Patent Publication Number: US-11655674-B2

Title: Elongated actuation member to engage a printed circuit board of an architectural covering assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/714,094, filed Dec. 13, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/193,810, filed Jun. 27, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,519,713, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/187,794, filed Jul. 1, 2015, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to coverings for architectural openings, and more particularly to a head rail end cap for shielding motor control components from electrostatic discharge. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Motor-driven coverings for architectural openings (such as windows, doors, archways, and the like) cause the generation of static electricity by the extension and retraction of the covering. Static electricity may be generated, for example, during the extension and/or retraction of a shade component, such as a sheet of material, a lift cord, or an operating cord, into and out of a head rail. Static energy may also be transmitted to the motor-driven covering through a user&#39;s fingers after the user walks across the floor and touches the covering, such as to actuate a switch for the motor drive. The static electricity may be harmful to the electrical components of the motor drive if it discharges through sensitive electrical control components, such as a printed circuit board. Reducing static electricity buildup within the covering, as well as insulating control components from potential electrostatic sources, reduces the likelihood of this adverse effect. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure generally provides a static mitigation head rail end cap for a covering for an architectural opening. In a preferred embodiment, the static mitigation end cap is configured to reduce the likelihood of electrostatic discharge through sensitive electronic control components used in a motor-driven covering. As provided below, the end cap isolates a motor control component, such as a printed circuit board, from discharge of static electricity generated during operation of a motor-driven covering or by transfer of static energy from contact with a user. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings. 
     The present 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 examples, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of any example can be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that example or any other example. 
     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, It should be understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the particular examples or arrangements illustrated herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate examples of the disclosure and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of these examples. 
         FIG.  1    is a fragmentary isometric view of a motor-driven retractable covering incorporating a static mitigation end cap in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded fragmentary isometric view showing a static mitigation end cap with a motor assembly mounted thereto in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded isometric view of drive assembly components of a covering in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded isometric view of the drive assembly components of  FIG.  3    in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded isometric view of static mitigation end cap components in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a top front isometric view of a static mitigation end cap in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom front isometric view of the static mitigation end cap of  FIG.  6    in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a rear elevation view of the static mitigation end cap of  FIG.  6    in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a transverse cross-sectional view of a static mitigation end cap taken along line  9 . 9  of  FIG.  6    in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a lengthwise cross-sectional view of static mitigation end cap components taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  4    in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. An actuation button is shown in a down position. 
         FIG.  10 A  is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a cross section of the static mitigation end cap components of  FIG.  10    taken along detail line  10 A- 10 A of  FIG.  10    in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is a lengthwise cross-sectional view of static mitigation end cap components taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG.  4    in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. An actuation button is shown in an up position. 
         FIG.  11 A  is an enlarged, fragmentary view of a cross section of the static mitigation end cap components of  FIG.  11    taken along detail line  11 A- 11 A of  FIG.  11    in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is an isometric view of an actuation member in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a front elevation view of the actuation member of  FIG.  12    in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    is a side elevation view of the actuation member of  FIG.  12    in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    is an isometric view of a cable restraint bracket in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    is a side elevation view of the cable restraint bracket of  FIG.  15    with a power cable assembly routed therethrough in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    is a bottom plan view of the cable restraint bracket of  FIG.  15    with a power cable assembly routed therethrough in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    is an isometric view of a stackable retractable covering incorporating a static mitigation end cap in an extended position in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  19    is an isometric view of the stackable retractable covering of  FIG.  18    in a retracted position in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  20    is a rear isometric view of a static mitigation end cap with a motor assembly mounted thereto in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a motorized covering  2  for an architectural opening is provided with an end cap  10 A configured for use in an environment in which it is desirable to mitigate or reduce static electricity. The covering  2  may include a head rail  4 , a bottom rail  6 , and a shade  8 , and may be mounted adjacent to one or more sides of an architectural opening. The head rail  4  may include two opposing end caps  10 A and  10 B, which may enclose the open ends of the head rail  4 . A roller tube (not shown) may extend substantially the entire distance between the two opposing end caps  10 A and  106  and may be rotatably supported within the head rail  4  by the two opposing end caps  10 . The shade  8  may be attached to the roller tube by adhesive, corresponding retention features, or any other suitable attachment means, and may depend from the roller tube to extend in a substantially vertical plane between the roller tube and the bottom rail  6 . The bottom rail  6  may be an elongated member attached to a lower edge of the shade  8 . Although the description below refers to a shade wrapped about a roller tube, it is contemplated that the shade  8  may be retractable to the head rail  4  in a stacked configuration. For example, as shown in  FIGS.  18  and  19   , the shade  8  may be configured to stack or fold onto itself in a vertical manner when retracted towards the head rail  4 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , the present disclosure generally provides an end cap  10 A for a covering  2  for an architectural opening, such as a window, door, archway, or the like. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the end cap  10 A may be a static mitigation end cap that generally isolates electrical components (e.g., a motor control component and/or a printed circuit board  62 ) from potential sources of static energy such as that generated during operation of a motor driven covering or from the transfer of static energy by contact with a user. The end cap  10 A includes a housing  64 , which defines a chamber  72  to receive the printed circuit board  62 , and to facilitate the electrical connection from the printed circuit board  62  to the motor drive components to control a motor assembly  18  for extending and retracting the covering  2  across the architectural opening (see  FIG.  1   ). The motor assembly  18  may be received within a roller tube rotatably supported within a head rail  4  by the end cap  10 A and may drive the roller tube to extend and retract a shade  8  attached to the roller tube (see  FIG.  1   ). It will be appreciated that other locations and configurations of the motor assembly  18  are within the scope of the present disclosure. With reference to  FIG.  5   , an actuation member  74  for controlling the functions of the printed circuit board  62  is slidably coupled to the end cap  10 . In some embodiments, a portion of the actuation member  74  is received within a channel  76  formed in the end cap  10 A such that at least a portion (e.g., an outer surface portion) of the actuation member  74  is substantially flush with an outer face  66  of the end cap  10 A to minimize any light gaps between the end cap  10 A and the architecture opening. As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , for example, a power cable assembly  92  is operatively connected to the printed circuit board  62  to provide power to the motor assembly  18 . A cable restraint bracket  138  may be provided to position the power cable assembly  92  within the head rail  4  and help prevent the power cable assembly  92  from interfering with rotation of the roller tube, and may prevent the power cable assembly  92  from being disconnected from the printed circuit board  62 , as explained below. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3 - 5   , at least one of the opposing end caps  10 , such as a right end cap  10 A (as viewed in these figures), is configured to isolate a printed circuit board  62  from electrostatic discharge. In some embodiments, the end cap  10 A may only mitigate or reduce the effects of static electricity buildup and/or discharge on the printed circuit board  62 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the end cap  10 A may include a housing or enclosure  64  configured to receive the printed circuit board  62  therein. In an embodiment in which it is desirable to mitigate or reduce the effects of static electricity buildup and/or discharge, the housing  64  is formed of an insulating material to isolate the printed circuit board  62  from static electricity discharge while simultaneously allowing full functional use of the printed circuit board  62  to control movement of the shade  8 . As shown in  FIGS.  3  and  5   , the housing  64  extends along a longitudinal length of the head rail  4  inwardly a distance from the right end cap  10 A towards the left end cap  108 . Although the figures and their associated description describe the right end cap  10 A, the left end cap  108  may be similarly configured. 
     With reference to  FIG.  6   , the housing  64  may be positioned separate from the major plane of the end cap  10 A (which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of covering  2 ). For example, the housing  64  may extend transversely (e.g., at right. angles) away from a top rim  68  of the end cap  10 A. This location of the housing  64  allows the reduction in thickness dimension of a sidewall  96  of the end cap  10 A because the end cap  10 A no longer needs to accommodate the housing  64  on its sidewall  96 . An end cap  10 A having a sidewall  96  with a reduced thickness may have several benefits, including, without limitation, reduction in raw materials, and less thickness to allow reduction of any light gaps between the side edge of the covering  2  and an architectural opening or an adjacent-mounted head rail  4 . In some embodiments, the housing  64  may be integrally formed with the top rim  68  of the end cap  10 A, and when connected to the headrail  4 , the top surface  70  of the housing  64  may be flush with and form a portion of the top face  5  of the head rail  4  (see  FIG.  1   ). Referring to  FIG.  9   , for example, the housing  64  may be substantially cuboid in shape and define an interior chamber  72  bounded substantially on five sides by the housing walls, and having a width, a height, and a length. For example, the chamber  72  may be open at one end, and may be defined by a bottom wall  71 , a top wail  73 , opposing sidewalls  77 , and an end wall  81 . In some embodiments, the width of the chamber  72  may be greater than its height, and the length of the chamber  72  may be greater than its height. In some embodiments, the housing  64  extends inward a distance greater than the length of the mounting boss  32 . In some embodiments, the housing  64  extends at substantially a right angle relative to an outer face  66  of the end cab  10 A (see  FIG.  5   ). In some embodiments, the housing  64  is transversely spaced from the motor assembly  18  and extends in an axial direction along a length of the roller tube. The housing  64  may be transversely spaced from the outer surface of the roller tube a sufficient distance so as to not interfere with wrapping of the shade  8  about the roller tube, for example. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the housing  64  may be open  75  at the miter face  66  to allow the printed circuit board  62  to be slid into the chamber  72  longitudinally along the length of the housing  64  from the outer face  66  towards the roller tube. With reference to  FIG.  4   , the printed circuit board  62  may be housed sufficiently within the housing  64  such that an end of the printed circuit board  62  sits at least substantially flush with the outer face  66 . The printed circuit board  62  may be accessed and removed through the opening  75  of the chamber  72  to repair and/or replace the printed circuit board  62 . With reference to  FIG.  20   , in some embodiments, a port  83  may be defined within one of the wails of the chamber  72  (e.g., within the sidewall  77  positioned towards the rear of the covering  2 ), the port  83  in communication with the chamber  72 . In such embodiments, the printed circuit board  62  may be accessed through the rear port  83  for programming, reprogramming, diagnostic purposes, or the like. In some embodiments, the rear port.  83  may facilitate the use of home automation and/or control of the covering  2 . For example, the rear port  83  may permit a home automation system to communicate with the printed circuit board  62 , either through a hardwired connection or through Wi-Fi enabled mechanisms. In some embodiments, the position of the port  83  may permit a user to program and/or reprogram the covering  2  without removal of the covering  2  from its associated architectural opening. Also, instead of the top surface  70  of the housing  64  being flush with and forming a portion of the top face  5  of the head rail  4 , the housing  64  may be received entirely within the head rail  4 , for example in one illustrative embodiment, to extend along an underside of the top face  5  of the head rail  4 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , the chamber  72  preferably has internal dimensions sufficient to receive the printed circuit board  62  therein. The printed circuit board  62  may be releasably secured within the chamber  72  by mechanical fasteners or corresponding retention features; or may be permanently secured in the chamber  72  by adhesive, heat, or sonic welding, or any other suitable attachment means. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board  62  and the chamber  72  may be sized such that the printed circuit board  62  engages the chamber  72  with an interference fit, such as through corresponding tapered widths of the chamber  72  and the printed circuit board  62 , respectively, so that the edges of the printed circuit board  62  can frictionally engage the sidewalls  77  of the chamber  72 , The printed circuit board  62  may be positioned adjacent the bottom wail  71  of the chamber  72  with the printed circuit board  62  facing upwardly, or the printed circuit board  62  may be positioned adjacent the top wall  73  of the chamber  72  with the printed circuit. board  62  facing downwardly. As shown, the printed circuit board  62  is stable within the chamber  72  and is not affected by the extension and/or retraction of the shades  8  (see  FIG.  1   ). For example, static electricity buildup and/or discharge through the printed circuit board  62  may be mitigated or reduced due at least in part to the printed circuit board  62  being enclosed in insulating material to electrically isolate the printed circuit. board  62  from static energy, and being physically isolated from the passing of the shade  8  into and out of the head rail  4  (see  FIG.  1   ). In embodiments with a rear port  83 , the printed circuit board  62  may be insulated from static electricity discharge through a sufficient air gap between the port  83  and any static generating component of the covering  2  (see  FIG.  20   ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , when received within the chamber  72 , the printed circuit board  62  may be in communication with a motor assembly  18  and also may receive input from a user. The end cap  10 A may include an actuation member  74  slidably coupled with the end cap  10 A for selectively controlling the motor assembly  18  through selective engagement with the printed circuit board  62 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , a portion of the actuation member  74  may be received within a. first channel  76  defined within the outer face  66  of the end cap  10 A. During operation, the actuation member  74  may slide within the first channel  76  to selectively engage the printed circuit board  62  to actuate the motor assembly  18 . As shown for example in  FIGS.  4   ,  10 , and  10 A, the actuation member  74  has a length and defines opposing first and second ends  78 .  80 . In an illustrative embodiment, the first end  78  of the actuation member  74  protrudes into the chamber  72  to engage a switch or button  79  (see  FIG.  10 A ) operatively associated with the printed circuit board  62  to selectively control the covering  2 , such as the motor assembly  18 , the shade  8 , and/or other components of the covering  2 . In some embodiments, the first end  78  of the actuation member  74  may be located near the top rim  68  of the end cap  10 A, and the second end  80  of the actuation member  74  may protrude away from, be flush with, or be recessed relative to a bottom surface  82  of the end cap  10 A (see  FIG.  7   ). In some embodiments, the actuation member  74  may extend upwardly from the second end  80  to the first end  78  along a majority of the height of the end cap  10 A. The actuation member  74  may be biased to slide within the first channel  76  away from the printed circuit board  62  due at least in part to the weight of the actuation member  74 . in some embodiments, the switch or button  79  may bias the actuation member  74  away from the printed circuit board  62 . In some embodiments, the first channel  76  and the actuation member  74  may be sized such that the portion of the actuation member  74  received within the first channel  76  sits substantially flush with the outer face  66  to minimize any light gaps between the outer face  66  and the architectural opening or an adjacent headrail  4 . 
     In some embodiments, portions of the end cap  10 A may be adapted to provide feedback to a user during operation of the covering  2 . For example, the actuation member  74  may be adapted to function as a light pipe. In such embodiments, the actuation member  74  may be in communication with an LED or other light source positioned on the printed circuit board  62 , such as on or adjacent the switch or button  79 . The light from the printed circuit board  62  may be visible to a user via the actuation member  74 . For instance, light from the LED or other light source may be transmitted from the first end  78  of the actuation member  74  to a viewable position, such as to the second end  80  of the actuation member  74 . In this manner, a user may readily determine the operational state of the covering  2  via visual inspection of the actuation member  74 . For example, the printed circuit board  62  (through the LED or other light source) may indicate to a user via the actuation member  74  any number of visual cues, such as intermittent or steady-state light, different color, different light intensities, or the like. The different. visual cues may be associated with different operational states of the covering  2 , such as extending, retracting, low or inadequate power, or error codes, among others. To facilitate light passing through the actuation member  74 , the actuation member  74  may be formed from fiber optic material, such as plastic, glass, or the like, capable of creating light pathways. 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , the end cap  10 A may include an aperture  84  axially aligned with the roller tube to facilitate communication, such as by physical connection, between the printed circuit board  62  and the motor assembly  18  within the roller tube. As shown in  FIG.  7   , the aperture  84 . may be formed within an end of the mounting boss  32 , with a control cable  86  in communication with the printed circuit board  62  and the motor assembly  18  at least partially routed through the aperture  84  (see  FIGS.  4  and  5   ). Referring to  FIG.  5   , the end cap  10 A may include a groove  88  defined within  the outer lace  66  by opposing sidewalls, and configured to receive at least a portion of the control cable  86 . As seen in  FIG.  5   , in some embodiments, the groove  88  may be as wide as the control cable  86  and may be sized such that the portion of the control cable  86  received within the groove  88  sits substantially flush with the outer face  66  of the end cap  10 A. As shown in  FIG.  5   , the groove  88  has one end open into the aperture  84  and an opposite end open into the chamber  72 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  5  and  8   , the end cap  10 A may define an opening  90  with a second channel  94  defined within the outer face  66  and extending from the opening  90  to the chamber  72 . As seen in  FIG.  5   , a portion of a power cable assembly  92  providing power to the motorized covering  2  may be routed through the opening  90  and received within the second channel  94 . The opening  90  may be transversely spaced from the housing  64 , such as towards the front of the head rail  4 . The power cable assembly  92  may be operatively connected to the printed circuit board  62  to power the printed circuit board  62  and the motor assembly  18  via the control cable  86 . In some embodiments, the second channel  94  may be sized so that the portion of the power cable assembly  92  received within the second channel  94  sits substantially flush with the outer face  66  of the end cap  10 A. In this manner, when assembled, the portion of the power cable assembly  92  received within the second channel  94 , the portion of the control cable  86  received within the groove  88 , and the portion of the actuation member  74  received within the first channel  76  may be substantially flush with the outer face  66  to allow flush mounting of the end cap  10 A. Flush mounting of the end cap  10 A has various benefits, including, without limitation, facilitation of close lateral spacing of the end cap  10 A against the architectural opening on which the end cap  10 A is mounted to minimize any light gaps between the end cap  10 A and the architectural opening. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  5  and  8   , the outer face  66  of the end cap  10 A may be defined by the sidewall  96  of the end cap  10 A that is oriented substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the covering  2 , which may in some examples be defined by a longitudinal axis of the roller tube. The sidewall  96  may be generally planar. As seen in  FIG.  7   , the mounting boss  32  may be mounted to an inner face  98  of the sidewall  96 . The inner face  98  may be generally planar. In another example, the chamber  72  may be positioned on the sidewall  96  of the end cap  10 A. Although such embodiments likely would make the sidewall  96  have a thicker dimension and may inhibit the reduction of light gaps between the covering  2  and the architectural opening, such a sidewall  96  position may nonetheless isolate and/or insulate the printed circuit board  62  from static electricity. 
     With reference to  FIG.  8   , a plurality of retaining features, such as tabs  101 , may be provided by the sidewall  96  (e.g., formed on or attached to) to slidably retain the actuation member  74  within the channel  76  of the end cap  10 A. In some embodiments, the tabs  101  may extend into a corresponding plurality of apertures  102  defined within the sidewall  96  and at least partially within the first channel  76 . Each tab  101  may be generally planar, may extend substantially parallel to the sidewall  96 , and may include an engagement surface  104  facing substantially inward towards the roller tube (see  FIG.  9   ). In some embodiments, the tabs  101  may be formed as a unitary structure with the sidewall  96  and may be substantially flush with the outer face  66 . The thickness of the tabs  101  may be less than the thickness of the sidewall  96 . In some embodiments, two tabs  101  may be positioned within each of the apertures  102  opposite one another at a bottom portion of the apertures  102 . Referring to  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the actuation member  74  may include a plurality of corresponding protrusions  124  extending substantially laterally to a main body  126  of the actuation member  74  and configured for sliding engagement. with the plurality of tabs  101 . As shown in  FIG.  14   , each of the protrusions  124  may be generally planar and extend substantially parallel to the main body  126  of the actuation member  74 . In some embodiments, the protrusions  124  may be integrally formed with the actuation member  74  and have an engagement surface  128  facing substantially outwardly away from the roller tube. When the actuation member  74  is slidably connected with the end cap  10 A, the protrusions  124  may be positioned within each of the apertures  102  such that the engagement surface  128  of each of the protrusions  124  slidably engages the engagement surface  104  of each tab  101 . In some embodiments, a pair of protrusions  124  extending laterally opposite from one another may be positioned within each of the apertures  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the end cap  10 A and the actuation member  74  may include strengthening features to reinforce each respective component, As shown in  FIGS.  6 ,  7 , and  9   . portions of the sidewall  96  adjacent the apertures  102  may be thicker in cross-section compared to a nominal thickness of the sidewall  96  to increase the strength of the sidewall  96  in such portions. For example, the end cap  10 A may include a strengthening portion  106  positioned below at least one of the apertures  102  and having a thickness greater than the nominal thickness of the sidewall  96 . With reference to  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the actuation member  74  may in a reinforcing structure  118  disposed on the main body  126  of the actuation member  74 . The reinforcing structure  118  may be a generally longitudinally-extending rib  132  extending along at least a portion of the main body  126  of the actuation member  74 . The rib  132  may increase the resistance of the actuation member  74  to bending and may be received within a depression  114  formed within a bottom surface  116  of the first channel  76  of the end cap  10 A (see  FIG.  8   ). 
     With reference to  FIGS.  7 ,  9  and  10   , the end cap  10 A may include a gusset plate  1 € 03  positioned adjacent the housing  64  to strengthen the connection between the end cap  10 A and the orthogonally-extending housing  64 . In some embodiments, the gusset plate  108  may extend generally perpendicular to a longitudinal plane of the housing  64 . The gusset plate  108  may be connected to both a bottom surface  110  of the housing  64  and the inner lace  98  of the sidewall  96  (see  FIG.  7   ). In some embodiments, the gusset plate  108  extends generally parallel to a rear surface  112  of the end cap  10 A (see  FIG.  9   ). In some embodiments, the gusset plate  108  is formed as a. unitary structure with the rear surface  112  of the end cap  10 A. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  5  and  8   , the first channel  76  may extend at an angle relative to the housing  64 , For example, the first channel  76  may extend at approximately a 45¬90 degree angle (e.g., 60 degrees) relative to the housing  64 . In some embodiments, the first channel  76  may overlap the aperture  84  of the end cap  10 A. In such embodiments, the actuation member  74  may extend at least partially over the aperture  84 . The first channel  76  may have a first opening positioned adjacent the housing  64  and a second opening positioned adjacent the bottom surface  82  of the end cap  10 A, The first opening may permit the first end  78  of the actuation member  74  to at least partially extend into the chamber  72  to selectively engage the printed circuit board  62 . The second end  80  of the actuation member  74  may extend through the second opening. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4  and  10 - 11 A , when the actuation member  74  is pressed by a user, the actuation member  74  may translate longitudinally within the first channel  76  relative to the end cap  10 A from a first position (see  FIG.  10 A ), in which the actuation member  74  does not engage the printed circuit board  62 , to a second position (see  FIG.  11 A ), in which the actuation member  74  engages the printed circuit board  62  by, for example, compressing or activating the switch or button  79  or some other control element. In some embodiments, the actuation member  74  may be biased to automatically return to the first position. The actuation member  74  may be secured within the first channel  76  such that the actuation member  74  is not movable in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the first channel  76 . For example, the sliding engagement of the protrusions  124  and the tabs  101  may allow the actuation member  74  to translate longitudinally within the first channel  76  relative to the end cap  10 A but may prevent the actuation member  74  from translating away from, the end cap  10 A out of the first channel  76 . The sliding engagement of the protrusions  124  and the tabs  101  may maintain the actuation member  74  in the first position. For example, as seen in  FIG.  6   , a bottom surface of each of the apertures  102  may define an abutment wall  130 . When the actuation member  74  is in the first position, the abutment wall  130  may contact the protrusions  124  and define a lowermost position of the actuation member  74 . In some embodiments, the lowermost position is equivalent to the first position. During operation, the actuation member  74  may translate upward from the lowermost position to the second position. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  12  and  13   , the actuation member  74  may have a first surface  134  disposed on the first end  78  of the actuation member  74  and configured to selectively engage a portion of the printed circuit board  62 , such as the switch or button  79 . The first surface  134  may be substantially planar and oriented generally parallel to the printed circuit board  62  when the actuation member  74  is received within the first. channel  76 , In some embodiments, the actuation member  74  may have a second surface  136  disposed on the second end  80  of the actuation member  74  and configured to receive a pressing force F from a user, The second surface  136  may be knurled to increase the friction between the second surface  136  and a user and may be substantially parallel to the first surface  134 . In some embodiments, both the first end  78  and the second end  80  of the actuation member  74  may be thicker and wider than the main body  126 . As shown in  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the first end  78  and the second end  80  may be wedge shaped in two dimensions. In some embodiments, top and bottom surfaces of the protrusions  124  may be oriented parallel to the first surface  134  and the second surface  136 , respectively. In some embodiments, the first surface  134 , the second surface  136 , and the protrusions  124  may extend at an angle. relative to the main body  126 . As shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , in some embodiments, the first surface  134  forms a ridge  137 . In such embodiments, the ridge  137  may align or otherwise facilitate engagement of the first surface  134  with the switch or button  79 . Additionally or alternatively, the ridge  137  may reduce or mitigate the likelihood of damage to the switch or button  79 . For example, by contacting a portion of the printed circuit board  62 , the ridge  127  may limit the displacement of the switch or button  79  towards the printed circuit board  62 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4 ,  16 , and  17   , the covering  2  may include a cable restraint bracket  138  to position and secure the power cable assembly  92  providing power to the covering  2 , such as the motor assembly  18 . As shown in  FIG.  17   , the cable restraint bracket  138  may include a main body  140  having a first aperture  142  and a second aperture  144  defined therethrough. The first aperture  142  may be defined at one end of the main body  140 , and the second aperture  144  may be defined at an opposite end of the main body  140 . The first aperture  142  may receive a fastener, such as a. screw, to secure the cable restraint bracket  138  to the covering  2  or the architectural opening, and the second aperture  144  may be sized to receive an end of the power cable assembly  92 . Referring to  FIG.  15   , the main body  140  may include a tab  146  extending from an end wall  148  of the main body  140  adjacent the first aperture  142 . In some embodiments, the tab  146  may extend from an upper portion of the end wall  148 , Together, the tab  146  and the main body  140  may coextensively define an upper surface  150  of the cable restraint bracket  138 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  17   , the main body  140  may include a passage  152  defined within a bottom surface  154  of the main body  140  and configured to receive and secure a first portion  156  of the power cable assembly  92 . The passage  152  may have a first opening  158  defined in a side surface  162  (see  FIG.  15   ) of the main body  140 , and a second opening  160  in communication with€ the second aperture  144 . As shown in  FIG.  17   , the passage  152  may be nonlinear to inhibit the power cable assembly  92  from translating longitudinally within the passage  152 . For example, the passage  152  may include a first bend  164 , a second bend  166 , and a third bend  168  formed in a zigzag pattern to prevent the power cable assembly  92  from being pulled through the passage  152 . In this manner, the cable restraint bracket  138  may isolate any external force acting on the power cable assembly  92  and prevent the power cable assembly  92  from being disconnected from the printed circuit board  62 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  15  and  16   , the cable restraint bracket  138  may include a projection  170  extending longitudinally from the end wall  148  of the main body  140  to provide structure to position the power cable assembly  92  within the head rail  2  and help prevent the power cable assembly  92  from interfering with operation of the covering  2 , such as rotation of the roller tuba The projection  170  may extend from a lower portion of the end wall  148  such that the projection  170  extends substantially below the tab  146  and has a bottom surface  172  coextensively aligned with the bottom surface  154  of the main body  140 . In some embodiments, the width of the projection  170  may be equivalent to the width of the main body  140 . As illustrated in  FIG.  15   , a plurality of longitudinal channels  174  may be defined in an exterior surface of the projection  170  to reduce the weight of the cable restraint bracket  138  and increase the rigidity of the projection  170 . The projection  170  may have an opening  176  defined therethrough substantially along a longitudinal center-line of the cable restraint. bracket  138 . In some embodiments, the opening  176 , the first aperture  142 , and the second aperture  144  may all be formed substantially along the longitudinal center-line of the cable restraint bracket  138 . Additionally, or alternatively, the opening  176  may be defined by a U-shaped projection  170  connected to the end wall  148  with a closed end  178  of the U-shaped projection  170  being positioned opposite the end wall  148 . In some embodiments, a substantially planar flange  180  may project from the closed end  178  of the projection  170  in a longitudinal direction towards the end wall  148 . The flange  180  may extend from the bottom surface  172  of the projection  170  and may aid in securing the cable restraint bracket  138  (e.g., to the headrail  4 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  15 - 17   , the cable restraint bracket  138  may include an arm  182  configured to receive and secure a second portion  184  of the power cable assembly  92  (see  FIG.  16   ). In some embodiments, the arm  182  may extend substantially below the bottom surfaces  154 ,  172  of both the main body  140  and the projection  170  and adjacent the projection  170  arid the first opening  158  of the passage  152 . In an exemplary embodiment., the arm  182 . is operable to guide the power cable assembly  92  to the opening  90  in the sidewall  96  of the end cap  10 A (see  FIG.  4   ). In this manner, the arm  182  positions the power cable assembly  92  a safe distance away from the internal moving parts within the headrail  4  (e.g., away from the roller tube, the right bushing  40 , the coupler  48 , etc.). The arm  182 . may extend at an angle relative to the bottom surfaces  154 ,  172 . For example, as best seen in  FIG.  16   , the arm  182  may extend at substantially a 30 degree angle relative to the bottom surfaces  154 ,  172 . The arm  182  may include a sloping ramp  186  at a first end  188  of the arm  182  adjacent the first opening  158  and an orifice  190  at a second end  192  of the arm  182  opposite the first end  188 . The orifice  190  may be a closed-loop and may be sized to receive an end of the power cable assembly  92 . The orifice  190  may be substantially parallel with the bottom surfaces  154 ,  172  of the main body  140  and the projection  170  to reduce the overall dimension of the cable restraint bracket  138 . A securing tab  194  may be positioned substantially between the orifice  190  and the ramp  186  and extend laterally from the arm  182  away from the longitudinal center-Fine of the cable restraint. bracket  138 . Together, the orifice  190 , securing tab  194 , and ramp  186  may secure the power cable assembly  92  to the arm  182 . For example, the second portion  184  of the power cable assembly  92  may be at least partially muted through the orifice  190 , substantially below the securing tab  194 , and substantially above the ramp  186 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4 ,  16 , and  17   , the power cable assembly  92  may be routed through both the cable restraint bracket  138  and the end cap  10 A to connect ultimately with the printed circuit board  62 . In some embodiments, an end of the power cable assembly  92  having a connection portion may be routed first through the second aperture  144  of the main body  140  of the cable restraint bracket  138 . The power cable assembly  92  may then be routed through the nonlinear passage  152 , including through both the second opening  160  and the first opening  158 . The power cable assembly  92  may then be routed downwardly along the ramp  188 , substantially beneath the securing tab  194 , and downwardly through the orifice  190 . The power cable assembly  92  may then be routed through the opening  90  of the end cap  10 A and through the second channel  94 . The power cable assembly  92  may then be connected to the printed circuit board  62  via the connection portion, The end of the power cable assembly  92  opposite the connection portion may be connected to a power source, such as a battery or an AC voltage source. 
     The end cap  10 A, the actuation member  74 , and the cable restraint bracket  138  may be constructed of substantially any type of material. For example, the end cap  10 A, actuation member  74 , and cable restraint bracket  138  may be constructed from natural and/or synthetic materials, including metals, ceramics, plastics, and/or other suitable materials that insulate against static electricity discharge therethrough. Plastic materials may include thermoplastic material (self-reinforced or fiber-reinforced), ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, PVC, polyamide, or PTFE, among others. The end cap  10 A, actuation member  74 , and cable restraint bracket  138  may be formed or molded in any suitable manner, such as by plug molding, blow molding, injection molding, or the like. 
     An illustrative example of the shade  8  is shown in  FIG.  1   . In an exemplary embodiment, the shade  8  may have a width substantially equivalent to the length of the roller tube, which may reduce or eliminate the existence of a light gap between the edges of the shade  8  and the sides of the architectural opening or an adjacent shade. As noted above, the shade  8  may be retractable onto and extendable from the roller tube. For example, during extension of the shade  8  across an architectural opening, the shade  8  may be unwrapped from the roller tube when the roller tube is rotated in a first rotational direction. To retract the shade  8 , the roller tube may rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction to wrap the shade  8  about the roller tube. The bottom rail  6  may extend along a lower edge of the shade  8  and may function as a ballast to maintain the shade  8  in a taut condition at a desired position and during extension and retraction of the shade  8 . In some embodiments, the roller tube may be operable to retract the shade  8  towards the head rail  4  in a stacked configuration. For example, as seen in  FIGS.  18  and  19   , the roller tube may retract a plurality of lift cords  12  extending through the shade  8  and attached to the bottom rail  6 . Upon retraction of the lift cords  12 , the shade  8  may stack or fold onto itself in a vertical manner (see  FIG.  19   ). 
     The shade  8  may be constructed of substantially any type of material, such as natural and/or synthetic materials, including fabrics, polymers, and/or other suitable materials, and may generate static energy as it moves towards and away from, or into and out of, the head rail  4 . Fabric materials may include woven, non-woven, knits, or other suitable fabric types. In some embodiments, the shade  8  may be made from a flexible material adapted to be rolled around the roller tube, such as a flexible fabric material. The shade  8  may have any suitable level of light transmissivity to provide a desired ambience or decor in an associated room, and may be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. In some embodiments, portions of the shade  8  may be made from a sheet of material with zero light transmissivity, often referred to as a blackout material. The shade  8  may include a single layer of material or multiple layers of material connected together. The shade  8  may have a high level of drape (less stiff) or a low level of drape (more stiff), which may be selected for obtaining an appropriate shade shape. Although the shade  8  illustrated in  FIG.  1    has a support sheet  20  to which is attached a plurality of horizontally-disposed, vertically-spaced loops of material  22  simulating a Roman shade, a shade  8  used with any or all features of the present disclosure may be made of substantially any type of material and may take substantially any form. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 2   , the covering  2  may include a manual or an automatic control system to control the extension and/or retraction of the shade  8  (see  FIG.  1   ). For example, the control system may be wireless or wired, or a user may provide manual instruction input to the control system. Referring to  FIG.  2   , the motor assembly  18  is configured to extend or retract the shade  8  upon receiving an extension. For retraction command or input from the control system, for instance, the motor assembly  18  may be controlled by mechanical actuation of the actuation member  74 , and/or may be controlled by an electronic actuation component, such as by a remote control unit  16  (see  FIG.  1   ). To raise or retract the shade  8  from an extended position, a user may trigger the mechanical and/or electrical actuation component in a. first manner (e.g., pressing the actuation member  74  once). To extend or lower the shade  8  from a retracted position€, a user may manipulate the actuation component in a second manner (e.g., pressing the actuation member  74  twice or pressing the actuation member  74  for a certain period of time). 
     The motor assembly  18  may be hard-wired to the switch or button  79  and: or operably coupled to a sensor  14  that is operable to communicate with a transmitter, such as the remote control unit  16  shown in  FIG.  1   , to permit a user to control the motor assembly  18  and thus the extension and/or retraction of the shade  8 . The motor assembly  18  may include a “gravity lower” state to permit the shade  8  to lower via gravity without motor intervention, thereby reducing power consumption. The motor assembly  18  may include a speed governing device to control or regulate the extension (e.g., lowering) or retraction (e.g., rising) speed of the shade  8 . Pre-programmed commands may be used to control the motor assembly  18  and thus control the position of the shade  8 . The commands may instruct the motor assembly  18  to move the shade  8  into predetermined shade positions, such as a first position in which the shade  8  is fully retracted, a second position in which the shade  8  is fully extended, and a third position in which the shade  8  is partially-extended to an intermediate position determined by a user. The commands may be transmitted to the motor assembly  18  by the remote control unit  16 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the motor assembly  18  may include a two-piece motor housing  24  that surrounds a motor. The two pieces or components  26  of the motor housing  24  may be identical to one another and may be mounted together to substantially encapsulate the motor. When assembled together, the two components  26  may form a substantially cylindrical motor housing  24  having an internal cylindrical cavity. Releasable catches  28  (see  FIG.  2   ) may be provided in corresponding surfaces of the two components  26  to secure the two components  26  of the motor housing  24  together. In some embodiments, fasteners  30  may secure the two components  26  together. 
     The motor assembly  18  may be fixedly attached to an end cap  10 , such as the right end cap  10 A. The motor assembly  18  may be axially aligned with the roller tube and attached to the end cap  10 A by a screw, adhesive, corresponding retention features, heat or sonic welding, or any other suitable attachment means. As shown in  FIG.  3   , the end cap  10 A may have an inwardly-directed mounting boss  32  having a mounting ring  34  at its distal end. The mounting ring  34  may have a plurality of circumferentially-spaced, longitudinally-extending fins  36  and diametrically-opposed catch tabs  38 . The catch tabs  38  may be beveled to receive the motor assembly  18  as described hereafter. A right bushing  40  may be rotatably seated on the mounting boss  32  between the end cap  10 A and the mounting ring  34  to rotatably support the roller tube within the head rail  4  as more fully described hereafter. It should be understood the motor assembly  18  may be attached to either the right end cap  10 A or a left end cap  10 B. 
     The end of the motor housing  24  adjacent the end cap  10 A may have diametrically-opposed, longitudinally extending resilient arms  42  having substantially rectangular holes  44  defined therethrough. The end of the motor housing  24  adjacent the end cap  10 A may have a plurality of circumferentially-spaced, longitudinally-extending slots  46 . The resilient arms  42  of the motor housing  24  may be slid over the catch tabs  38  of the end cap  10 A until the catch tabs  38  project into the holes  44 . Additionally, or alternatively, the plurality of fins  36  disposed on the mounting ring  34  may be received within the plurality of slots  46  formed within the motor housing  24 . In some embodiments, the motor housing  24  is releasably secured to the mounting ring  34  and prevented from rotation by both receipt of the catch tabs  38  in the holes  44  of the resilient arms  42  and receipt of the fins  36  in the slots  46 . 
     The motor assembly  18  may include a drive disk or coupler  48  operatively connected to a drive shaft projecting from the distal end of the motor housing  24  to drivingly engage the roller tube. The coupler  48  may be reversibly rotatable by a reversible motor mounted within the internal cavity of the motor housing  24 . To shield or insulate the motor from static electricity, a sleeve made of a flexible heat-shrink plastic material  50  may be shrunk around the motor housing  24 . to provide a static electricity barrier and prevent malfunctioning of the motor. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the right bushing  40  may be rotatably mounted onto a smooth portion  52  of the mounting boss  32 . The right bushing  40  may include a sleeve  54 , a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-spaced ribs  56  projecting radially outwardly from the sleeve  54 , and a flange  58  projecting radially outwardly from an end of the sleeve  54 . The sleeve  54  may define a substantially cylindrical inner surface  60  that rotatably bears against the smooth portion  52  of the mounting boss  32 . The ribs  56  may engage an inner surface of the roller tube so that the right bushing  40  rotatably supports the roller tube and rotates in unison with the roller tube about the smooth portion  52  of the mounting boss  32 . The flange  58  may project radially outwardly of the ribs  56  and may abut against an end of the roller tube to axially locate the right bushing  40  relative to the roller tube. The sleeve  54  and ribs  56  of the right bushing  40  may be radially positioned between the mounting boss  32  and the roller tube. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting boss  32  and mounting ring  34  are rigidly mounted on the end cap  10 A, with the right bushing  40  rotatably mounted on the mounting boss  32 . The motor assembly  18  may be mounted on the mounting ring  34  and secured thereto via locking engagement of the resilient arms  42  with the catch tabs  38 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the motor assembly  18  may project axially along at. least a portion of the length of the head rail  4 . in some embodiments, the motor assembly  18  is at least partially received within the roller tube. In such embodiments, the coupler  48  may be configured to drivingly engage an inside surface of the roller tube to effect reversible rotation of the roller tube via energy provided by the motor. The opposite or left end of the roller tube may be rotatably supported by the left end cap  1013  in a similar or conventional manner, which is not illustrated. 
     The foregoing description has broad application. While the provided examples describe the shade  8  wrapped about the roller tube, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to many types of shades, including Venetian blinds and stackable shades or coverings. While the provided examples depict the motor assembly  18  and the printed circuit board  62  associated with the right end cap  10 A, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to the left end cap  10 B. Accordingly, 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 examples. 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 riot 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 tor purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.