Patent Publication Number: US-11033138-B2

Title: Motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent and trademark office utility application Ser. No. 15/979,570 which was filed on May 15, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent and trademark office utility application Ser. No. 14/786,877 which was filed on Oct. 23, 2015, which was a National Stage Entry of PCT/US14/33602 which was filed on Apr. 10, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Provisional Application No. 61/810,949 which was filed on Apr. 11, 2013, which also claims the benefit of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Provisional Application No. 61/817,954 which was filed on May 1, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated fully herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an architectural covering. More specifically, and without limitation, this invention relates to a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Architectural coverings, such as curtains, shades, draperies and the like are frequently used to provide privacy and to limit the amount of light that is permitted to pass through a window and into a room or building. There are countless types, forms and designs of architectural coverings known in the art. The term architectural covering is used to describe any and all of these types, forms and designs including blinds, shades, draperies, and the like. 
     One form of architectural covering of particular interest in this application is a drape or drapery product. Common components of draperies include a support rod connected to brackets positioned above or adjacent to a window or door. In one arrangement of a drapery product, the support rod rotates and drives the shade material across the length of the support rod. This arrangement is more fully described in Applicant&#39;s related provisional patent Application Ser. No. 61/702,093 filed on Sep. 17, 2012 entitled Rotatable Drive Element For Moving A Window Covering, which was converted into a utility patent having patent application Ser. No. 14/029,210 filed on Sep. 16, 2013 with the same title as well as being filed as a PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2013/060205 filed on Sep. 17, 2013 with the same title, which are all fully incorporated by reference herein, including any related applications; and Applicant&#39;s related patent Application Ser. No. 61/810,949 filed on Apr. 11, 2013 entitled Rotatable Drive Element For Moving A Window Covering Including A Flexible Guide Arm And A Pointed Tooth Arrangement which is also fully incorporated by reference herein, including any related applications; and Applicant&#39;s related provisional patent Application Ser. No. 61/856,123 filed on Jul. 19, 2013 entitled Motorized Grommet Drapery Apparatus, System And Method Of Use which is also fully incorporated by reference herein, including any related applications; and Applicant&#39;s related provisional patent Application Ser. No. 61/856,143 filed on Jul. 19, 2013 entitled Motorized Drapery Apparatus With Batteries Positioned In The Brackets which is also fully incorporated by reference herein, including any related applications; and Applicant&#39;s related provisional patent Application Ser. No. 61/901,985 filed on Nov. 8, 2013 entitled Method And Apparatus For Linked Horizontal Drapery Panels Having Varying Characteristics To Be Moved Independently By A Common Drive System which is also fully incorporated by reference herein, including any related applications. 
     In these related patent applications, the support rod, also referred to as the rotatable drive element, rotates in place. While the rotation of the rotatable drive element is effective for driving the shade material across the length of the rotatable drive element to open and close the architectural covering, this rotation produces its own problems. Namely, connecting the rotatable drive element to brackets produces challenges because the rotatable drive element can wear, rattle, move around and otherwise be difficult to connect to and hold in place. This arrangement also produces significant challenges when attempting to connect other members or devices to the rotatable drive element, such as finials, rotatable drive element extensions, or additional rotatable drive elements to extend the length of the architectural covering. 
     In addition to these problems, other problems exist in connecting motors to the rotatable drive element as motors positioned within the rotatable drive element present their own problems. Further problems exist in how to power architectural coverings having a rotatable drive element. 
     Thus it is a primary object of the invention to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that improves upon the state of the art. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that is easy to use. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that is efficient. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that is simple in design. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that is inexpensive. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that has a minimum number of parts. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that has an intuitive design. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that holds a rotatable drive element in place while allowing it to rotate. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that allows for connection of multiple rotatable drive elements. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that provides for connection of a battery assembly external of the rotatable drive element. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that allows for connection of multiple motor housings so as to provide additional torque for rotation. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that allows for connection of a motor housing that is external to the rotatable drive element. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that allows for connection of an external power supply through the bracket. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use that provides for housing electronic components to control the system in a portion of the bracket. 
     These and other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An architectural covering is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure and a plurality of idler attachment elements and a drive element positioned over the rotatable drive element. The rotatable drive element is connected to a wall, ceiling or other structure by brackets. In one arrangement a drive shaft having at least one bearing is then attached to the brackets such that the rotatable drive elements rotate upon the bearings. This arrangement provides an efficient, simple and convenient manner of attaching a rotatable drive element to brackets for mounting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an architectural covering having two rotatable drive elements having a helical guide structure therein; the rotatable drive elements are connected at their inward ends by a center coupler; the rotatable drive elements are connected to a bracket at their outward ends, a motor housing with a finial is connected to one end of the rotatable drive element with a battery assembly electrically connected to the bracket adjacent the motor housing which supplies power to the motor housing; a dummy rotatable drive element extension is connected to the bracket on the opposite; driver attachment elements for driving shade material open and closed are shown on the rotatable drive element. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective exploded view of the elements shown in  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 3  is a close-up perspective exploded view of  FIG. 2  showing the motor housing, bracket having a key feature and electrical contacts, a motor coupler sleeve positioned within the outward end of the rotatable drive element. 
         FIG. 4  is a close-up perspective exploded view of  FIG. 2  showing the center coupler and the ends of rotatable drive elements. 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up perspective view of a bracket which connects a motor housing to a rotatable drive element, the view showing the side which engages a motor housing, the view showing the key feature and the electrical contacts. 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up perspective view of a bracket which connects a motor housing to a rotatable drive element, the view showing the side of the bracket which engages a rotatable drive element, the view also showing the electrical socket and passageway, as well as a cavity which provides a spot for mounting and housing electronics for controlling the motor housing. 
         FIG. 7  is a close up perspective exploded view of a motor housing showing a threaded surface structure, an exterior end cap, a bearing a motor coupler a motor end cap and a key feature having electrical contacts. 
         FIG. 8  is side elevation cut-away view of the motor housing shown in  FIG. 7 , the view showing the motor coupler, bearing, planetary gear box, electrical motor, sensor assembly, motor controller assembly, and antenna. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of the motor housing shown in  FIG. 7 , the view showing the motor coupler, bearing, planetary gear box, electrical motor, sensor assembly, motor controller assembly, antenna motor end cap and exterior end cap. 
         FIG. 10  is side elevation cut-away view of the motor housing shown in  FIG. 7  connected to a rotatable drive element through a motor bracket, the view showing the motor coupler, bearing, planetary gear box, electrical motor, electrical plug and rotatable drive element. 
         FIG. 11  is a side plan view of a diamond shaped, cross-threaded, or crisscrossed knurled pattern in the surface of a rotatable drive element. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a rotatable drive element having a threaded surface and a driver attachment element showing a lower density of teeth on the interior surface of the driver element than the number of threads in the surface of the rotatable drive element. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the rotatable drive elements connected together at a center bracket, the center coupler being positioned within the bracket and the open interior of the rotatable drive element. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective exploded view of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of a drive attachment element. 
         FIG. 16  is a front elevation cut-away view of the drive attachment element of  FIG. 15  positioned over rotatable drive element. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the drive attachment element of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of another embodiment of a drive attachment element. 
         FIG. 19  is a front elevation cut-away view of the drive attachment element of  FIG. 18  positioned over rotatable drive element. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventions. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
     As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end and sides are referenced according to the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     As used herein, the invention is shown and described as being used in association with an architectural covering however the invention is not so limiting. Instead, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the system and method presented herein can be applied to any mechanical device, without limitation. The system and method is merely shown and described as being used in association with an architectural covering for ease of description and as one of countless examples. 
     As used herein, the term architectural covering refers to any covering such as a blind, drapery, roller shade, venetian blind, drapery or the like, used especially in association with windows. This term is in no way meant to be limiting. Instead, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the system and method presented herein can be applied to any architectural covering, without limitation. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , an architectural covering  10  is presented. Architectural covering  10  is formed of any size, shape and design. As one example, as is shown, architectural covering  10  includes a first rotatable drive element  12  connected to a second rotatable drive element  13 . The first and second rotatable drive elements  12 ,  13  are any form of a rotating member such as a rod, tube, threaded bar, or the like. In one arrangement, rotatable drive elements  12  and  13  are practically identical if not identical and therefore for simplicity reference to one shall be reference to the other, unless specified otherwise. In one arrangement, rotatable drive element  12  is an elongated hollow tube, having a helical guide structure  14  positioned in its surface, as is described in further detail in Applicant&#39;s related Application Ser. No. 61/702,093 filed on Sep. 17, 2012 entitled Rotatable Drive Element For Moving A Window Covering, which is fully incorporated by reference herein, including any related applications; and Applicant&#39;s related patent Application Ser. No. 61/810,949 filed on Apr. 11, 2013 entitled Rotatable Drive Element For Moving A Window Covering Including A Flexible Guide Arm And A Pointed Tooth Arrangement which is also fully incorporated by reference herein, including any related applications. The helical guide structure  14  can be a left-hand guide structure, a right-hand guide structure, or both, or a plurality or combination of left-hand guide structures and/or right-hand guide structures. Guide structure  14  can either be grooves, indentations, protrusions, threads or any other feature or the like. Guide structure  14  can either ground or machined into the surface or rotatable drive element  12 , knurled into the surface of rotatable drive element  12  (as is described further herein), cast or formed into the surface of rotatable drive element  12 , or created by any other means or methods known in the art. 
     Wall brackets  16  support rotatable drive element  12 . Wall brackets  16  are any form of a connecting device which supports and connects rotatable drive element  12  to any structural element such as a wall adjacent a window, a ceiling, a frame structure or the like. As one example, in the arrangement shown, rotatable drive element  12  connects on one side to wall bracket  16  and a motor housing  18  connects on the opposite side. 
     In the arrangement shown, wall brackets  16  include a mounting plate  20  which connects to the wall, an extension arm  22 , which extends between mounting plate  20  and a mounting member  24 . Mounting member  24  is formed of any suitable size and shape and serves to connect to rotatable drive element  12  while allowing for functional movement, such as rotation, of the necessary parts. In one arrangement, as is shown, mounting member  24  is a generally circular collar which is sized and shaped to receive rotatable drive element  12  therein as is described further herein. 
     Mounting member  24  has an exterior side  26  and an interior side  28 . Rotatable drive element  12  connects to the interior side  28  and motor housing  18  connects to the exterior side  28 . A collar  30  extends inwardly from the mounting member  24  thereby separating the interior side  28  from the exterior side  26 . In the arrangement shown, collar  30  has a flat and flush interior side  32  which extends into the open interior of mounting member  24  perpendicularly to the interior surface of mounting member  24 . The exterior side of collar  30  has a protrusion  34  that extends outwardly from collar  30  in perpendicular alignment to collar  30  and in parallel spaced alignment to the interior surface of mounting member  24  thereby forming channel  36  between the interior surface of mounting member  24  and the exterior surface of protrusion  34 . A step  38  is positioned between protrusion  34  and the end  40  of collar  30  which defines a circular interior through hole. Step  38  and channel  36  serve to engage and hold motor housing  18  while allowing portions of the motor housing  18  to extend through the open end  40  of collar  30  to engage and rotate rotatable drive element  12 . 
     As is shown, the features of the interior side  32  of mounting member  24  are generally circular in shape so as to allow rotation of rotatable drive element  12 . In contrast, key-features  42  are positioned in the exterior side  26  of mounting member  24 . Key-features  42  are any aberration, deviation, irregularity, anomaly in the round features in the exterior side  26  of mounting member  24 . Key-features  42  breakup the circular shape of the features in the exterior side  26  of mounting member  24  and thereby serve to prevent rotation of motor housing  18  when connected to bracket  16 . In the arrangement shown, key-features  42  include a pair of semi-circular recesses in the mounting member  24  that extend all the way to the collar  30 . A divider  46  extends partially between the two recesses  44  and provides separation thereto. Divider  46  is positioned in alignment with the center of extension arm  22  for added strength and ease of alignment. 
     Electrical contacts  48  are positioned in the key-features  32  at approximately the center of each recess  44  and extend outwardly from the exterior surface of collar  30  within channel  36 . In the arrangement shown, electrical contacts  48  are circular spring loaded conductive plungers, however any other form of an electrical contact is hereby contemplated for use. Electrical contacts  48  are electrically connected to a conduit  50  which extends through a passageway  54  in extension arm  22  of bracket  16  and through a passageway  56  in mounting plate  20 . Passageway  56  in mounting plate  20  is to the side of and intentionally separated from upper through hole  58  and lower through hole  60  so as to prevent conduit  50  from being damaged when mounting bracket  16 . Through holes  58 ,  60  receive fasteners  62  (not shown), such as conventional screws which are used to attach brackets  16  to a wall, ceiling or other mounting structure. In the arrangement shown, the lower through hole  60  is positioned approximately in the lateral middle of mounting plate  20  whereas the upper through hole  58  is positioned laterally to one side of the mounting plate  20 . This offset provides advantages during mounting, namely, a fastener  62  can be inserted in the bottom through hole  60  and then the bracket  16  can be rotated on the lower fastener  62  into place followed by a fastener  62  into the upper through hole  58  to complete installation. 
     The lower end of conduit  50  is connected to a socket assembly  64 . Socket assembly  64  is any form of an electrical connector such as a USB port, a two-conductor socket, a three conductor socket, a four conductor socket, a five conductor socket, a six conductor socket, a phone jack, an Ethernet socket, or any other standard or non-standard socket used to connect conduit  50  to any other device or object electrically. 
     A components recess  66  is positioned in mounting plate  20  which is sized and shaped to receive a motor controller assembly  68 , which is described further herein. Components recess  66  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. As one example, in the arrangement shown, components recess  66  is positioned between the sidewalls  67  and front wall  69  of mounting plate  20  and positioned adjacent to the through holes  58 ,  60 . 
     Motor Housing: Motor housing  18  is connected adjacent the exterior end of rotatable drive element  12 . Motor housing  18  is connected to the exterior side  26  of mounting member  24  of bracket  16 . Motor housing  18  is formed of any suitable size and shape. In one arrangement, as is shown, motor housing  18  is formed of a hollow tube  70  which is formed as an extension of rotatable drive element  12  and with approximately the same exterior size, shape, diameter and appearance of the rotatable drive element  12 , as well as continuous extension of guide structure  14  therein. In this arrangement, when motor housing  18  is connected to the end of rotatable drive element  12 , the length of rotatable drive element  12  is relatively seamlessly extended as is the length of guide structure  14 . In one arrangement, as is shown, rotatable drive element  12  connects to the interior side  28  of mounting member  24 . In this arrangement, mounting member  24  hides or covers the seam between rotatable drive element  12  and motor housing  18 . In this arrangement, the motor housing  18  remains stationary as rotatable drive element  12  rotates, as is further described herein. 
     Motor housing  18  has an exterior end  72  and an interior end  74 . Positioned within the open interior compartment of hollow tube  70  between interior end  74  and exterior end  74  is a motor  76 . Motor  76  is any form of a motor that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy and provides rotation and torque. In the arrangement shown, motor  76  is connected to a transmission  78 . Transmission  78  is any form of a device that transmits rotation of motor  76  and gears it such as a gear box, a planetary gear box or the like. Transmission  78  transmits the rotation of motor  76  and converts into the desirable speed useful for the application. The transmission  78  helps to maximize the torque produced by the motor  76  while maximizing battery life by reducing or minimizing power draw. 
     Transmission  78  is connected to a drive shaft  80  which extends outwardly from the interior end  74  of motor housing  18 . Drive shaft  80  extends through motor end cap  82  which is connected to the interior end  74  of hollow tube  70 . 
     Motor end cap  82  has a generally circular external ring  84  having an interior edge  86  and an exterior edge  88 . Interior edge  86  connects to hollow tube  70  whereas the exterior edge  88  connects to mounting member  24  of bracket  16 . A collar  90  extends inwardly from the ring  84  thereby separating the interior side  86  from the exterior side  88  and provides a mounting surface for mounting motor end cap  82  to the other components of motor housing  18 . An opening  92  positioned in the collar  90  allows for the drive shaft  80  of transmission  78  to extend from the interior side  86  of motor end cap  82  to the exterior side  88  of motor end cap  82 . 
     Key-features  94  are positioned in the exterior surface of motor end cap  82 . Key-features  94  are any aberration, deviation, irregularity, anomaly in the generally round exterior surface of ring  84  of motor end cap  82 . Key-features  94  breakup the circular shape of the motor end cap  82  and thereby serve to prevent rotation of motor housing  18  when connected to bracket  16 . In the arrangement shown, key-features  94  include a pair of semi-circular protrusions that connect to one another. Key-features  94  extend from the exterior edge  88  of ring  84  to the collar  90  of motor end cap  82 . A divider  96  extends partially between the two semi-circular protrusions and provides separation thereto. Divider  96  is positioned in alignment with the center of extension arm  22  for added strength and ease of alignment. 
     Electrical contacts  98  are positioned in the key-features  94  at approximately the center of each semi-circular protrusion, on the interior side of ring  84 . Electrical contacts  98  extend outwardly from the exterior surface  88  of collar  90 . Electrical contacts  98  are connected to electrical connectors  99  which extend through the motor end cap  82  and transmit the power received by electrical contacts  98  to the electrical components contained within motor housing  18 . In the arrangement shown, electrical contacts  98  are circular spring loaded conductive plungers, however any other form of an electrical contact is hereby contemplated. Electrical contacts  98  are electrically connected to the motor  76  and motor controller assembly  68  as is described herein. 
     In the arrangement shown, a pair of fasteners  100  extend through the collar  90  and connect to the transmission  78 , or any other component of the motor housing  18 , thereby locking the two components together. A bearing  102  and motor coupler  104  is positioned over the drive shaft  80  held in place by a locking arrangement between motor coupler  104  connects and drive shaft  80 . Motor coupler  104  has a rounded or angled nose  106  which tapers outwardly as it extends towards motor housing  18 . The exterior periphery of motor coupler  104  adjacent motor housing  18  is formed in the shape of gears  108  or a gear tooth arrangement. That is, the external surface of motor coupler  104  near its base where motor coupler  104  connects to the motor housing  18 . The gears  108  mesh with gears in or attached to the rotatable drive element  12  and serve to rotate rotatable drive element  12  when motor  76  and/or transmission  78  is rotated. The rounded or angled nose  106  eases alignment and insertion of the motor coupler  104  through bracket  16  and into the rotatable drive element  12 . A shoulder  110  is positioned towards the motor housing  18  from gears  108  and nose  106  and extends outwardly past gears  108 . Shoulder  110  serves as a stop for bearing  102  which is positioned around body  112  and held in place by clip  114 . 
     In this arrangement, as motor  76  rotates, the drive shaft  80  of transmission  78  rotates which rotates motor coupler  104  which rotates bearing  102  within ring  84  of motor end cap  82 . 
     The exterior end  72  of motor  76  is connected to a motor controller  68  (or in an alternative arrangement, the motor controller  68 , or a portion of motor controller  68  is positioned in or connected to first bracket  16 ). Motor controller  68  includes all the components to control motor  76  and to control operation of the architectural covering  10 . Motor controller  68  is any device which controls the operation of motor  76 . In one arrangement, motor controller  68  is an electrical circuit board or PC board  116  which is electrically connected to a microprocessor  118  connected to memory  120 , a receiver or transceiver  122  and an antenna  124 . Microprocessor  118  is any programmable device that accepts analog or digital signals or data as input, processes it according to instructions stored in its memory  120 , and provides results as output. Microprocessor  118  receives signals from receiver or transceiver  122  and processes them according to its instructions stored in its memory  120  and then controls motor  76  based on these signals. Memory  120  is any form of electronic memory such as a hard drive, flash, ram or the like. Antenna  124  is any electronic device which converts electric power into electromagnetic signals or electromagnetic waves, which are commonly known as radio waves or RF (radio frequency) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “electromagnetic signals” without limitation). Antenna  124  can transmit and/or receive these electromagnetic signals. In one arrangement these electromagnetic signals are transmitted via AM or FM RF communication, while any other range of RF is hereby contemplated such as 433 MHz or 908 MHz. In the arrangement shown, a meandering monopole antenna or fractal antenna is used; however any other form of an antenna is hereby contemplated. Antenna  124  is positioned adjacent the exterior end  72  of motor housing  18  so as to be in the best position to receive electromagnetic signals without interference. In the arrangement shown, antenna  124  is positioned just inside of end cap  126 . In an alternative arrangement, antenna  124  is incorporated within end cap  126 . In another arrangement end cap  126  is replaced with a decorative finial; or alternatively a decorative finial is connected to end cap  126 . 
     To detect rotation and track the position of rotatable drive element  12 , a sensor assembly  128  is connected to motor housing  18 . Sensor assembly  128  is any form of a device which senses the rotation or position of architectural covering  10 , such as reed switches, mechanical encoders, magnetic encoders, or the like. In one arrangement, as is shown, sensor assembly  128  includes a magnet wheel  130  connected to a secondary motor shaft  132  extending outwardly from the exterior end  72  of motor  76  such that when motor  76  rotates, secondary motor shaft  132  rotates, thereby rotating magnetic wheel  130 . Positioned adjacent to magnet  130  is at least one, and as is shown two, Hall Effect sensors  134  positioned opposite one another. In this arrangement, Hall Effect sensors  134  are connected to PC board  116  adjacent magnet  130  which extends into an opening in PC board  116 . This arrangement using Hall Effect Sensors  134  is more fully described in Applicant&#39;s related patent application entitled Low-Power Architectural Covering Ser. No. 61/811,650 filed on Apr. 12, 2013 which is fully incorporated by reference herein. 
     Battery Tube Assembly: A battery tube assembly  136  is connected to the architectural covering  10 . Battery Tube Assembly  136  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. As one example, in the arrangement shown, the battery tube assembly  136  includes an elongated hollow tubular member  138  which is sized and shaped to receive a stack of conventional batteries  140  therein within close and acceptable tolerances such as A, AA, B, C or D cell batteries. The lower end of battery tube assembly  136  is closed by a battery end cap  142 . The opposite, or upper end of battery tube assembly  136  is removeably and replaceably enclosed by a battery connector cap  144 . Battery connector cap  144  is removeably and replaceably connected to battery tube assembly  136  by a key-slot  146  positioned in the elongated hollow tubular member which is in locking and mating communication with a protrusion in the battery connector cap  144 . However, any other means of connecting battery connector cap  144  to elongated hollow tubular member  138  is hereby contemplated such as threads, a snap fit design, a button-lock design or the like. A transmission wire  146  which terminates in a plug  148  extends outwardly from battery connector cap  144  and transmits electricity to architectural covering  10 . Plug  148  matingly and matchingly and removeably and replaceably connects to socket assembly  64  in mounting plate  20  of bracket  16 . 
     A battery tube mounting bracket  150  is removeably and replaceably connected to the elongated hollow tubular member  138  and serves to mount and hold elongated hollow tubular member  138  therein. Battery tube mounting bracket  150  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. As one example, in the arrangement shown, battery tube mounting bracket  150  is a generally elongated extrusion having a back wall  152  connected to its outward edges to sidewalls  154 . The space between back wall  152  and opposing sidewalls  154  is sized and shaped to frictionally and tightly, but removeably, receive hollow elongated tubular member  138 . To achieve this frictional engagement, the ends  156  sidewalls  154  angle or curve inward toward one another. In this arrangement, elongated hollow tubular member  138  can be forced within the space between sidewalls  154  and back wall  152 ; and elongated hollow tubular member  138  can be forced out of the space between sidewalls  154  and back wall  152 . Elongated hollow tubular member  138  can be mounted within the vicinity of bracket  16  and motor housing  18  in either a vertical alignment (as is shown) in a perpendiculars alignment or in any other alignment by fastening battery tube mounting member  150  to the wall, ceiling or structure architectural covering  10  is mounted to. Mounting can be accomplished by passing conventional fasteners, such as screws or bolts, through the back wall  152  of battery tube mounting bracket  150 . 
     Motor Coupler Sleeve: Rotatable drive element  12  connects to the motor housing  18  through connection of the motor coupler  104  to a motor coupler sleeve  160 . Motor coupler sleeve  160  is an elongated hollow tubular member having an exterior surface  162  and an interior surface  164  which extend in generally parallel spaced relation to one another. The exterior surface  162  has gears or teeth therein that extend along a length of motor coupler sleeve  160 . The gears or teeth in the exterior surface  162  of motor coupler sleeve  160  matingly and meshingly and removeably and replaceably engage and receive gears or teeth in the interior surface  166  of rotatable drive element  12  adjacent its open hollow end  168 . A collar  170 , or protrusion positioned in the exterior surface  162  of motor coupler sleeve  160  sets the distance at which motor coupler sleeve  160  can be inserted into the end  168  of rotatable drive element  12 . 
     The interior surface  164  of motor coupler sleeve  160  also has gears or teeth therein that extend along a length of motor coupler sleeve  160 . The gears or teeth in the interior surface  164  of motor coupler sleeve  160  matingly and meshingly and removeably and replaceably engage and receive gears  108  in the interior surface of motor copuler  104  of motor housing  18 . In this arrangement, nose  106  of motor coupler  104  is inserted through the mounting member  24  of bracket  16  and into the hollow interior of motor coupler sleeve  160  such that the gears  108  of motor coupler  104  engage the teeth or gears in the interior surface  164  of motor coupler sleeve  160 . A collar  170 , or protrusion positioned in the exterior surface  162  of motor coupler sleeve  160  sets the distance at which motor coupler sleeve  160  can be inserted into the end  168  of rotatable drive element  12 . 
     When motor coupler sleeve  160  is fully inserted within the hollow interior end  168  of rotatable drive element  12  and the motor coupler  104  is fully inserted into the hollow interior of motor coupler sleeve  160 , rotation of motor coupler  104  causes rotation of rotatable drive element  12 . 
     Center Coupler: Two rotatable drive elements  12  can connect to one another in end-to-end alignment through the use of a center coupler  172 . The use of multiple center couplers  172  can be used to connect two, three, four or more rotatable drive elements  12  together without limit. 
     Center coupler  172  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. As one example, in the arrangement shown, center coupler  172  is a pair of elongated hollow tubular members  174  (otherwise known as splines, or when combined as a single piece as a spline) connected at their inward facing edge to a bearing assembly  176 . In one arrangement, bearing assembly  176  includes an individual bearing  178  associated with each elongated hollow tubular member  174 . The exterior surface  180  of each elongated hollow tubular member  174  has gears or teeth therein that extend along a length of each elongated hollow tubular member  174 . The gears or teeth in the exterior surface  180  of elongated hollow tubular member  174  matingly and meshingly and removeably and replaceably engage and receive gears or teeth in the interior surface  166  of rotatable drive element  12  adjacent its open hollow end  168 . 
     In one arrangement, bearing assembly  176  allows for free and independent rotation of each elongated hollow tubular member  174  of center coupler  172  without affecting the other. This allows for rotation of two rotatable drive elements  12  free and independent of one another. This allows for individual control and operation of one side of architectural covering  10 , such as when two motor housings  18  are associated with a two rotatable drive element  12  architectural covering  10 , where each motor housing  18  controls only the rotatable drive element  12  it is connected to. 
     In an alternative arrangement, the two elongated hollow tubular members  174  are connected to one another, or only a single elongated hollow tubular member  174  is used. In this arrangement, the rotatable drive elements  12  do not rotate independently of one another. When two motor housings  18  are used with this arrangement, additional torque is provided by the combined force of two motors  76 . 
     In one arrangement, the elongated hollow tubular members  174  are inserted all the way into the open ends  168  of rotatable drive elements until the ends  168  engage or approximately engage the bearing assembly  176 . In this arrangement, rotatable drive elements are fully inserted over center coupler  172 . In one arrangement, when fully inserted into opposing rotatable drive elements  12  no further support is necessary. In an alternative arrangement, center coupler  172  is connected to a bracket  16 . That is, the bearing assembly  176  is held within the mounting member  20  of a bracket  16 . When bearing assembly  176  is positioned within mounting member  20  of a bracket  16 , rotatable drive elements  12  are free to rotate upon bearings  178 . In this way, additional support is provided while still allowing for necessary rotation. 
     The center coupler  172  provides for easier installation by allowing the assembly of long rotatable drive elements  12  from shorter rotatable drive elements  12 . This also reduces the cost and ease of shipping. In addition, in one arrangement, elongated hollow tubular members  174  of the center coupler  172  are formed of a material that has some bend to it. Suitable materials include plastic, rubber, composite UHMW material or the like. The benefits of this material, used in association with the hollow design of the tubular members  174  allow the center coupler  172  to provide some give to the two rotatable drive elements  12 . This give or ability to slightly bend allows for the combined rotatable drive elements  12  to be installed on walls or in applications that are not exactly perfectly straight, or allows for less-precise alignment during installation. In one arrangement, motor coupler sleeve  160  is also made of the same material which allows for less-precise installation of motor housing  18  into motor coupler sleeve  160 . The use of one of these plastic or composite materials also serves to reduce noise of the architectural covering  10  during use. 
     Multiple center couplers  170  can be used to connect any number of rotatable drive elements together. 
     Rotatable Drive Element Extension: In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 1 , only a single motor housing  18  is connected to the two rotatable drive elements  12 , which drives the combined rotatable drive elements  12 . A rotatable drive element extension  182  is connected to the exterior side  26  of the mounting member  14  of the second bracket  16 . Rotatable drive element extension  182  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. As one example, in the arrangement shown, rotatable drive element extension  182  is simply a dummy motor housing lacking the internal drive components such as the motor  76 , transmission  78  and motor controller assembly  68  and the like. In one arrangement, in all other ways, rotatable drive element extension  182  has an identical appearance and design to motor housing  18  described herein. In one arrangement, rotatable drive element extensions  182  do include the hollow tube, motor end cap  82 , bearing  102  and motor coupler  104  so as to connect rotatable drive element  12  and allow rotation thereof. Motor housing  18  and rotatable drive element extension  182  are secured to brackets  16  by a locking-screw  184  which extends through mounting member  24  and engages the motor end cap  82  of motor housing  18  or rotatable drive element extension  182  after installation. Locking-screw  184  prevents the motor housing  18  or the rotatable drive element extension  182  from falling out of bracket  16 . In this way, the end  168  of rotatable drive element  12  connected to the motor housing  18  is identified as the motor-side; whereas the end  168  of rotatable drive element  12  connected to the rotatable drive element extension  182  is identified as the non-motor side. 
     Idler Attachment Elements: Idler attachment elements  186  are connected to and positioned around rotatable drive element  12 . Idler attachment elements  186  are formed of any suitable size and shape. In one arrangement, as is shown, idler attachment elements  186  are formed of a circular hoop member  188  which is sized and shaped to fit loosely around rotatable drive element  12 . In one arrangement, a mounting ring  190  is connected to the circular hoop member  188  for attachment of shade material  192  which hangs down from idler attachment elements  186  and drive attachment elements  194 . 
     Drive Attachment Elements: Drive attachment elements  194 , like idler attachment elements  186  are connected to and positioned around rotatable drive element  12 . A single drive attachment elements  194  is positioned outside of, or at the end of the row of idler attachment elements  186 . Drive attachment element  194  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, drive attachment element  194  has a generally circular shape fit over and receives rotatable drive element  12  with a tooth engaged in the guide structure  14  such that when the rotatable drive element  12  rotates the drive attachment element  194  is driven along the length of rotatable drive element  12 . 
     The idler attachment elements  186  and the driver attachment elements  194  are more fully described in applicant&#39;s related patent application Ser. No. 61/810,949 entitled Rotatable Drive Element For Moving A Window Covering Including A Flexible Guide Arm And A Pointed Tooth Arrangement filed on Apr. 11, 2013 which is fully incorporated by reference herein along with any related patent applications. 
     Assembly: The architectural covering  10  is assembled by connecting the opposing rotatable drive elements  12  by fully inserting the elongated hollow tubular members  174  of center coupler  172  into the open end  168  of each rotatable drive element  12  until each bearing  178  is adjacent the end  168  of rotatable drive element  12 . Bearing assembly  176  may or may not be connected to a mounting member  24  of a center bracket  16  to provide additional support at the middle of combined rotatable drive element  12 . In addition, motor coupler sleeves  160  are fully inserted in the open outward ends  168  of rotatable drive elements  12  until collar  170  engages the end  168  of each rotatable drive element  12 . 
     Once the two rotatable drive elements  12  are combined and assembled, the location of the non-motor side bracket  16  of the architectural covering  10  is established by aligning the center of center coupler  172  with the center of the window or other structure architectural covering  10  is intended to cover. Alternatively, by the location of the bracket  16  of the non-motor end of the architectural covering  10  is established by measuring from the center of the desired application outwardly based on the length of the rotatable drive element  12 . Once the location of bracket  16  of the non-motor end of the architectural covering  10  is located, the rotatable drive element  12  is removed and the non-motor side bracket  16  is installed with a fastener  62  inserted through the through holes  60 ,  62 . 
     Once the non-motor side bracket  16  is installed, using the combined rotatable drive element  12  as a guide, the location of the motor-side bracket  16  is established. This is accomplished by inserting the end  168  of the non-motor side of drive element  12  into the recess of the interior side  28  of non-motor side bracket  16 . Next, the recess of the interior side  28  of motor-side bracket  16  is installed over the motor-side end of rotatable drive element  12 . In this way the position of the motor-side bracket  16  is located and the rotatable drive element  12  is removed to allow for installation of the second bracket  16 . 
     Once the location of the motor-side bracket  16  is established, a fastener  62  is inserted into the lower through hole  60  of mounting plate  20 , also known as the cantilever hole. Once the lower fastener  62  is inserted into the second bracket  16 , the bracket  16  can rotate or cantilever thereon. Next, the non-motor end  168  of rotatable drive element  12  is again inserted into the non-motor side bracket  16 . Next, the motor-side end of the rotatable drive element  12  is aligned with and inserted into the mounting member  24  of motor-side bracket  16  by rotating bracket  16  upon fastener  62 . Once the motor-side bracket  16  is aligned with the rotatable drive element  12 , the second fastener  62  is fastened into through hole  58  and thereby the installation of the opposing brackets  16  is complete. 
     Next the motor housing  18  and rotatable drive element extension  182  are connected to the exterior sides  26  of mounting members  24  of brackets  16 . This is accomplished by aligning the key features  94  in the motor housing  18  and rotatable drive element extension  182  with the key features  42  of brackets  16 . Once aligned, the motor housing  18  and rotatable drive element extension  182  are forced into tight frictional engagement with brackets  16  with the key-features  42 ,  94  in mating alignment and engagement with one another. In this position, the electrical contacts  98  of motor housing  18  are in electrical engagement with the electrical contacts  48  of motor-side bracket  16 . Once the motor housing  18  and rotatable drive element extension  182  are fully inserted into or onto brackets  16 , locking-screw  184  is tightened thereby ensuring motor housing  18  and rotatable drive element extension  182  do not accidently separate from bracket  16 . 
     Next, battery tube assembly  136  is installed by fastening battery tube mounting bracket  150  to a wall, ceiling or other structure, preferably behind the stack of shade material adjacent the motor-side bracket  16 . Once the bracket  150  is installed, the elongated tube  138  is forced into the bracket  150  and the plug  148  is engaged into the socket assembly  64  thereby electrically connecting the power of batteries  140  to the components of motor housing  18 . 
     In Operation—Single Motor Assembly: In the arrangement wherein only a single motor housing  18  is connected to the combined rotatable drive element  12  (such as is shown in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 ) the single motor housing  18  rotates both rotatable drive elements  12 . In this arrangement, the motor housing  18  is installed on the left bracket  16  and locked in place by the mating engagement of key-features  42 ,  94  as well as the engagement of locking-screw  184 , which prevents rotation of motor housing  18  when motor  76  rotates. With motor coupler  104  inserted into the motor coupler sleeve  160 , as motor  76  rotates, the components of transmission  78  rotate which rotates drive shaft  80  which rotates motor coupler  104  on bearing  102 . This rotation is transferred through the motor coupler sleeve  160  and thereby rotates the first rotatable drive element  12 . The rotation of the first rotatable drive element  12  is transferred through center coupler  172  to rotate the second rotatable drive element  12 . The end opposite motor housing  18  of the second rotatable drive element  12  rotates freely upon bearing  102  and is supported by the right bracket  16 . In this way, a single motor housing  18  rotates dual rotatable drive elements  12 . In this arrangement, when the center coupler  172  is supported by a bracket  16 , the bearings  178  allow free rotation of the rotatable drive elements  12  within the mounting member  24  of the bracket  16 . 
     Actuation: In this arrangement, motor  76  of architectural covering  10  can be actuated in any one of a plurality of methods and manners. Motorized control of architectural covering  10  can be implemented in several ways. As examples, the motor  76  can be actuated by tugging on the architectural covering  10 , by using a remote control device using RF communication, by using a voice command and a voice command module, an internet enabled application, or any other method. 
     Tugging: One method of actuating the motor  122  is through tugging the architectural covering  10 . This method and system is more fully described in Applicant&#39;s related patent application entitled Low-Power Architectural Covering Ser. No. 61/811,650 filed on Apr. 12, 2013 which is fully incorporated by reference herein. A tug is defined a small manual movement of the architectural covering. This tug is sensed by a tug sensor such as an accelerometer, hall effect sensors, reed switch or the like as is more fully described in Applicant&#39;s related patent applications. When the tug sensor senses the tug, the system is woken up from a sleep state. In sleep state, power use is minimized to maximize battery life. When the system is woken up, the tug sensor senses the tug and the Microprocessor  118  deciphers the tug and determines how to actuate the motor  76 . 
     In one arrangement, the microprocessor  118  is programmed to recognize, one, two, three, or more tugs separated by a predetermined amount of time, such as between a quarter second and one and a half seconds. However any other amount of time between tugs is here by contemplated such as ¼ second, ½ second, ¾ second, 1 second, 1&amp;¼ seconds, 1&amp;½ seconds, 1&amp;¾ seconds, 2 seconds, and the like. When microprocessor  118  detects a single tug, pursuant to instructions stored in the memory  120  microprocessor  118  instructs motor  76  to go to a first corresponding position, such as open. When microprocessor  118  detects two tugs, pursuant to instructions stored in memory  120 , the microprocessor  118  instructs motor  120  to go to a second corresponding position, such as closed. When microprocessor  118  detects three tugs, pursuant to instructions stored in memory  120  microprocessor  118  instructs motor  122  to go to a third corresponding position, such as half open. Any number of tugs and positions can be programmed. 
     Remote Control and Voice Control Operation: One method of actuating the motor  76  is through using a wireless remote  196 . This method and system is more fully described in Applicant&#39;s related patent application entitled System and Method for Wireless Voice Actuation of Motorized Window Coverings Ser. No. 61/807,846 filed on Apr. 3, 2013 which is fully incorporated by reference herein. In that application, as is contemplated herein, a wireless remote  196  is actuated by the user, by pressing a button. When actuated, the wireless remote  196  transmits an electromagnetic signal over-the-air, which is received by the antenna  124  of the motor controller assembly  68 . Once antenna  124  receives the electromagnetic signal it is transmitted to receiver or transceiver  122  which converts the signal and transmits it to microprocessor  118 . Microprocessor  118  interprets the signal based on instructions stored in memory  120  and actuates the architectural covering  10  to the predetermined position. As is also presented in that application, is a voice actuation module  198 , which receives a user&#39;s voice command, converts it to an electromagnet signal which is received by architectural covering  10  in the manner described herein. 
     Internet Control And Operation: One other method of actuating the motor  76  is through use of the internet and use of an electronic device. This method and system is more fully described in Applicant&#39;s related patent application entitled System and Method for Wireless Communication With and Control of Motorized Window Coverings Ser. No. 61/807,804 filed on Apr. 3, 2013 which is fully incorporated by reference herein. In that application, as is contemplated herein, motor  76  is actuated by a user having an internet enabled handheld device, such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone, which transmits a signal through the internet which is received at a gateway which then transmits an electromagnetic signal to the architectural coverings  10  as is described herein. 
     In Operation—Dual Motor Assembly: In the arrangement wherein a motor housing  18  is connected to both ends of the combined rotatable drive element  12  there are two modes of operation. The first mode of operation includes where the center coupler  172  does not allow for independent rotation of rotatable drive elements  12 . In this arrangement, the two motor housings  12  combine to contribute to the rotation of the combined rotatable drive elements  12 . In this arrangement, a benefit is that the two motor housings  18  provide additional power and torque for the application. In this arrangement, a drawback is that the two motor housings  18  should be actuated simultaneously and be tuned to operate in cooperation with one another, otherwise one motor housing  18  will be working against the other. 
     In an alternative arrangement, center coupler  172  allows for independent rotation of rotatable drive elements  12  upon bearings  178 . In this arrangement, a single motor housing  18  only rotates a single rotatable drive element  12 . This eliminates coordinating opposing motor housings  18  as one will not affect the other. This also provides for independent actuation of one side of the architectural covering  10  while leaving the opposing side unaffected. 
     Coordination of Dual Motor Housings: In the arrangement wherein two motor housings  18  are used, coordination of the two motor housings  18  may be desired. That is, in some applications it is desirable to turn on and turn off motors  76  at the same time. In other applications it is also important to rotate the motors  76  at the same speed. There are multiple ways to accomplish this coordination. In one arrangement, the two motor housings  18  are connected by an electrical conduit, such as a wire, which transmits control signals from one motor housing  18  to the other motor housing  18 . More specifically, the two motor controller assemblies  68  are connected to one another and communicate with one another. This ensures that when one motor housing  18  receives a control signal, such as through a tug or through a wireless or electromagnetic signal, that the control signal is relayed to the other motor housing  18 . This ensures when one motor housing  18  receives a control signal so does the other motor housing  18 . 
     In another arrangement, the two motor housings  18  are wirelessly connected to one another. In this arrangement, the motor controller assemblies  68  of each motor housing  18  have a transceiver  122 , instead of a receiver, which allows for sending as well as receiving control signals. In this arrangement, when a control signal is received by one motor controller assembly  68 , the transceiver  122  re-broadcasts or relays the control signal which is received by the transceiver  122  of the other motor controller assembly  68 . In this way, the two motor controller assemblies  68  communicate with one another to ensure the control signals have been received by both motor controller assemblies  68 . 
     Additional information is also transmitted from motor housing  18  to motor housing  18  in the ways described herein, such as wirelessly or through wired communication. This information can include as speed, location, state (such as awake or asleep mode) and the like so as to coordinate operation and actuation of the two motors  76 . 
     Conductive Brackets: In one arrangement, the brackets  16  are formed of a conductive material such as steel, copper, aluminum, an alloy or the like. In this arrangement, the bracket  16  itself can be used as a pathway or conductor for carrying electricity from battery tube assembly  136 . In this way, when plug  148  connects to socket assembly  64  a conduit  50  or wire can be eliminated because this conduit  50  has been replaced by the bracket itself. This reduces cost of the system and eases the assembly by eliminating a part. 
     Components Recess: In one arrangement, the motor controller assembly  68  is positioned within the components recess  66  of bracket  16 . In this arrangement, all the necessary components for controlling motor  76  are positioned within the bracket  16 . As one example, antenna  124 , receiver or transceiver  122 , memory  120  and microprocessor  118  are positioned within components recess  66  of bracket  16 . This arrangement allows for a smaller motor housing  18  which improves the aesthetic appearance of design. 
     Knurling: In one arrangement, guide structure  14  can be formed into the exterior surface of the rotatable drive elements  12 , motor housings  18  and rotatable drive element extensions  182 . Knurling is a method used to cut or roll a pattern onto a material such as plastic or metal. This process is typically performed on a lathe, though in some cases a hand knurling tool will be used instead. A knurled object may have a threaded, diamond, crisscrossed, or straight line pattern imparted on it that adds both functionality and pleasing aesthetics. Knurling is often meant to provide a better gripping surface than offered by the bare material. 
     The primary method used to knurl objects is a lathe process that uses a very hard roller to press the desired shape into the work material. A roller with a reverse imprint of the desired knurl is held in a knuckle or jig and then pressed into the piece being worked on. The main configurations used for this type of knurling contain either one or two rollers. A straight knurl can be pressed by one roller, but any type of a diamond or crisscrossed design will require rollers with opposing patterns. The drawback of this process is that the rollers need to be matched to the unique outer diameter of each workpiece, so it is best for the mass production of many identical components. 
     In the arrangement shown, a crisscrossed or diamond pattern is knurled into the surface of rotatable drive elements  12 . Knurling is a fast, inexpensive, durable, accurate and efficient method of imparting the guide structure  14  into the surface of the rotatable drive element  12 . An example of the knurled surface imparted into the surface of rotatable drive element  12  is shown in  FIG. 11  which is a diamond shaped pattern, a crisscrossed pattern or a cross-threaded pattern. This pattern shows a high-density of threads which extend in a left-hand-rotation as well as a right-hand-rotation. This pattern also shows an extremely high-density of threads. Knurling is a desirable process because to impart this amount of threads in the surface of a rotatable drive element  12  by any other process would be extremely complicated and extremely time consuming. 
     Drive attachment element  194  engages the threaded and cross threaded pattern of the knurled surface. The interior surface  199 A of drive attachment element has a tooth  199 B that matingly engages the threads of the knurled pattern. As the rotatable drive element  12  is rotated, the tooth  199 B of the drive element  12  rides along in the recesses or threads of the knurled surface which, depending on the direction of rotation, drives the drive attachment element  194  along the length of the rotatable drive element thereby opening and/or closing the architectural covering  10 . A similar arrangement is more fully described in Applicant&#39;s related patent Application Ser. No. 61/702,093 filed on Sep. 17, 2012 entitled Rotatable Drive Element For Moving A Window Covering, which is fully incorporated by reference herein, including any related applications; and Applicant&#39;s related patent Application Ser. No. 61/810,949 filed on Apr. 11, 2013 entitled Rotatable Drive Element For Moving A Window Covering Including A Flexible Guide Arm And A Pointed Tooth Arrangement which is also fully incorporated by reference herein, including any related applications. In one arrangement, an aluminum material is desirable for use as the rotatable drive element  12  for the ease of which a knurling process can be performed. To improve the sliding of the driver attachment element  194  there over, a composite material is used for the interior surface  199 A of drive attachment element  194  and tooth  199 B. To further improve the sliding of the driver attachment element  194  over the knurled surface of the rotatable drive element, a coating is imparted over the knurled surface of rotatable drive element  12  such as a Teflon material, anodizing or any other low friction coating. 
     Tooth Arrangement: To also improve the sliding of the drive attachment element  194  over the knurled surface of the rotatable drive element  12  the interior surface  199 A of rotatable drive element  12  has a lower density of teeth than the surface of rotatable drive element  12  has density of knurled threads. That is, as one example there is only one tooth  199 B for every two knurled threads in the surface of the rotatable drive element  12 . As another example, there is only one tooth  199 B for every three knurled threads in the surface of the rotatable drive element  12 . As another example, there is only one tooth  199 B for every four knurled threads in the surface of the rotatable drive element  12 . Other contemplated aspect ratios of teeth  199 B to knurled threads include 1 for 5, 1 for 6, 1 for 7, 1 for 8, 1 for 9, 1 for 10, 1 for 11, 1 for 12, 1 for 15, 1 for 20, 1 for 25, 1 for 50, 1 for 75, 1 for 100 and the like. The reduction in the number of teeth  199 B reduces the friction between the drive attachment element  194  and the rotatable drive element  12  which causes smoother operation and less consumption of energy. 
     Flexible Driver: An improved drive attachment element  238  is presented. Drive attachment elements  238  are connected to and positioned around rotatable drive element  12 . Drive attachment element  238  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, drive attachment element  238  has a main body  240  that has a generally circular shape with an outside diameter surface  242  positioned in approximate parallel spaced relation to an inner diameter surface  244 . The inner diameter  244  of drive attachment element  238  is larger than the outer diameter of rotatable drive element  12 , such that drive attachment element  238  can fit over and receive rotatable drive element  12 . Main body  240  of drive attachment elements  238  are positioned within a decorative ring  245 , which, in one arrangement, has a similar outward appearance to the idler attachment elements  230 . In one arrangement, the decorative ring  245  of drive attachment element  238  and idler attachment element  230  are practically identical, or identical with the only difference being the component(s) positioned within the decorative ring  245 . In one arrangement, the interior components, such as drive attachment elements  238 , rotate within a groove positioned within the inside diameter surface of decorative ring  245 . 
     In one arrangement, decorative ring  245  is made of a metallic material, whereas the interior components are made of a plastic, composite or other non-metallic material. In one arrangement an acetal-type of plastic is used, especially over a Teflon-coated rotatable drive element as a low coefficient of friction occurs there between. 
     The main body  240  of drive attachment element  238  has a top region  246  which is generally unitary in nature, whereas the bottom region  248  terminates in separate opposing arms  250 . Arms  250  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, arms  250  generally continue the arcuate curve of main body  240  of drive attachment element. Each arm  250  terminates in a hook portion  252 . In one arrangement, opposing arms  250  are separated from one another and are flexible such that main body  240  can be placed over rotatable drive element  12  between arms  250 . In one arrangement, a space is positioned between the ends of opposing arms  250 ; whereas in an alternative arrangement, no such space is positioned between opposing arms  250  and opposing arms  250  are in frictional engagement with one another. As can also be seen, each opposing arm  250  is aligned with one side of main body  240 , that is, one arm  250  is aligned with the right side of main body  250 , whereas the other arm  250  is aligned with the left side of main body  240 . This staggering, or offset, allows the ends of hook portions  252  of opposing arms  250  to overlap, or extend past one another. 
     Hook portions  252  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, hook portions  252  extend into the open interior of main body  240  with an arcuately curved exterior convex surface  254  connected at point or end  256  to an arcuately curved interior concave surface  258 . Points  256  do not extend into the open interior of main body  240  to the point where they engage or interfere with rotatable drive element  12  when positioned therein. As opposing arms  250  overlap one another, opposing hook portions  252  also overlap one another. In the arrangement shown, opposing points  256  are in approximate horizontal alignment with one another, and the overlapped interior concave surfaces  258  form a space or opening  260  therebetween. Opening  260  is sized and shaped to receive a connection member  234 , as is described herein, such as a ring, as is shown. The arcuately curved and concave surfaces  258  help to hold connection member  234  therein. In addition, when a connection member  234  is placed between the arcuately curved concave surfaces  258  of hook portions  252 , connection members  234  prevent arms  250  from separating from one another, thereby providing rigidity to the bottom region  248  and main body  240  as a whole. As an example, when weight is applied to connection member  234  (such as the weight of a heavy curtain  236 ) arms  250  deflect or bend away from one another, thereby capturing connection member  234  between interior concave surfaces  258 , which defines the maximum amount that arms  250  will bend away from one another. 
     Guide arms  262  are connected to drive attachment elements  238 . Guide arms  262  are formed of any size, shape or design. In one arrangement, as is shown, guide arms  262  are connected to the interior surface of main body  240 , or the inside diameter surface  244 . In one arrangement, when viewed from the side, guide arms  262  extend the entire distance from a first lateral side  264  of drive attachment element  238  to a second lateral side  266  of drive attachment element  238 . Guide arms  262  connect at their upper edge to the inside diameter surface  244  at pivot point  268  and extend downwardly and inwardly at an angle therefrom to where guide arm  262  terminates at end  270 . Guide arms  262  have an interior surface  272  and an exterior surface  274 . In one arrangement, as is shown, interior surface  272  and exterior surface  274  extend in generally parallel spaced relation to one another. Also, as is shown, guide arms  262  arcuately curve in the same general manner as main body  240  and rotatable drive element  12 . That is the exterior surface  274  of guide arm  262  is generally convex in nature, and interior surface  272  of guide arm  262  is generally concave in nature. In one arrangement, this curvature is in the form of a partial portion of a circle. In one arrangement, the interior surface  272  of guide arm  262  arcuately curves in parallel spaced relation to the exterior surface of rotatable drive element  12 , such that the interior surface  272  of guide arm  262  matchingly and matingly receives the exterior surface of rotatable drive element  12 . 
     Guide arm  262  elastically pivots at pivot point  268 . That is, opposing guide arms  262 , with one guide arm  262  positioned opposite one another on the interior surface  244  of drive attachment elements  238 , are initially biased to angle towards one another. Said another way, opposing guide arms  262  angle towards the open interior of drive attachment elements  238 . To promote this pivoting, or bias pivot point  268  is intentionally weakened or designed to flex. In one arrangement, as is shown, when viewed from the side, a recess  276  is positioned at the intersection of guide arm  262  and main body  240 , and/or adjacent pivot point  268 . In one arrangement, as is shown, this recess  276  is, when viewed from the side, a semi-circular recess. This thinning of the material at pivot point  268  encourages bending, without breaking with the semi-circular recess  276  providing a rounded surface to ensure guide arm  262  resists cleaving or breaking at pivot point  262 , thereby providing a longer useful life. 
     Guide arms  262  flex upon pivot point  268  between a maximum engagement position  278 , and a maximum deflection position  280 . A first bumper  282  is positioned in the inside diameter surface  244  of main body  240  and correspondingly positioned across from a second bumper  284  positioned in the exterior surface  274  of guide arm  262 . Bumpers  282 ,  284  extend outwardly, or protrude, from their respective surfaces  244 ,  274 . When bumpers  282 ,  284  engage one another, guide arm  262  is at its maximum deflection position  278 . 
     At least one tooth  286 , if not a plurality of teeth, extends outwardly from the interior surface of guide arms  262 . Tooth  286 , is formed of any suitable size and shape and design. In the arrangement shown, when viewed from the side, tooth  286  has a generally elongated shape with sidewalls  288  positioned in parallel spaced relationship with one another. Sidewalls  288  terminate at tooth ends  290 . In this arrangement, tooth ends  290  are rounded or pointed so as to smoothly slide over any aberrations, burrs or abnormalities in rotatable drive element  12 . In this arrangement, teeth  286  are sized and shaped to matingly receive the grooves or protrusions in rotatable drive element  12 . That is, when helical guide structure  14  is a rounded groove, or semi-circular groove, teeth  286  are sized and shaped to be similarly rounded or semi-circular such that teeth  286  are received in the rounded groove of helical guide structure  14 . Teeth  286  are positioned in angular alignment such that they extend across the side-to-side  264 ,  266  width of guide arms  262  at approximately the same angle α as the grooves in rotatable drive element  12 . As can be seen in this arrangement, opposing teeth  286  on opposing guide arms  262  are essentially inverses of one another, or mirror images of one another. 
     In this arrangement, drive attachment element  238  is positioned over rotatable drive element  12  by sliding drive attachment element  230  over an end of rotatable drive element  12 . Alternatively, drive attachment element  238  is positioned over rotatable drive element  12  by deflecting opposing arms  250 , such that rotatable drive element  12  is received within the open interior within inside diameter surface  244 . Once in this position, guide arms  262  engage the exterior surface of rotatable drive element  12  and opposing teeth  286  align with and fit within the helical guide structure  14  in the exterior surface of rotatable drive element  12 . When teeth  286  are received within helical guide structure  14 , the maximum engagement position  278  is achieved. In this position, due to gravitational forces in combination with the inward bias of guide arms  262 , teeth  286  are forcibly held within the grooves of helical guide structure  14 . 
     In this arrangement, as rotatable drive element  12  is rotated, drive attachment element  238  is driven along the lateral length of rotatable drive element  12  from end to end. Care is taken to ensure that drive attachment element  238  is oriented in the correct manner, such that when the rotatable drive element  12  is rotated, the drive attachment element  238  travels in the desired linear direction. 
     When drive attachment element  238  is positioned over rotatable drive element  12 , arms  250  again overlap one another and connection member  234  is positioned in the space  260  between opposing hook portions  252 . This connection member  234  prevents arms  250  from separating from one another, prevents drive attachment element  238  from coming off of rotatable drive element  12  and further adds structural rigidity to the lower end of drive attachment element  238 . In addition, decorative ring  245  prevents arms  250  from separating from one another. That is, while arms  250  can be compressed to be inserted within the interior diameter of decorative ring  245 , once positioned therein, when the outside surface of arms  250  engage the interior surface of decorative ring  245 , the decorative ring  245  prevents any further extension of arms  250  away from one another. 
     As the rotatable drive element  12  rotates, teeth  286  ride within helical guide structure  14  thereby driving drive attachment elements  230  along the length of rotatable drive element  12 . As the drive attachment element  230  encounters aberrations, burrs, size variations in the rotatable drive element  12  or any other abnormality in the surface of rotatable drive element  12 , guide arms  262  deflect, bend or pivot at pivot point  268 , inwardly or outwardly. In this way, the inward bias, as well as the outward flexibility of guide arms  262  compensates for variations, burrs, etc. in the rotatable drive element  12 . This allows for more consistent operation of drive attachment elements  238  and prevents dislodgement of teeth  286  from helical guide structure  14 ; as well as preventing rotation of drive attachment elements  238  on rotatable drive element  12  when an aberration, burr or other abnormality is encountered. 
     Pointed Tooth Driver: In an alternative arrangement, instead of teeth  286  being smooth and rounded, teeth  286  are sharp, flat, square and pointed. More specifically, in this arrangement, teeth  286  have a flat upper surface  292  that arcuately curves in parallel spaced relation to the inside diameter surface  244 . When viewed from the side, opposing side panels  294  connect at their bottom edge to the inside diameter surface  244 . Opposing side panels  294  angle inwardly towards one another from their bottom edge to their top edge where they connect to flat upper surface  292 , at which point side panels  294  terminate. Like flat upper surface  292 , opposing side panels  294  similarly arcuately curve in relation to inside diameter surface  244 . Alternatively, side panels  294  are flat and square and do not arcuately curve in relation to inside diameter surface  244 . In this arrangement the pair of opposing end panels  296  form the tooth end  290 . As is shown, opposing end panels  296  connect at their rearward upper edge to the flat upper surface  292  and angle inwardly toward one another and downwardly toward inside diameter surface  244 . In this arrangement, opposing end panels  296  connect at their lower edge to inside diameter surface  244 , and connect at their inward edge to one another at seam line seam line  298  which terminates at point  300  which is the intersection of opposing side panels  294  and inside diameter surface  244 . In this arrangement, opposing panels and seam line  298  form a pointed wedge. 
     In one arrangement, teeth  286  are positioned within recessed groove  302 . Recessed groove  302  is recessed below the inner diameter surface  244  and is generally flat and positioned in parallel spaced relation to inside diameter surface  244  and outside diameter surface  242 . The edges  304  of recessed groove  302  are extend in parallel spaced relation to one another and generally perpendicular to the inside diameter surface  244  and outside diameter surface  242 . In one arrangement, recessed groove  302  and edges  304  thereof, extend in parallel spaced relation with the length of teeth  286 . In one arrangement, teeth  286  are approximately positioned in the center of groove  302 . In the arrangement shown, teeth  286  are positioned across main body  240  from one another, in one arrangement a tooth  286  is positioned approximately at the 12-o-clock position and a second tooth is positioned approximately at the 6-o-clock position, however any other position is hereby contemplated. 
     In this arrangement, teeth  286  protrude outwardly from recessed groove  302  such that the flat upper surface  292  of teeth  286  extend above the inside diameter surface  244  of recessed groove  302 . This spacing around teeth  286  allows provides an area or space between teeth and inside diameter surface  244  which allows for the passage of burrs  306  that have a tendency to form adjacent the upper edge of helical guide structure  204 . It is also hereby contemplated to use grooves  302  in association with the flexible guide arms  262  described above. 
     In the arrangement wherein one tooth  286  protrudes from the top center of main body  240 , and a second tooth protrudes from the bottom center of main body  240 , this arrangement prevents or resists vertical tilting of drive element  238 . In the arrangement wherein one tooth  286  protrudes from the left side of main body  240 , and a second tooth protrudes from the right side of main body  240 , this arrangement prevents lateral tilting of drive element  238 . As such, each arrangement is particularly well suited for specific applications. 
     Also, in the alternative arrangement, drive attachment element  238  includes has a main body  240  that has a generally circular shape with an outside diameter surface  242  positioned in approximate parallel spaced relation to an inside diameter surface  244 . The inner diameter  244  of drive attachment element  238  is larger than the outer diameter of rotatable drive element  12 , such that drive attachment element  238  can fit over and receive rotatable drive element  12 . In this arrangement, main body  240  of drive attachment element  238  has a top region  246  which is generally unitary in nature, wherein the main body  240  forms a solid continuous circle. 
     In this arrangement, arms  250  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, arms  250  are connected to the outside diameter surface  242  of main body  240 . In the arrangement shown, opposing arms  250  connect to main body  240  at approximately the 2-o-clock to 3-o-clock region and the 9-o-clock to 10-o-clock region as one example. Arms  250  arcuately curve around main body  240  of drive attachment element from top region  246  to bottom region  248 . Each arm  250  terminates in a hook portion  252 . 
     In one arrangement, in a static position the ends of opposing arms  250  are separated from one another by a space  308 . As can also be seen, each opposing arm  250  is aligned with one side of main body  240 , that is, one arm  250  is aligned with the right side of main body  250 , whereas the other arm  250  is aligned with the left side of main body  240 , however such staggering is not required. 
     Hook portions  252  are formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In one arrangement, as is shown, hook portions  252  extend upwardly towards main body  240 . Hook portions  252  have a straight or arcuately curved convex exterior surface  254  connected at point or end  256 , which is flat, to a straight or arcuately curved interior concave surface  258 . Opposing arms  250  are flexible and pend at pivot point  310 . In the arrangement shown, a connection member  234  is held between opposing flat exterior surfaces  254  of hook portions  252 . When a connection member  234  is placed between the opposing exterior surfaces  254  of hook portions  252 , connection members  234  prevent arms  250  from bending towards one another which prevents main body  240  from coming out of decorative ring  245 . 
     In Operation: A drive attachment element  238  is positioned over rotatable drive element  12  such that teeth  286  are received within the helical guide structure  14 . Drive attachment element  238  is followed by a plurality of idler attachment elements which are also positioned over rotatable drive element  12 . 
     In a two-way opening arrangement, a pair of opposing drive attachment elements  238  are positioned over rotatable drive element  12 , one at each end of rotatable drive element  12 , followed by a plurality of idler attachments  230 . 
     A connection member  234  is positioned over arms  250  and between opposing hook portions  252  such that connection member  234  is held there between. Next shade material or a drapery is connected to connection members  234  by any means known in the art. 
     In this arrangement, as rotatable drive element  12  is rotated, teeth  286  ride within helical guide structure  14 . As rotatable drive element  12  is rotated, drive attachment elements  238  are driven across the length of rotatable drive element  12 . When burrs  306 , or other manufacturing variances or deviations are encountered, the guide arms  262  flex and allow passage of the burrs  306  without interrupting operation. 
     When burrs  306 , or other manufacturing variances or deviations are encountered the sharp teeth  286  tend to slide past the burr  306  without dislodging teeth  286  from guide structure  204 . In addition, burrs  306  tend to pass within recessed groove  302 , between the narrowed flat upper surface  292  of teeth  286  and the inside diameter surface  244  without engaging or interrupting operation. 
     From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use presented improves upon the state of the art. 
     Specifically, the motorized drapery apparatus, system and method of use shown and described herein is easy to use, efficient, simple, accurate, inexpensive, has a minimum number of parts, and has an intuitive design. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art would easily recognize that all of the stated objectives have been accomplished. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby.