Patent Publication Number: US-11377904-B2

Title: Roller shade for non-rectangular windows

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     Aspects of the embodiments relate to shades, and more particularly to systems, methods, and modes for a roller shade for a non-rectangular window, such as trapezoidal, parallelogram, as well as other regular or irregular quadrilateral shaped windows, and which may be mounted in different orientations and tilt angles. 
     Background Art 
     Roller shades are effective in screening windows, doors, or the like, to achieve privacy and thermal effects. A roller shade typically includes a rectangular shade material, such as fabric, attached at its top end to a cylindrical rotating tube, called a roller tube, and at an opposite bottom end to a hem bar. The shade material is wrapped around the roller tube. The roller tube is rotated, either manually or via an electric motor, in a first direction to roll down the shade material to cover a window and in a second direction to roll up the shade material to uncover the window. 
     While windows are typically rectangular and positioned in a vertical orientation, some buildings employ odd shaped windows, such as trapezoidal or parallelogram windows, with tilted orientation. In such applications, typical roller shades with rectangular fabrics are inappropriate as they will not provide full coverage of the window, resulting in unsightly light gaps at the sides of the window. In addition, in typical roller shades, the bottom end of the fabric is free hanging such that the fabric will roll up and down perpendicular to the floor or the window sill. In tilted windows, however, it is desirous to have the shade material to hang and travel parallel to the window such that the fabric is sloped at the same angle as the window. Conventional window shades cannot fully conform to the uniquely shape and angled windows, such as trapezoidal or parallelogram windows. 
     Accordingly, a need has arisen for a roller shade for a non-rectangular window, such as a trapezoidal, parallelogram, as well as other regular or irregular quadrilateral shaped windows, and which may be mounted in different orientations and tilt angles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the embodiments to substantially solve at least the problems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at least one or more of the advantages described below. 
     It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide systems, methods, and modes for a roller shade for a non-rectangular window, such as a trapezoidal, parallelogram, as well as other regular or irregular quadrilateral shaped windows, and which may be mounted in different orientations and tilt angles. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Further features and advantages of the aspects of the embodiments, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the aspects of the embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the embodiments, a roller shade is provided adapted to be installed in a non-rectangular structural opening comprising a pair of sides jambs interconnected at their first ends by a first jamb and at their second ends by a second jamb. The roller shade comprises a roller tube adapted to be attached between the side jambs proximate to the first jamb, a shade material comprising and extending between a first end attached to the roller tube and a second end, and a shade drive unit operably connected to the roller tube and adapted to rotate the roller tube to roll or unroll the shade material. The shade material comprises a shape that corresponds to a shape of the structural opening such that the shade material substantially covers the structural opening when it is unrolled from the roller tube. The roller shade also comprises a pair of longitudinal side channels each comprising a longitudinal track and adapted to be attached along one of the side jambs, and a hem bar assembly attached to the second end of the shade material and comprising a pair of wheels at its opposite terminal ends, wherein each wheel is adapted to be retained by and travel within one of the longitudinal tracks. The roller shade further comprises a pair of tension modules adapted to be attached proximate to the second jamb, wherein each tension module comprises a retractable cable attached to the hem bar proximate to one of the wheels, wherein the tension modules are adapted to provide tension on the hem bar assembly. 
     According to an embodiment, the hem bar assembly further comprises a hollow housing with a pair opposite open ends and a pair of extendable arms each partially residing within the hollow housing and partially extending from one of the opposite open ends of the hollow housing, wherein each wheel of the hem bar assembly is attached to a terminal end of one of the pair of extendable arms. Each longitudinal side channel may be adapted to receive the terminal end of one of the pair of extendable arms. The longitudinal tracks may be adapted to guide the hem bar assembly along the side jambs and control an extension of the pair of extendable arms as distance between the side jambs changes. The pair of side jambs of the non-rectangular structural opening may be unparalleled causing the pair of extendable arms to extend from or retract into the open ends of the hollow housing as the shade material is rolled on or unrolled from the roller tube. According to an embodiment, the hem bar assembly further comprises a rotatable idler gear disposed within the hollow housing, wherein each of the pair of extendable arms comprise a gear rack adapted to engage the idler gear. According to an embodiment, the idler gear and the pair of gear racks cooperatively act as a synchronizing mechanism to synchronize a distance the pair of extendable arms extend out of the pair of open ends of the hollow housing. According to a further embodiment, the hollow housing comprises a plurality of rollers rotatably disposed about the extendable arms to guide the extendable arms therein. According to yet another embodiment, the hem bar assembly further comprises a plurality of rotatable interengaged idler gears disposed within the hollow housing, wherein each of the pair of extendable arms comprise a gear rack adapted to engage at least two of the idler gears, wherein the idler gears comprise different gear ratios to allow the pair of extendable arms to extend at different distances from the hollow housing. 
     According to an embodiment, the roller shade further comprises a fascia adapted to be attached to the second jamb to substantially conceal the pair of tension modules from view. The fascia may comprise a pair of holes through which the retractable cables exit the fascia. The retractable cables may extend into and are substantially concealed by the longitudinal side channels. 
     According to another embodiment, the first jamb is offset from the second jamb of the non-rectangular opening, wherein the roller tube is adapted to be attached between the side jambs at an angle with respect to the first jamb. The roller shade may further comprise a fascia adapted to be aligned with and attached to the first jamb to substantially conceal the angled roller tube from view. The roller tube may be adapted to be attached between the side jambs substantially perpendicularly to a direction of travel of the shade material. The hem bar assembly may be adapted to be attached to the second end of the shade material such that the hem bar assembly is parallel to the second jamb. 
     According to another aspects of the embodiments, a roller shade is provided adapted to be installed in a non-rectangular structural opening comprising a pair of sides jambs interconnected at their first ends by a first jamb and at their second ends by a second jamb, wherein the first jamb and the second jamb comprise different widths. The roller shade comprises a roller tube adapted to be attached between the side jambs and proximate to the first jamb, a shade material comprising and extending between a first end attached to the roller tube and a second end, and a shade drive unit operably connected to the roller tube and adapted to rotate the roller tube to roll or unroll the shade material. The shade material comprises a shape that corresponds to a shape of the structural opening such that the shade material substantially covers the structural opening when it is unrolled from the roller tube. The roller shade further comprises a pair of longitudinal side channels each comprises a longitudinal track and adapted to be attached along one of the side jambs and an extendable hem bar assembly attached to the second end of the shade material and comprising a pair of wheels at its opposite terminal ends, wherein each wheel is adapted to be retained by and travel within one of the longitudinal tracks, wherein the longitudinal tracks are adapted to guide the hem bar assembly along the side jambs and control an extension of the pair of extendable arms as the shade material is rolled on or unrolled from the roller tube and the distance between the side jambs changes. The roller shade further comprises a pair of tension modules adapted to be attached proximate to the second jamb, wherein each tension module comprises a retractable cable attached to the hem bar assembly proximate to one of the wheels, wherein the tension modules are adapted to provide tension on the hem bar assembly, wherein the retractable cables extend into and are substantially concealed by the longitudinal side channels. 
     According to a further aspect of the embodiments, a roller shade is provided adapted to be installed in a non-rectangular structural opening comprising a pair of sides jambs interconnected at their first ends by a first jamb and at their second ends by a second jamb, wherein the first jamb is offset from the second jamb. The roller shade comprises a roller tube adapted to be attached between the side jambs proximate and at an angle with respect to the first jamb such that the roller tube is disposed substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the shade material, and a first fascia adapted to be aligned with and attached to the first jamb to substantially conceal the angled roller tube from view. The roller shade further comprises a shade material comprising and extending between a first end attached to the roller tube and a second end, wherein the shade material comprises a shape that corresponds to a shape of the structural opening such that the shade material substantially covers the structural opening when it is unrolled from the roller tube. The roller shade also comprises a shade drive unit operably connected to the roller tube and adapted to rotate the roller tube to roll or unroll the shade material. The roller shade further comprises a pair of longitudinal side channels each comprising a longitudinal track and adapted to be attached along one of the side jambs and a hem bar assembly attached to the second end of the shade material such that the hem bar assembly is parallel to the second jamb, wherein the hem bar assembly comprises a pair of wheels at its opposite terminal ends, wherein each wheel is adapted to be retained by and travel within one of the longitudinal tracks. The roller shade further comprises a pair of tension modules adapted to be attached proximate to the second jamb, wherein each tension module comprises a retractable cable attached to the hem bar assembly proximate to one of the wheels, wherein the tension modules are adapted to provide tension on the hem bar assembly. 
     According to yet another aspect of the embodiments, a roller shade is provided adapted to be installed in a non-rectangular structural opening comprising a pair of sides jambs interconnected at their first ends by a first jamb and at their second ends by a second jamb, wherein the first jamb is offset from and comprises a different width than the second jamb. The roller shade comprises a roller tube adapted to be attached between the side jambs proximate and at an angle with respect to the first jamb such that the roller tube is disposed substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel of the shade material. The roller shade comprises a shade material comprising and extending between a first end attached to the roller tube and a second end, wherein the shade material comprises a shape that corresponds to a shape of the structural opening such that the shade material substantially covers the structural opening when it is unrolled from the roller tube. The roller shade also comprises a shade drive unit operably connected to the roller tube and adapted to rotate the roller tube to roll or unroll the shade material. The roller shade further comprises a pair of longitudinal side channels each comprising a longitudinal track and adapted to be attached along one of the side jambs, and an extendable hem bar assembly attached to the second end of the shade material such that the hem bar assembly is parallel to the second jamb, wherein the hem bar assembly comprises a pair of wheels at its opposite terminal ends, wherein each wheel is adapted to be retained by and travel within one of the longitudinal tracks, wherein the longitudinal tracks are adapted to guide the hem bar assembly along the side jambs and control an extension of the pair of extendable arms as the shade material is rolled on or unrolled from the roller tube and the distance between the side jambs changes. The roller shade also comprises a pair of tension modules adapted to be attached proximate to the second jamb, wherein each tension module comprises a retractable cable attached to the hem bar assembly proximate to one of the wheels, wherein the tension modules are adapted to provide tension on the hem bar assembly. According to an embodiment, the roller shade further comprises a first fascia adapted to be aligned with and attached to the first jamb to substantially conceal the angled roller tube from view. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects and features of the embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the following figures. Different aspects of the embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered to be illustrative rather than limiting. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the aspects of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of a roller shade installed in a trapezoidal shaped window in a partially opened position according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a front view of the roller shade installed in a trapezoidal shaped window in a fully closed position according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of a synchronizing mechanism of the roller shade according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of a tensioning module of the roller shade according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross sectional top view of a side channel with a hem bar wheel and arm disposed therein according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the roller shade in a bottom up configuration according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrate a perspective view of two roller shades installed in differently oriented and tilted windows according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a front view of a synchronizing mechanism of the roller shade according to another illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a front view of a roller shade installed in a parallelogram shaped window in a partially opened position according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a front view of the roller shade installed in a parallelogram shaped window in a fully closed position according to an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appended claims. The detailed description that follows is written from the point of view of a control systems company, so it is to be understood that generally the concepts discussed herein are applicable to various subsystems and not limited to only a particular controlled device or class of devices. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWINGS IN NUMERICAL ORDER 
     The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings in numerical order.
       100  Roller Shade     101  Roller Tube     102  Hem Bar     104  Shade Material     105   a  First Open End     105   b  Second Open End     106  First End     107  Second End     110  Window Frame     111  Side Jamb     112  Side Jamb     113  Head Jamb     116  Sill     117  First Fascia     120  Housing     121  First Arm     122  Second Arm     123  First End     124  Second End     125  Gear Rack     126  Idler Gear     127  Pinion     128  Side Channels     129  Track     130  Wheels     131  Inner Wall     132  Outer Wall     133  Lips     135  Rollers     138  Gaps     140  Cables     141  First Tension Module     142  Second Tension Module     143  Second Fascia     144  Cable Mandrel     145  Constant Force Spring     146  Pulley     147  Holes     510  Window Frame     511  Side Jamb     512  Side Jamb     513  Head Jamb     516  Sill     701  First Idler Gear     702  Second Idler Gear     703  Third Idler Gear     704  First Gear Rack     705  Second Gear Rack     706  First Arm     707  Second Arm     800  Roller Shade     801  Roller Tube     802  Hem Bar     804  Shade Material     805   a  First Open End     805   b  Second Open End     806  First End of Shade Material     807  Second End of Shade Material     808  Parallel Side Ends of Shade Material     810  Window Frame     811  Side Jamb     812  Side Jamb     813  Head Jamb     816  Sill     817  First Fascia     820  Housing     821  First Arm     822  Second Arm     823  First End     824  Second End     825  Gear Rack     826  Idler Gear     827  Pinion     828  Side Channels     829  Track     830  Wheels     831  Direction of Travel     835  Rollers     840  Cables     841  First Tension Module     842  Second Tension Module     843  Second Fascia     844  Cable Mandrel     845  Constant Force Spring     846  Pulley     847  Holes     850  Right Angle     851  Acute Angle     852  Acute Angle   

     MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     For 40 years Crestron Electronics, Inc. has been the world&#39;s leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology to simplify and enhance modern lifestyles and businesses. Crestron designs, manufactures, and offers for sale integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, and environmental systems. In addition, the devices and systems offered by Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life in commercial buildings, universities, hotels, hospitals, and homes, among other locations. Accordingly, the systems, methods, and modes of the aspects of the embodiments described herein can be manufactured by Crestron Electronics, Inc., located in Rockleigh, N.J. 
     The different aspects of the embodiments described herein pertain to the context of roller shades, but is not limited thereto, except as may be set forth expressly in the appended claims. While the roller shade is described herein for covering a window, the roller shade may be used to cover doors, wall openings, or other openings of a structure. The embodiments described herein may further be adapted in other types of window or door shades, such as inverted rollers, Roman shades, Austrian shades, pleated shades, blinds, shutters, skylight shades, garage doors, or the like. 
     The roller shade of the present embodiments, is adapted to be mounted in a non-rectangular window, such as a trapezoidal window or a parallelogram window, and may be adapted to be mounted in other oddly shaped windows, including regular or irregular quadrilateral shaped windows. In addition, the roller shade of the present embodiments is further adapted to be mounted in different orientations and tilt angles—including a top down orientation and bottom up orientation as discussed below, or sideways configurations, and in windows that tilt toward or away from a room. In tilted windows, the shade material of the roller shade hangs and travels parallel to the window such that the fabric is sloped at the same angle as the window, resulting in a roller shade that does not encroach or diminish from the living space. Using a hem bar synchronizing mechanism, tension modules, and unique mounting hardware, the roller shade of the present embodiments can completely cover differently shaped window types for total privacy with the option to have a limited light gap and increased view to achieve the most privacy. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  there is shown a roller shade  100  installed in a trapezoidal shaped window where  FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of the roller shade  100  in a partially opened position and  FIG. 1B  illustrates a front view of the roller shade  100  in a fully closed position according to one embodiment. Roller shade  100  generally comprise a roller tube  101 , shade material  104 , and a hem bar  102 . The roller tube  101  may be generally cylindrical in shape. The shade material  104  wraps around the roller tube  101  and is unraveled from the roller tube  101  to cover a window, a door, a wall opening, or other structural opening. In various embodiments, the shade material  104  may comprise fabric, plastic, vinyl, or other materials known to those skilled in the art. 
     According to various embodiments, the roller shade  100  may comprise a shade drive unit adapted raise or lower the shade material  104  to open or close the structural opening, such as a window frame  110 . In a roller shade implementation, the shade drive unit may be at least partially received within the roller tube  101  and may be adapted to rotate the roller tube  101  to roll or unroll the shade material  104 . According to one embodiment, the shade drive unit may comprise a mechanical drive assembly for manual or semi-manual operation of the shade  100 , for example, allowing adjusting of the shade  100  by pulling or tugging on the hem bar  102  or by pulling on a chain. 
     According to another embodiment, the shade drive unit may comprise a motor for motorized operation of the shade. In a motorized implementation of the roller shade  100 , the shade drive unit may include a motor control module, a motor, and a drive wheel that fit within the roller tube  101 . The motor control module may comprise fully integrated electronics to control the motor, directing the operation of the motor, including its direction, speed, and position. While the motor remains stationary, the drive wheel may be connected to the output shaft of the motor to rotate the roller tube  101 . In operation, the shade material  104  is rolled or unrolled from the roller tube  101  via the roller shade drive unit. As a result, in a top down roller shade, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the shade material  104  may be lowered from an opened or rolled up position, when substantially the entire shade material  104  is rolled on the roller tube  101 , to a closed or rolled down position, when the shade material  104  is substantially unrolled from the roller tube  101 . 
     The roller shade  100  may be mounted within a window frame  110  comprising a pair of side jambs  111  and  112  interconnected at their top ends by a head jamb  113  and at their bottom ends by a sill  116 . According to one embodiment, the window frame  110  may comprise a non-rectangular shape, with unparalleled side jambs  111  and  112 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the window frame  110  may comprise a trapezoidal shape with parallel head jamb  113  and sill  116  and upwardly slanted side jambs  111  and  112 , such that the head jamb  113  is wider than the sill  116 . Although as described below, window frame  110  may comprise different configuration. The window frame  110  may be oriented orthogonal to a building floor, or in other embodiments, the window frame  110  may be tilted or inclined away from or towards a room. According to one embodiment, the roller tube  101  may be mounted between the pair of side jambs  111  and  112  in proximity of the head jamb  113  via a pair of shade mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket may be secured to a side jamb  111 / 112  via screws. In other embodiments, the roller tube  101  may be mounted on a wall, in front of the frame enclosing a window, a door, an opening, or the like. According to an embodiment, the roller tube  101  may be concealed from view via a first fascia  117 , which may be secured to the mounting brackets or to the head jamb  113 . The fascia  117  may comprise an L shaped or a U shaped cross section with an opening from which the shade material  104  extends out of the fascia  117 . 
     According to an embodiment, shade material  104  may comprise a shape that corresponds to the opening of the window frame  110  such that shade material  104  substantially covers the entire opening when it is unrolled from the roller tube  101 . For example, the shade material  104  may comprise a trapezoidal shape with a wider first end  106  connected to the roller tube  101  ( FIG. 1B ), and it may get narrower toward a narrow second end  107  connected to the hem bar  102 . 
     The hem bar  102  is secured to the second end  107  of the shade material  104  such that it runs longitudinally and laterally across the width of the shade material  104 . The hem bar  102  can comprise a housing  120  with a hollow construction, which may comprise a circular, oval, or other shaped cross section. Housing  120  may comprise a first open end  105   a  and a second open end  105   b . The hem bar  102  may further comprise a first and second extendable arms  121  and  122  each partially residing within the hem bar housing  120  and partially extending from the first open end  105   a  and the second open end  105   b , respectively. The arms  121  and  122  may comprise substantially the same configuration, but may be placed in an inverted mirror image orientation with respect to each other. Each arm  121  and  122  may comprise a longitudinal body extending from a first outer end  123  to a second inner end  124 . Each arm  121  and  122  may comprise a wheel  130  proximate to the first end  123  and a gear rack  125  proximate to the second end  124 . 
     The roller shade  100  may further comprise a pair of side channels  128  each secured to respective side jambs  111  and  112 , for example via screws. Side channels  128  may comprise an L shaped or a U shaped cross section. While shown with exaggerated width, side channels  128  may comprise a small profile of about 1 inch or 1.75 inch width, although other widths can be used. As shown in  FIG. 4 , each side channel  128  may receive therein the first end  123  of a respective arm  121  and may be used to conceal it from view. In addition, each side channel  128  may comprise a track  129  adapted to retain a respective wheel  130  therein. The tracks  129  are adapted to guide the hem bar  102  and shade material  104  along the window frame  110  and control the extension of arms  121  and  122  of the hem bar  102  as the shade material  104  is rolled or unrolled from the roller tube  101 , as discussed below. Particularly, each track  129  is adapted to encapsulate a respective wheel  130  in both inward and outward direction of the wheel  130  such that the wheel  130  is supported on two opposite sides. For example, the track  129  may comprise an inner wall  131  to engage the inner side of the wheel  130  and an outer wall  132  to engage the outer side of the wheel  130 . Each of the inner and outer walls  131  and  132  of the track  130  may further comprise a laterally and inwardly extending lip  133  adapted to retain a respective wheel  130  within the track  129 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , as the shade material  104  is rolled or unrolled from the roller tube  101 , the longitudinal hem bar  102  travels substantially orthogonally with respect to the side channels  128  causing the wheels  130  of the hem bar  102  to travel within the tracks  129  and substantially along and parallel to respective side jambs  111  and  112  of the window frame  110 . Because the horizontal distance between the side jambs  111  and  112 , and thereby the tracks  129  changes as the hem bar  102  travels with respect to side channels  128 , the arms  121  and  122  extend from or retract into the side openings of the hem bar housing  120  as a result of the wheels  130  pulling or pushing on the arms  121  and  122  as they travel within tracks  129 . 
     As shown in greater detail in  FIG. 2 , the hem bar  102  may further comprise an idler gear  126  which may rotate about a pinion  127 . According to an embodiment, the pinion  127  may be attached to the hem bar housing  120  at about the center of the housing  120  such that the idler gear  126  is stationary to the center of the hem bar  102 . The teeth of the gear racks  125  of the pair of arms  121  and  122  may engage the teeth of the idler gear  126  on opposite sides of the idler gear  126 . The idler gear  126  and the pair of gear racks  125  cooperatively act as a synchronizing mechanism to synchronize the distance the arms  121  and  122  extend out of the side openings of the hem bar housing  120 . For example, if the first arm  121  is pulled out of the hem bar housing  120  by a distance, the gear rack  125  of the first arm  121  is also pulled, which rotates the idler gear  126  and pushes out the other gear rack  125  of the second arm  122  out of the hem bar housing  120  by the same distance. As the hem bar  102  travels with respect to the side channels  128 , the wheels  130  travel within tracks  129  and are forced by the inner wall  113  and/or the outer wall  132  of the tracks  129  to be displaced closer or farther from each other, depending on the direction of travel. The wheels  130  as a result pull or push on the arms  121  and  122 , causing the arms  121  and  122  to extent from or retract into the hem bar housing  120 . A plurality of rollers  135  may be rotatably disposed within the hem bar housing  120  about the longitudinal sides of the arms  121  and  122  to guide the arms  121  and  122  out of and into the housing  120  and also to ensure that the arms  121  and  122  extend and retract with minimal friction. The movement of either of the arms  121  or  122  in either direction with respect to the housing  120  will move the other one of the arms  121  or  122  in an opposite direction by the same distance. The synchronizing mechanism also ensures that the first ends  123  of the arms  121  and  122  are equidistant from the center of the hem bar  102 . This ensures that the shade material  104  is not biased left or right when it is rolled or unrolled from the roller tube  101 , ensuring that the shade material  104  does not wrinkle or skew. 
     According to another embodiment, in order to accommodate a skewed or non-isosceles trapezoidal shaped architectural openings (i.e., which contains side jambs of unequal lengths) the synchronizing mechanism may contain a plurality of idler gears as shown in  FIG. 7 . For example, the synchronizing mechanism may comprise a first idler gear  701 , a second idler gear  702 , and a third idler gear  703 . The teeth of the first idler gear  701  may engage the teeth of a first gear rack  704  of a first arm  706  and the teeth of the second idler gear  702  may engage the teeth of the second gear rack  705  of a second arm  707 . The teeth of the first and the second gears  701  and  702  may further engage the teeth of the third gear  703 . The first, second, and third gears  701 ,  702 , and  703  may contain different gear ratios and as such rotate at different speeds to allow the first arm  706  to extend a different distance than the second arm  707 . As such, the synchronizing mechanism shown in  FIG. 7  may allow the hem bar to lower parallel to the roller tube such that the shade material does not wrinkle or skew. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to an embodiment, roller shade  100  further comprises a pair of tension modules, including a first tension module  141  and a second tension module  142 . Tension module  141  and  142  are adapted to be secured to the window frame  110  across and opposite from the roller tube  101 . In the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , where the roller tube  101  is secured proximate to the head jamb  113 , tension modules  141  and  142  are secured to or proximate to the sill  116 . Tension modules  141  and  142  may be encapsulated and hidden by a second fascia  143  adapted to be secured to the window frame  110 , for example to the sill  116 . According to various embodiments, second fascia  143  may comprise an L shaped, U shaped, or a rectangular cross section. The first fascia  117 , the second fascia  143 , and the pair of side channels  128  may be seamlessly interconnected to conceal the mechanical components of the roller shade  100  from view. According to another embodiment, the first fascia  117 , the second fascia  143 , and the pair of side channels  128  may be incorporated into a single fascia, instead of multiple interlocking pieces. 
     As shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 , each tension module, such as tension module  141 , may comprise a retractable cord or cable  140  extending therefrom. The cable  140  may be wound around a cable mandrel  144  rotatably secured within the tension module  141  such that the cable  140  may extend form the tension module  141  by being unwound from the mandrel  144  or retract into the tension module  141  by being wound on the mandrel  144 . Mandrel  144  may be biased by a constant force spring  145 , which can cooperate with the cable mandrel  144  to tighten or loosen the spring  145 . When the cable  140  is pulled from the tension module  141 , the spring  145  tightens and provides a torque that translates to the cable  140 , which provides a force. When the cable is then let go, it is retracted back into the tension module  141  by the torque built in the spring  145  causing the spring  145  to loosen. Each tension module  141  and  142  may further comprise a pulley  146  to change the direction of force applied to the cable  140 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the tension modules  141  and  142  may be fully encapsulated within the second fascia  143 . The second fascia  143  may contain a pair of holes  147  through which the cables  140  extend. According to an embodiment, the second fascia  143  may comprise a tubular shape with holes extending from its side to accommodate the cables  104 . Each extending terminal end of the cables  140  may be anchored or attached to a respective first ends  123  of the respective first and second arms  121  and  122 . The cables  140  may extend from the second fascia  143  into the side channels  128  and/or tracks  129  such as they are hidden from view. The tension modules  141  and  142  provide tension on the wheels  130 , exerting a force to pull the wheels  130  toward the tension modules  141  and  142 , opposite to the roller tube  101 . This tension is translated to the hem bar  102  which pulls the second end  107  of the shade material  104  with respect to the roller tube  101  such that it hangs straight, without buckling or rippling. A constant force spring  145  ensures that constant pulling force is provided by each cable  140  over the full travel of the hem bar  102  and shade material  104 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , roller shade  100  may be mounted in a top down configuration in a window frame  110  or architectural opening by attaching the roller tube  101  proximate to the wider head jamb  113  and the tension modules  141  and  142  proximate to the narrower sill  116  of the window frame  110 . Beneficially, as shown in  FIG. 5 , for trapezoidal window frames  510  with a narrow head jamb  513  and a wider sill  516 , the roller shade  100  may be mounted in a bottom up configuration. In this configuration, the roller tube  101  is secured proximate to the sill  516  and the tension modules  141  and  142  are secured proximate to the head jamb  513 . The tension provided by the tension modules  141  and  142  on the shade material  104  stretches the shade material  104  in an upward direction as it is unrolled from the roller tube  101 . In addition, the tensioned configuration of the roller shade  100  may be mounted in tilted or sloped windows as tension on the shade material  104  is maintained regardless of the tilt angle of the roller shade  100 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , roller shades  100  may be utilized to cover a plurality of trapezoidal windows of different orientations and tilt angles to create a seamless effect. Sideway configurations are also contemplated by the present embodiments. 
     In operation, referring to  FIG. 1A , the shade material  104  may be unrolled from the roller tube  101  to cover the opening of the window frame  110 . As the shade material  104  is unrolled, the hem bar  102  travels along side tracks  129  causing it to contract. The hem bar  102  is also pulled toward the window sill  116  via the tension modules  141  and  142  causing the second end  107  of the shade material  104  to pull away from the roller tube  101  and towards the window sill  116 . The shade material  104  lowers until the opening in the window frame  110  is substantially closed as shown in  FIG. 1B . While there are initially gaps  138  formed between a side edge of the shade material  104  and the sides of the window frame as shown in  FIG. 1A , as the shade material  104  closes, these gaps becomes smaller until they disappear as the shade material  104  reaches the bottom as shown in  FIG. 1B  because the trapezoidal shaped shade material  104  will fully extend on all sides to cover the window opening. According to an embodiment, in a fully closed position, the shade material  104  may comprise a width that is wider than the distance between the two side channels  128  such that the side edges of the shade material  104  enter the interior space of the side channels  128 , eliminating any light gaps between the shade material  104  and the side channels  128 . 
     When the roller tube  101  is rotated in an opposite direction, the shade material  104  is rolled onto the roller tube  101  to uncover the opening of the window frame  110 . As the shade material  104  is rolled, the hem bar  102  travels along side tracks  129  causing it to expand. The shade material  104  is raised until the opening in the window frame  110  is substantially opened. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the roller shade of the present embodiments may be adapted to be installed in other odd shaped non-rectangular windows, such as a parallelogram shaped window frame  810 . Particularly,  FIG. 8A  illustrates a front view of a roller shade  800  in a partially opened position and  FIG. 8B  illustrates a front view of the roller shade  800  in a fully closed position installed in window frame  810  according to one embodiment. Roller shade  800  comprises substantially similar configuration to roller shade  100  discussed above. It comprises a roller tube  801 , shade material  804 , and a hem bar  802 . Roller tube  801  may comprise similar configuration to roller tube  101  and may comprise a manual, motorized, or semi-motorized shade drive unit adapted roll or unroll the shade material  804  to open or close the structural opening, such as a window frame  810 . 
     The hem bar  802  comprises a similar configuration as hem bar  102  discussed above including a housing  820  having a first and second open end  805   a  and  805   b  with first and second extendable arms  821  and  822  retractably extending therefrom. Each arm  821  and  822  may comprise a wheel  830  proximate to its first end  823  and a gear rack  825  proximate to its second end  824 . The hem bar  802  may comprise a synchronizing mechanism, as discussed above, including an idler gear  826  rotating about a pinion  827  and having teeth that engage the teeth of the gear racks  825  of the pair of arms  821  and  822 . The idler gear  826  and the pair of gear racks  825  cooperatively act as a synchronizing mechanism to synchronize the distance the arms  821  and  822  extend out of the side openings  805   a - b  of the hem bar housing  820 . A plurality of rollers  835  may be rotatably disposed within the hem bar housing  820  about the longitudinal sides of the arms  821  and  822  to guide the arms  821  and  822  out of and into the housing  820  to ensure that arms  821  and  822  extend and retract with minimal friction. 
     The roller shade  800  may further comprise a pair of side channels  828 , similar to side channels  128 , each secured to and parallel with respective side jambs  811  and  812 . Side channels  828  may comprise an L shaped or a U shaped cross section. Each side channel  828  receives therein the first end  823  of a respective arm  821  and  822  to conceal it from view. Each side channel  828  comprises a track  829 , with similar configuration as track  129 , adapted to retain a respective wheel  830  therein. As discussed above, tracks  829  are adapted to guide the hem bar  802  and shade material  804  along the window frame  810  and control the extension of arms  821  and  822  of the hem bar  802  as the shade material  804  is rolled or unrolled from the roller tube  801 . Although according to another embodiment, since side jambs  811  and  812  are parallel such that the distance between them does not change, the hem bar  802  may comprise a single non-expandable longitudinal body, which may be directly attached to the lower end of the shade material  804 , and which comprising wheels  830  disposed at its opposite ends that travel within tracks  829  of side channels  828 . 
     Roller shade  800  further comprises a pair of tension modules  841  and  842  with similar configuration to tension modules  141  and  142  each comprising a retractable cord or cable  840  wound about cable mandrel  844  and biased via a constant force spring  845 . Tension modules  841  and  842  may be secured to the sill  816  across and opposite from the roller tube  801 . Tension modules  841  and  842  may be encapsulated and hidden by a second fascia  843  adapted to be secured to the window frame  810 . The second fascia  843  may contain a pair of holes  847  through which the cables  840  retractably extend. Second fascia  843  may comprise longitudinal body secured parallel to the sill  816 . According to various embodiments, second fascia  843  may comprise an L shaped, U shaped, or a rectangular cross section. The first fascia  817 , the second fascia  843 , and the pair of side channels  828  may be seamlessly installed parallel to respective head jamb  813 , side jambs  811  and  812 , and sill  816  of the window frame  810  in an interconnected or single unit configuration to conceal the mechanical components of the roller shade  800  from view. Each extending terminal end of the cables  840  may be anchored or attached to a respective first end  823  of the respective first and second arms  821  and  822 . As discussed above, tension modules  841  and  842  provide tension on the wheels  830 , which translates to the hem bar  802  to pull the second end  807  of the shade material  804  with respect to the roller tube  801  such that it hangs straight, without buckling or rippling. 
     The parallelogram shaped window frame  810  may comprise a head jamb  813  parallel to a sill  816  and the horizontal plane. However, head jamb  813  and sill  816  need not be parallel to each other and need not be parallel to the horizontal plane. The window frame  810  further comprises two parallel side jambs  811  and  812 . Although as shown above, the roller shade of the present embodiments may be adopted in a window frame containing non-paralleled side jambs. In the shown window frame  810 , side jams  811  and  812  may be skewed by an acute angle  851  with respect to the head jamb  813  and sill  816 . The window frame  810  may be oriented orthogonal to the building floor, or in other embodiments, the window frame  810  may be tilted or inclined away from or towards a room. 
     According to one embodiment, the roller tube  801  may be mounted between the pair of side jambs  811  and  812  in proximity of the head jamb  813  via a pair of shade mounting brackets. In other embodiments, the roller tube  801  may be mounted on a wall, in front of the frame enclosing a window, a door, an opening, or the like. According to an embodiment, the roller tube  801  may be mounted perpendicular to the side channels  828  and the side jambs  811  and  812 —i.e., the longitudinal body of the roller tube  801  is mounted at a right angle  850  with respect to the side channels  828  and side jambs  811  and  812 . However, in a window frame where the side jambs are not parallel to each other, angle  850  may differ. Essentially the roller tube  801  is mounted substantially perpendicular to the desired direction of travel  831 . This results in the roller tube  801  to be mounted at an angle, such as acute angle  852 , with respect to the head jamb  813  of the window frame  810 . To hide the tilt of the roller tube  801  with respect to the head jamb  813 , the roller tube  801  may be concealed from view via a first fascia  817 , which may be secured to the mounting brackets or to the head jamb  813 . The first fascia  817  may comprise an L shaped, U shaped, or similarly shaped cross section with an opening from which the shade material  804  extends out of the fascia  817 . First fascia  817  may comprise a longitudinal and rectangular body parallel to the head jamb  813  of the window. In  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the first fascia  817  is also aligned with the horizontal plane—creating a pleasing appearance that conforms to the angles of the window frame  810 . The fascia  817  height may comprises a height that concealed the angled roller tube  801 , as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . For example, the fascia height may comprise about 6 inches. 
     According to an embodiment, shade material  804  may comprise a shape that corresponds to the opening of the window frame  810  such that shade material  804  substantially covers the entire opening when it is unrolled from the roller tube  801  as shown in  FIG. 8B . For example, the shade material  804  may comprise a substantially constant width with parallel side ends  808 , which are in turn parallel to the side jambs  811  and  812  of the window frame  810 . The first end  806  of the shade material  804  connected to the roller tube  801  ( FIG. 8B ) may be orthogonal to the parallel side ends  808 . The second end  807  of the shade material  804  may be cut at an angle to align with the plane of the sill  816 . As such, the second end  807  of the shade material  804  is not parallel, but is angled, with respect to the first end  806  of the shade material  804 , the width of the shade material  804 , and the roller tube  801 . Hem bar  802  is secured to the second end  807  of the shade material  804  such that it also at an angle with respect to the roller tube  801  and the width of the shade material  804 . As such, when the shade material  804  is in a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 8B , hem bar  802  is aligned and parallel with the sill  816  and second fascia  843 . This allows the shade material  804  to completely cover the window frame  810  without unsightly angles and light gaps. In window configurations where the head jamb  813  and sill  816  are also not parallel with each other, the hem bar  802  may be configured to be parallel with the sill  816 ; the first fascia  817  may comprise a longer length to conceal any unsightly angle of the hem bar  802  with respect to the head jamb  813  when the shade material  804  in a fully opened position such that the hem bar  802  entirely enters the space of the first fascia  817 . 
     As discussed above, roller shade  800  may be mounted in a top down configuration in window frame  810  by attaching the roller tube  801  proximate to the head jamb  813  and the tension modules  841  and  842  proximate to the sill  816 . Alternatively, the roller shade  800  may be mounted in a bottom up configuration by attaching the roller tube  801  proximate to the sill  816  and the tension modules  841  and  842  to the head jamb  813 . Sideway configurations are also contemplated by the present embodiments. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The disclosed embodiments provide a system and a method for a roller shade for a non-rectangular window, such as a trapezoidal, a parallelogram, as well as other regular or irregular quadrilateral shaped windows, and which may be mounted in different orientations and tilt angles. It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. 
     Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments are described being in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone, without the other features and elements of the embodiments, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein. 
     This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims. 
     The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus the embodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementation that can be derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. 
     Additionally, the various methods described above are not meant to limit the aspects of the embodiments, or to suggest that the aspects of the embodiments should be implemented following the described methods. The purpose of the described methods is to facilitate the understanding of one or more aspects of the embodiments and to provide the reader with one or many possible implementations of the processed discussed herein. The steps performed during the described methods are not intended to completely describe the entire process but only to illustrate some of the aspects discussed above. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the steps may be performed in a different order and that some steps may be eliminated or substituted. 
     All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, and publications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS 
     Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the different aspects of the embodiments.