounting plate  318  is in turn coupled to housing  306  by way of at least two vertical control linkages  320 . Vertical control linkages  320  may be configured to allow a roller tube to move in a substantially vertical direction. Reactive torque loading from operation of motor  322  may thus be distributed via horizontal control linkages  314  and vertical control linkages  320 . 
         [0051]    Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims of the invention. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, indicating exemplary embodiments of the invention, are given for purposes of illustration only and not as limitations. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the instant invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. Corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing the functions in combination with other claim elements as specifically claimed. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given above. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, and C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.