Patent Publication Number: US-2019169927-A1

Title: Handle assembly for an architectural covering

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/007,059, filed on Jan. 26, 2016, and entitled “Handle Assembly for an Architectural Covering,” which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to coverings for architectural openings, and more specifically to a handle assembly for an architectural covering. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Coverings for architectural openings, such as windows, doors, archways, and the like, have taken numerous forms for many years. Some coverings include a retractable shade member that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A rail typically is attached to an edge of the shade member to facilitate extension of the shade member across the opening and to maintain the shade member in a desired configuration. Some rails include a handle that facilitates a user moving the rail across the opening. Some handles may be unintentionally detached from the rail, are not aesthetically pleasing, or both. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure generally provides a handle assembly for an architectural covering that offers improvements or an alternative to existing arrangements. A compact handle may be provided on a rail of the covering for shipping purposes. If desired, the compact handle may be removed and replaced with an additional handle with a greater surface area for gripping, as typically provided on standard-sized handles. In order to simplify the installation process, the additional handle may be configured to be quickly and readily coupled to the rail, such as by being latched within a slot defined in a portion of the rail, with preferably minimal effort (e.g., no need for coupling elements or fasteners beyond just a mechanical engagement and interlocking of the handle and the rail, and no need for tools to achieve the connection between the handle and the rail). Either of the handles may be coupled to the rail such that the manner of coupling is not visually apparent. The coupling mechanism may permit the handle to be coupled to rails of various shapes and sizes (e.g., thicknesses). 
     A cover may be positioned over an exterior portion of the handle to modify the desired aesthetic and/or functional characteristics of the handle. In some embodiments, the handles and cover may be included in a kit, which may provide alternative gripping features for a rail. Such kit may be provided with the architectural covering when shipped to a location for installation of the architectural covering. 
     This summary of the disclosure is given to aid understanding, and one of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Accordingly, while the disclosure is presented in terms of embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of any embodiment can be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that embodiment or any other embodiment. The present disclosure of certain embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the claimed invention or its applications or uses. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and/or logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in this application and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this summary. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Moreover, for the purposes of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments or arrangements illustrated herein, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure by way of illustration only and, together with the general description above and the detailed description below, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a covering in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a front exploded view of a handle assembly and a rail in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a top isometric view of a plug handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a top isometric view of a handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged, side elevation view of the handle of  FIG. 4  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the covering of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  is an enlarged, detail view taken along line B-B of  FIG. 6  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is an additional enlarged, detail view taken along line B-B of  FIG. 6  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6C  is an additional enlarged, detail view taken along line B-B of  FIG. 6  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is an additional enlarged, cross-sectional view of the covering of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, a handle is coupled to an architectural covering, typically to a rail of the architectural covering. In one embodiment, the handle is releasably coupled to a portion of the covering, such as a rail, in a manner that permits quick interchangeability of different handles. In accordance with another independent aspect of the disclosure, a compact handle may be provided on the covering, such as for shipping purposes. The compact handle may have a gripping surface reduced from the standard size for gripping surfaces for a handle so that the compact handle does not protrude as far from the covering/rail as a standard handle would, and is less likely to engage another element, and possible get caught or even break off. An additional handle, preferably providing greater surface area for gripping, as typically provided on standard-sized handles, may be provided to replace the compact handle, the compact handle in such case preferably being readily removable from the rail. In order to simplify the installation process, either handle, and preferably at least the additional handle, may be configured to be quickly and readily latched to the rail within a slot defined in a portion of the rail with preferably minimal effort (e.g., no need for coupling elements or fasteners, such as screws, beyond just a mechanical engagement and interlocking of the handle and the rail, and no need for tools to achieve the connection between the handle and the rail). Either of the handles may be coupled to the rail such that the manner of coupling is not visually apparent. The coupling mechanism may permit the handle to be coupled to rails of various shapes and sizes (e.g., thicknesses). In one embodiment, separate and independent from the aforementioned embodiment yet combinable therewith if desired, the handle is coupled to the covering in a manner that conceals the coupling structure, thereby resulting in a smooth, “clean,” or streamlined appearance, with the handle engaged to a portion of the covering, such as the rail, such that the engagement is not evident to an observer once coupling is achieved. 
     In one embodiment separate and independent from the aforementioned embodiment yet combinable therewith if desired, a cover may be provided to be fitted over an exterior portion of the handle to modify the aesthetic and/or functional characteristics of the handle. 
     In some embodiments, the handles and cover may be included in a kit which may be provided with the architectural covering when shipped to a location for installation of the architectural covering. As such, a handle may be pre-installed on the rail of the architectural covering for use as desired. If the initially-installed handle is not large enough (e.g., somewhat stubby, or shorter than a standard handle, providing less gripping surface area than provided on standard handles), or otherwise is not desired, the initially-installed handle may be removed and replaced with another replacement handle. The handle of the architectural covering may be further altered by placing a covering over the replacement handle, such as to alter the aesthetics and/or functional characteristics of the handle. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a handle kit  100  providing a handle  300  for use with a covering  400  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , when the handle  300  is not coupled to a rail  410  of the covering  400  (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ), a plug handle  200  may be inserted at least partially within the slot  412  to, for example, provide an alternative handle assembly for the rail  410 . The plug handle  200 , which may alternatively be referred to as a first or second handle, a removable handle, or any combination thereof, may be dimensionally sized to frictionally engage the slot  412 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the plug handle  200  may include first and second portions  202 ,  204 . The first portion  202 , which may be referred to as an exterior portion, a gripping portion, a first or second portion, a front portion, or any combination thereof, may be operable to be positioned on an exterior portion of the rail  410 . The second portion  204 , which may be referred to as an interior portion, a first or second portion, a rear portion, or any combination thereof, may extend from a rear surface  206  of the first portion  202  of the plug handle  200  and may be operable to be inserted at least partially within the slot  412 . The first portion  202  of the plug handle  200  may include dimensions larger than the slot  412  to conceal the slot  412  from view but may be sized smaller than the first portion  302  of the handle  300 . For example, the first portion  202  of the plug handle  200  may include a first depth D 1  extending from its rear surface  206  to an outermost extent of a lip  208  defined in the first portion  202  extending away from the rear surface  206 . Similarly, with reference to  FIG. 4 , a first portion  302  of the handle  300  may include a second depth D 2  extending from a rear surface  306  of the handle  300  to an outermost extent of the first portion  302  of the handle  300  (e.g., to a middle portion  312 ). In such embodiments, the second depth D 2  may be greater than the first depth D 1 . As such, the plug handle  200  extends a shorter distance away from the rail  410 , which may be desirable for various reasons, such as to facilitate shipping, or to provide a sleeker appearance when the covering  400  is in use. Furthermore, the first portion  202  of the plug handle  200  may provide a gripping feature different from the gripping feature provided by the handle  300 . For example, the gripping feature provided by the plug handle  200  may provide a smaller gripping surface area than the gripping surface area provided by the gripping feature of the handle  300 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the lip  208  on the first portion  202  of the plug handle  200  may be sized and shaped so as to be non-obtrusive (e.g., substantially flush with the rail  410 ) while simultaneously providing some degree of gripping feature. The second portion  204  of the plug handle  200  may include a plank  226  cantilevered from the rear surface  206  of the first portion  202  of the plug handle  200 . A plurality of gussets  228  may extend from the plank  226  and, in some embodiments, may be connected to both the plank  226  and the rear surface  206 . The gussets  228  may increasingly taper in height as the gussets  228  extend towards the rear surface  206  of the plug handle  200  to provide sufficient friction between the gussets  228  and the portion of the front wall  414  of the rail  410  defining the periphery of the slot  412  as the plug handle  200  is inserted therein. Such coupling of the plug handle  200  to the rail  410  is relatively simple, does not require tools, and does not require additional coupling elements. Additionally, such coupling also permits the plug handle  200  to be removed from the rail  410  without the use of a tool, and without damaging the rail  410 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the handle  300  according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes first and second portions  302 ,  304  collectively defining a depth D, a transverse width W (see  FIG. 4 ), and a thickness T (see  FIG. 5 ) of the handle  300  such that the handle  300  may be considered wide and thin. The first portion  302 , which may be referred to as an exterior portion, a gripping portion, a first or second portion, a front portion, or any combination thereof, may define a gripping feature and may include a rear surface  306  from which the second portion  304  extends. As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the shape of the first portion  302  may be defined by a substantially planar rear surface  306  and a front edge  308  extending from the rear surface  306  adjacent the periphery of the first portion  302  defining the width W of the handle  300 . As illustrated, the front edge  308  may extend from the rear surface  306  at an acute angle, thereby resulting in a smooth, clean, or streamlined transition between the handle  300  and an associated covering  310  for an architectural opening, such as a window, door, archway, or the like (see  FIG. 1 ). The front edge  308  may be curved such that a middle portion  312  of the front edge  308  is spaced further from the rear surface  306  than the portions of the front edge  308  adjacent the periphery of the first portion  302  defining the width W of the handle  300 . In one embodiment, the first portion  302  may include an aperture  320  defined therethrough adjacent the middle portion  312  of the front edge  308  for the purposes explained below. In some embodiments, the aperture  320  may be operable to engage a pole operable to guide and/or move the covering  310  between extended and retracted positions. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first portion  302  of the handle  300  may be sized and shaped to achieve a desired aesthetic and/or functional characteristic. For example, the first portion  302  may be curved such that a portion of the front edge  308  (e.g., the middle portion  312 ) is positioned at least partially below the rear surface  306  and/or the second portion  304  (see  FIG. 5 ). In this manner, the handle  300  may provide a gripping feature (e.g., a lip) for a user to firmly grasp the handle  300  for manipulation thereof. The first portion  302  may be smooth to provide a desired aesthetic characteristic and/or increase a user&#39;s comfort in grasping the handle  300 . As detailed below, in one exemplary embodiment, the rear surface  306  may include dimensions larger than the second portion  304  extending therefrom such that the second portion  304  is concealed when the handle  300  is coupled to the covering  310 , for instance. 
     The handle  300  is sufficiently wide and includes a sufficient depth D 2 , as may be appreciated with reference to  FIG. 2  and comparison with plug handle  200 , to provide a sufficient grip for an average adult user (e.g., sufficient surface area to permit gripping by standard dimensions of adult fingers, such as the thumb). However, it may be desirable for a handle  300  with at least such a depth D 2  to not be provided on the rail  410  during shipping. As such, the handle receiving slot  412  in the rail  410  may be left without a handle coupled thereto. Alternatively, a handle with smaller dimensions, such as the alternate handle  200 , referenced as plug handle  200  herein for the sake of simplicity for differentiating from the handle  300  and without intent to limit, may be coupled to the rail  410 , such as via coupling to or within the slot  412 . 
     Depending on user preference, either the handle  300  or the plug handle  200  may be connected to the rail  410  in an interchangeable manner. In this way, both the handle  300  and the plug handle  200  may be provided in a kit  100  associated with the rail  410  and/or the covering  400  (see  FIG. 2 ). For example, the kit  100  may be packaged to include the handle  300 , the plug handle  200 , and at least one cover member  322 . In some embodiments, the kit  100  may also include the rail  410 , which may be included as part of the covering  400 . Additionally or alternatively, the rail  410 , whether connected to a shade member  420  or not, may be shipped to a customer or user with the plug handle  200  inserted within the slot  412 . Upon receipt of the rail  410 , the customer or user may remove the plug handle  200  and couple the handle  300  to the rail  410 . In this manner, shipping damage to the handle  300 , which may occur when the handle  300  is connected to the rail  410  during shipping, may be minimized. For example, the plug handle  200  may be sufficiently compact or non-obtrusive such that its gripping feature (i.e., the lip  208 ) is less susceptible to breaking off during shipping than a longer handle or grip element. The lip  208  may be sufficiently long so the plug handle  200  may be used as the actual handle during operation of the covering  310 . However, if the user/customer desires a larger gripping surface, the plug handle  200  may be readily removed (e.g., because of the interference fit directly between the plug handle  200  and the rail  410 , which does not require additional fixing elements) and replaced with the handle  300  exemplifying a more typical handle assembly with more typical dimensions providing a more typical gripping surface. 
     In some embodiments, the handle  300  and the plug handle  200  may engage the rail  410  such that the coupling is not visually apparent. For example, the rear surfaces  306 ,  206  of each of the handle  300  and the plug handle  200  may be adapted to abuttingly engage a surface (e.g., a front surface of the front wall  414 ) of the rail  410  in which the slot  412  is defined. As noted herein, the rear surfaces  306 ,  206  may include dimensions greater than the slot  412  such that the slot  412  is concealed once the handle  300  is coupled to the rail  410 . The abutment of surfaces, rather than interconnection of surfaces, may result in a smoother uninterrupted appearance. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the handle kit  100 , which may alternatively be referred to as a handle assembly, may include a cover member  322  operable to selectively cover and substantially conceal at least the first portion  302  of the handle  300 . The interior of the cover member  322  may be sized and shaped to compliment the size and shape of the first portion  302  of the handle  300 . The cover member  322  may be deformable and may, in some embodiments, include structure engageable with the aperture  320  to selectively secure the cover member  322  to the first portion  302  of the handle  300 . For instance, as best seen in  FIG. 6 , at least one post  324  may extend within the interior of the cover member  322  for at least partial corresponding engagement with the aperture  320  defined in the first portion  302  of the handle  300 . In this manner, the engagement of the post  324  within the aperture  320  may selectively secure the cover member  322  to the handle  300 . In such embodiments, a user may attach different cover members  322  of varying shapes, sizes, materials, colors, and/or textures, among others, to the handle  300  depending on a desired aesthetic and/or functional characteristic. For instance, the various cover members  322  may be color coordinated with the covering  310  and may provide various levels of friction depending on the particular application. The cover member  322  may alter the characteristics of the handle  300 . Such characteristics may include, without limitation, color, texture (e.g., contour or feel, such as a rubberized material in contrast with a lower-friction material such as plastic), shape, etc. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the second portion  304  of the handle  300 , which may be referred to as an interior portion, a first or second portion, a rear portion, or any combination thereof, may be sized and shaped to operably couple the handle  300  to the covering  400 . For example without limitation, the second portion  304  may be a substantially planar member having a main body  326  defined at least partially by opposing first and second edges  328 ,  330  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) and opposing side edges  340  extending between the opposing first and second edges  328 ,  330 . In such embodiments, the first edge  328  may be attached or otherwise coupled to the rear surface  306  of the first portion  302  of the handle  300  such that the second portion  304  is cantilevered from the rear surface  306 . Depending on the particular application, the second portion  304  may extend at a substantially right angle relative to the rear surface  306  of the first portion  302  (see  FIG. 5 ). In one embodiment, the second portion  304  may include a plurality of resilient coupling mechanisms  342  operable to secure the handle  300  to the rail  410 , such as through snap fit or latching engagement. The coupling mechanisms  342  may extend away from the opposing side edges  340  of the main body  326 . For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the coupling mechanisms  342  may extend laterally from the opposing side edges  340  such that the coupling mechanisms  342  and the main body  326  lie in substantially the same plane. As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the coupling mechanisms  342  may define a gap G between a portion of each coupling mechanism  342  and one of the opposing side edges  340 . As more fully explained below, the gap G may permit at least a portion of the coupling mechanisms  342  to bend, collapse, or otherwise deform, such as inwardly towards the opposing side edges  340 , to allow the handle  300  to be releasably latched or otherwise coupled to a portion of the covering  310 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , each of the coupling mechanisms  342  may take the form of a resilient tab  344  cantilevered from one of the opposing side edges  340 . Each tab  344  may extend from one of the opposing side edges  340  towards the rear surface  306  of the first portion  302  of the handle  300 . In such embodiments, each tab  344  may include opposing first and second ends  346 ,  348 , the first end  346  attached to an opposing side edge  340  of the second portion  304  to space the second end  348  away from the opposing side edge  340  to define the gap G therebetween. In such embodiments, each tab  344  may resiliently move (e.g., bend) such that the second end  348  of the tab  344  moves (e.g., translates) towards an adjacent opposing side edge  340  to decrease the size of the gap G and thereby couple the handle  300  to, or remove the handle  300  from, the covering  310 , as explained in more detail below. As illustrated, the second end  348  of each tab  344  may include an engagement feature  350  to accommodate the handle  300  to be secured to coverings  310  having varying dimensions, as explained more fully below. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7 , the handle  300  may be releasably coupled to a portion of the covering  310  to facilitate movement of the covering  310  between extended and retracted positions covering or uncovering the architectural opening. In one embodiment, the covering  310  may include a shade member  420  and a rail  410  to which the handle  300  and the shade member  420  are attached. The rail  410 , which may be a bottom rail, a middle rail, or a top rail, among others, may include an elongated slot  412  defined in a portion (e.g., a front wall  414 ) of the rail  410 , the slot  412  having dimensions to allow deformable insertion of the second portion  304  of the handle  300  therethrough. In this manner, the handle  300  may be at least partially received within the slot  412  to releasably couple the handle  300  to the rail  410  without the use of additional fixing elements. For example, the handle  300  and the rail  410  may interlock or otherwise engage such that the handle  300  and the rail  410  fit together to secure the handle  300  to the rail  410  so that an additional step, such as using an additional fixing element, is not required. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanisms  342  may define a variable width of the second portion  304  of the handle  300  such that the handle  300  may be coupled to the rail  410 , such as through snap fit or latching engagement. For example, in one embodiment the slot  412  defines a first width W 1  (see  FIG. 2 ), and the variable width of the second portion  304  of the handle  300  includes second and third widths W 2 , W 3  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 , respectively). In such embodiments, the second width W 2  may be greater than the first width W 1  to secure the handle  300  to the rail  410  (see  FIG. 6 ), and the third width W 3  may be less than the first width W 1  to, for example, permit coupling of the handle  300  to, or removal of the handle  300  from, the rail  410 . For instance, each gap G may be sized to permit at least a portion of each coupling mechanism  342  to deform inwardly towards an adjacent opposing side edge  340  to permit insertion and/or removal of the second portion  304  of the handle  300  through and/or from the slot  412  (see  FIG. 7 ), as explained more fully below. In such embodiments, when the handle  300  is coupled to the rail  410 , a portion of the front wall  414  of the rail  410  may be positioned between the rear surface  306  and the coupling mechanisms  342 , such as between the rear surface  306  and the second end  348  of each tab  344  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , to limit movement of the handle  300  relative to the rail  410 , the second portion  304  may include at least one base  366  extending from the rear surface  306  of the first portion  302  of the handle  300  adjacent (e.g., connected to) at least one of the opposing side edges  340 , the base  366  in conjunction with the main body  326  of the second portion  304  may define a width substantially equivalent to the first width W 1  of the slot  412 . When the handle  300  is coupled to the rail  410 , the base  366  may extend within the slot  412  to limit lateral movement of the handle  300  relative to the rail  410 . In one embodiment, the base(s)  366  may extend only partially within the slot  412  so as to not limit the resilient movement of the coupling mechanisms  342  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 6A-6C , the engagement feature  350  of each tab  344  may include a plurality of steps (e.g., a first step  368 , a second step  370 , a third step  372 , etc.) defined in the second end  348  of each tab  344  to permit, for example, the handle  300  to be secured to rails  410  having a front wall  414  of different shapes and sizes (e.g., thicknesses). For example, the first step  368  may engage an inner surface  380  of a front wall  414  having a first thickness T 1  (such as inner surface  380 A of front wall  414 A shown in  FIG. 6A ), the second step  370  may engage an inner surface  380  of a front wall  414  having a second thickness T 2  (such as inner surface  380 B of front wall  414 B shown in  FIG. 6B ), the third step  372  may engage an inner surface  380  of a front wall  414  having a third thickness T 3  (such as inner surface  380 C of front wall  414 C shown in  FIG. 6C ), and so on, the third thickness being greater than the second thickness, the second thickness being greater than the first thickness, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the stepped nature of the second end  348  of each tab  344  may allow the tabs  344  to clear the front wall  414  of the rail  410  during coupling while also providing sufficient contact between the tabs  344  and the front wall  414  to secure the handle  300  to the rail  410 . 
     To couple the handle  300  to the rail  410 , the handle  300  may be positioned adjacent the rail  410  so the second portion  304  is in alignment with the slot  412 . The second portion  304  of the handle  300  may then be inserted at least partially into the slot  412 . As best seen in  FIG. 7 , insertion of the second portion  304  of the handle  300  within the slot  412  collapses, bends, or otherwise deforms the coupling mechanisms  342  sufficiently to permit passage of the second portion  304  of the handle  300  through the slot  412  and into an interior of the rail  410 . Once the coupling mechanisms  342  clear the front wall  414  of the rail  410 , the coupling mechanisms  342  may expand outwardly to releasably couple at least a portion of the coupling mechanisms  342  (e.g. the second end  348  of each tab  344 ) against the inner surface  380  of the front wall  414  of the rail  410  (see  FIGS. 6-6C ). Once the handle  300  is coupled to the rail  410 , at least a portion of the front wall  414  of the rail  410  may be sandwiched between the rear surface  306  of the handle  300  and the coupling mechanisms  342 . 
     Releasing the handle  300  from the rail  410  may be accomplished in substantially reverse order as that described above. In particular, a user may first depress the coupling mechanisms  342 , such as via access to the second portion  304  from within the interior of the rail  410 , to decrease the size of the gap G sufficiently to permit removal of the handle  300 . For example, the user may depress the coupling mechanisms  342  until the width of the second portion  304  is less than the width of the slot  412 . Once the gap G is sufficiently decreased, the user may then remove the handle  300  from the slot  412  by pulling or otherwise moving the handle  300  away from the rail  410  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     The handle  300 , the cover member  322 , the rail  410 , and the plug handle  200  may be constructed of substantially any type of material. For example, the handle  300 , the rail  410 , and the plug handle  200  may be constructed or formed from natural and/or synthetic materials, including metals, ceramics, plastics, vinyl, and/or other suitable materials. Plastic materials may include thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber-reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, or PTFE, among others. The cover member  322  may be constructed or formed from natural and/or synthetic deformable materials, including vinyl, plastics, leather, and fabrics. 
     The foregoing description has broad application. It should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may apply to many types of shades, in addition to the shades described and depicted herein. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may apply to many types of rails, in addition to the rail  410  described and depicted herein. For example, the concepts may apply equally to any type of rail, such as a rail which is movable through use of a handle assembly. The discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these embodiments. In other words, while illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art. 
     The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.