Patent Publication Number: US-11643869-B2

Title: Hem bar for use with an architectural-structure covering

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/660,459, filed Apr. 20, 2018, titled “A Hem Bar for Use with an Architectural-Structure Covering”, the entirety of which application is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to architectural-structure coverings, and more particularly to an improved hem bar for use with an architectural-structure covering such as, for example, an outdoor covering or screen. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Architectural-structure coverings for architectural openings and/or structures (used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit), such as windows, doors, archways, and the like, have taken numerous forms for many years. One known architectural-structure covering includes a covering such as a rollable flexible fabric or screen (e.g., an outdoor mosquito or insect screen, a solar screen, a hurricane screen, a privacy and security screen, etc.), or the like coupled to a rotatable member or roller that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A drive mechanism enables a user to raise and lower the covering between the extended and retracted positions by, for example, winding the covering about the rotatable member. 
     The architectural-structure covering includes a weighted bottom rail also known as a hem bar coupled to a lower end of the covering to weight the lower end of the covering. In use, the hem bar also includes a weather strip for providing a sealing contact between the covering and the contacting surface (e.g., floor). To function properly, however, the hem bar, which travels between a pair of side tracks, must remain level when traveling between the retracted and extended positions. In addition, the hem bar must remain level when resting on the floor. Unfortunately, a large number of outdoor contacting surfaces (e.g., floors) are uneven. As a result, when a level hem bar contacts an uneven contacting surface, a gap is created between the level hem bar and the uneven contacting surface (e.g., a static hem bar cannot conform to a sloping floor). This results in an undesirable appearance and/or can allow insects, etc. to intrude through the gap. 
     It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present improvements may be useful. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, disclosed herein is an improved hem bar for use with an architectural-structure covering such as, for example, a rollable flexible fabric or screen (e.g., an outdoor insect screen, a solar screen, a hurricane screen, a privacy and security screen, etc.). In use, the hem bar is operatively coupled to a lower end of the covering portion of the architectural-structure covering so that the hem bar is movably associated with the covering. The hem bar includes a weather strip (e.g., a brush, a gasket, or the like) for contacting or resting on a contacting surface (e.g., a floor, a ledge, a sill, or the like) when the covering is in an extended position. The weather strip may be movably positioned with respect to a body portion of the hem bar so that the position of the weather strip relative to the hem bar may be movably adjusted so that the weather strip is better able to contact and seal with the contacting surface such as, for example, an uneven or non-level contacting surface. Additionally, the weather strip may be downwardly biased relative to the hem bar to facilitate better sealing between the bottom edge of the weather strip and the contacting surface, and to assist with ensuring that the body of the hem bar never rests on the contacting surface. 
     In addition, and/or alternatively, the hem bar may be symmetrically designed. In use, by providing a symmetrically weighted hem bar incorporating a biased weather strip enables the hem bar to maintain constant tension on the covering. That is, the degree to which the contacting surface is level (or not level), affects how the hem bar rests in the extended position, which affects the appearance of the covering. For example, if one side of the hem bar contacts the contacting surface before the other side of the hem bar makes contact, the covering could appear uneven, wavy, or the like. That is, an uneven hem bar could cause at least a portion of the covering to lose tension created by the weight of the hem bar, which could result in an undesirable appearance of the covering. In addition, allowing the hem bar to rest unevenly on the contacting surface can adversely affect how the system operates. By providing a hem bar in accordance with the present disclosure, the hem bar is better able to adjust to uneven contacting surfaces without the covering losing the tension created by the weight of the hem bar. For example, in one embodiment, the weather strip may be biased to provide a better contact (e.g., seal) against the contacting surface (e.g., weather strip is better able to match the slope of the uneven contacting surface) while ensuring that the body of the hem bar never rests on the contracting surface thus ensuring that constant tension is maintained on the covering. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view illustrating an example of an embodiment of an architectural-structure covering including a covering shown in an extended position; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded, perspective view illustrating various example components of the architectural-structure covering shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional, perspective view taken along line III-III in  FIG.  2    of an example of an embodiment of a hem bar for use with the architectural-structure covering shown in  FIG.  1   , the weather strip shown in an extended position; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of the hem bar taken along line IV-IV in  FIG.  2   , the weather strip illustrated in a biased, extended position; 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional, perspective view taken along line V-V in  FIG.  2    of the hem bar shown in  FIG.  3   , the weather strip shown in a retracted position; 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of the hem bar taken along line VI-VI in  FIG.  2   , the weather strip illustrated in a retracted position; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional, perspective view of an alternate example of an embodiment of a hem bar for use with the architectural-structure covering shown in  FIG.  1   , the weather strip shown in an extended position; 
         FIG.  8    is a side of the hem bar shown in  FIG.  7   , the weather strip shown in an extended position; 
         FIG.  9    is a side, perspective view of an example of an embodiment of end cap covers in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is an exploded perspective view of the end cap covers shown in  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a detailed view of an example of an embodiment of a filler cap in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of the filler cap coupled to the side tracks of the architectural-structure covering shown in  FIG.  2   , the cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII illustrated in  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a detailed, cross-sectional view of an example of an embodiment of a tapered collar in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is a rear perspective view of the collar shown in  FIG.  13   ; and 
         FIG.  15    is a front perspective view of the collar shown in  FIG.  13   . 
     
    
    
     The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the disclosure. The drawings are intended to depict exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and therefore are not be considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Numerous embodiments of a hem bar in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are presented. In some embodiments, the hem bar engages or is coupled to (used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit) a covering such as, for example, a rollable flexible fabric or screen (e.g., an outdoor insect screen, a solar screen, a hurricane screen, a privacy and security screen, etc.). The hem bar of the present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will convey certain example aspects of the hem bar to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted. 
     As will be described in greater detail below, in one embodiment, a hem bar  200  in accordance with the present disclosure is used in connection with a covering  100 , for example, a roller-type outdoor covering, as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . In use, the covering  100  is movable between an extended position and a retracted position in relation to an architectural structure, which, without limitation, may be an opening such as a window, doorway, archway, a portion of a wall, or the like. It will be appreciated that references to an architectural opening/structure are made for convenience, and without intent to limit the present disclosure to a particular structure. 
     In use, the hem bar  200  is operatively coupled to a lower end of the covering  100  so that the hem bar  200  is movably associated with the covering  100 . In one embodiment, the hem bar  200  includes a weather strip (e.g., a brush, a gasket, or the like) for contacting or resting on a contacting surface S (e.g., a floor, a ledge, a sill, or the like) when the covering  100  is in a fully extended position. As will be described in greater detail, in one embodiment, the weather strip is vertically, movably positioned within a weather-strip-receiving-channel formed in the hem bar  200 . In this manner, the position of the weather strip relative to the hem bar  200  may be movably adjusted so that the weather strip is better able to contact the contacting surface S such as, for example, an uneven or non-level contacting surface. Additionally, in one embodiment, the weather strip may be downwardly biased relative to the hem bar  200  to facilitate better sealing between the bottom edge of the weather strip and the contacting surface S, and to assist with ensuring that the body of the hem bar  200  never rests on the contacting surface S. 
     Additionally, and/or alternatively, as will be described in greater detail, in one non-limiting example of an embodiment, the weather strip may be in the form of a two-part weather strip including a solid upper part and a hollow, accordion-like lower part. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the weather strip may be arranged and configured to better adapt to the contour, slope, etc. of the contacting surface S and thereafter maintain its contoured shape even when no longer in contact with the contacting surface S. For example, in one embodiment, the weather strip may be manufactured from an engineered plastic such as, for example, a soft plastic like a soft polyvinyl chloride (pvc), a urethane, etc. Alternatively, in another example, the weather strip may be manufactured from polypropylene, styrene-ethylene-butylene rubber, styrene-ethylene-butylene rubber with calcium carbonate, or a combination thereof. 
     Additionally, and/or alternatively, as will be described in greater detail below, in one embodiment, the hem bar  200  includes a plurality of weight-receiving chambers. That is, the hem bar  200  includes a plurality of chambers for receiving, for example, a weighted rod, a weighted bar, or the like. In this manner, the weighted hem bar  200  provides additional, increased weight to the lower end of the covering  100  to assist in maintaining the covering  100  in a taut condition (e.g., assists with maintaining constant tension on the covering  100 ) in the extended position. By maintaining the covering  100  in a taut condition, a desired smooth (i.e., wrinkle-free) appearance of the covering  100  can be maintained. Additionally, the weighted hem bar  200  facilitates a better seal between the bottom edge of the hem bar  200  and the contacting surface S. 
     Additionally, and/or alternatively, as will be described in greater detail below, in one embodiment, the hem bar  200  has a symmetrical design. That is, in one embodiment, the hem bar  200  may include a first or cover-receiving channel for receiving a lower end of the covering  100 . In addition, the hem bar  200  may include a second or weather-strip-receiving-channel for receiving the weather strip. In addition, the hem bar  200  may include a plurality of weight-receiving chambers. The plurality of weight-receiving chambers may be evenly distributed within the body of the hem bar to eliminate or minimize any tilting or rocking motion. The first and second channels may be centrally located and aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the hem bar  200  and covering  100 . That is, the first and second channels may be centrally located within the hem bar  200  so that the central longitudinal axes of the first and second channels are coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body of the hem bar  200 , which may be coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the covering  100 . In addition, the weight-receiving chambers may be operatively positioned about the hem bar  200  so that the hem bar  200  is symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis of the hem bar  200 . In this manner, the hem bar  200  is better able to eliminate any tilting or rocking motion. 
     In use, providing a symmetrically weighted hem bar  200  incorporating a biased weather strip enables the hem bar  200  to maintain constant tension on the covering  100  regardless of how level the contacting surface S is. That is, the levelness of the contacting surface affects how the hem bar  200  rests in the extended position, which affects the appearance of the covering  100 . For example, if one side of the hem bar  200  contacts the contacting surface S before the other side of the hem bar  200 , the covering  100  could become uneven, wavy, or the like. That is, an uneven hem bar  200  could cause at least a portion (e.g., one side) of the covering  100  to lose tension created by the weight of the hem bar  200 . In addition, allowing the hem bar  200  to rest unevenly on the contacting surface S adversely affects how the system operates. For example, an uneven contacting surface S could cause the covering  100  to loosen. Over time, if the covering  100  becomes too loose, the system will not roll up properly, potentially causing the covering  100  to jam during retraction and/or extension operations. As will be further described herein, by providing a hem bar  200  in accordance with the present disclosure, the hem bar  200  is better able to adjust to uneven contacting surfaces S without the covering  100  losing the tension created by the weight of the hem bar  200 . For example, in one embodiment, the weather strip may be biased to provide a better contact (e.g., seal) along the full length of the weather strip against the contacting surface S (e.g., weather strip is better able to match the slope of the uneven contacting surface S) while ensuring that the body of the hem bar  200  never rests on the contacting surface S thus ensuring that constant tension is maintained on the covering  100 . Additionally, the symmetrical design of the hem bar  200  minimizes tilting or pivoting. 
       FIG.  2    shows an example of an embodiment of an architectural-structure covering  100  that incorporates a hem bar assembly  200  according to the present disclosure. The architectural-structure covering  100  may include a headrail  108 , which in the illustrated embodiment is a housing having opposed end caps  110 ,  112  joined by front  113 , back  114 , and top sides  115  to form an enclosure with an open bottom side  116  so that a covering  106  may pass therethrough. The headrail  108  may also include mounts for coupling the headrail  108  to a structure above, or at the top of, an architectural opening, such as a wall, via mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, or the like. A rotatable member  104  may be rotatably coupled between the end caps  110 ,  112 . Although a particular example of a headrail  108  is shown in  FIG.  2   , many different types and styles of headrails exist and could be employed in place of the example headrail of  FIG.  2   . 
     The architectural-structure covering  100  may also include a covering portion  106  (shown in  FIG.  9   , omitted from  FIG.  2    for clarity). In use, the covering  106  may be a sheet of material having an upper edge coupled to the rotatable member  104  and a lower, free edge coupled to the hem bar  200 . In use, the covering  106  may be in the form of a flexible fabric, a rollable screen (e.g., an outdoor insect screen, a solar screen, a hurricane screen, a privacy and security screen, etc.), or the like coupled to the rotatable member  104 . However, it will be appreciated that other covering types and mounting arrangements are within the scope of the present disclosure. The covering  106  is movable between a retracted position and an extended position (illustratively, the position shown in  FIG.  1   ). In one embodiment, when in the retracted position, the covering  106  is wound about the rotatable member  104 , although other manners of retracting coverings are envisioned. Although not shown, a drive mechanism can be provided to move the covering  106  between the extended and retracted positions. The drive mechanism can take any appropriate form (e.g., a motorized system, a clutch, a gear, a motor, a drive train, and/or a gear train, etc.) and can include any type of controls (e.g., continuous loop, raise/lower cord(s), chains, ropes, a motor, etc.). In one embodiment, the architectural-structure covering  106  includes first and second side tracks  120 ,  122  for receiving and guiding lateral side edges of the covering  106  as the covering  106  moves between the extended and retracted positions. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , for the sake of convenience and clarity, terms such as “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “lower”, “up,” “down,” “vertical,” “horizontal”, “inner,” and “outer” may be used herein to describe the relative placement and orientation of various components and portions of the covering  100 , each with respect to the geometry and orientation of the covering  100  as they appear in  FIG.  2   . Said terminology is intended to be non-limiting and is used herein merely to describe relationship between various components as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  5   , cross-sectional, perspective views of an example of an embodiment of a hem bar  200  according to the present disclosure is illustrated. As illustrated, the hem bar  200  includes a body member  210  having a top end  212  and a bottom end  214 . In use, the hem bar  200  is coupled to the covering  106 , for example, a lower end of the covering  106 . As previously mentioned, in one embodiment, the hem bar  200  serves to add weight to the covering  106  so that the covering  106  is kept in a taut condition (e.g., hem bar  200  maintains constant tension on the covering  106 ) in the extended position. By weighting the lower end of the covering  106 , the hem bar  200  maintains the covering  106  in a taut condition to eliminate or minimize the formation of wrinkles or the like in the covering  106  to facilitate an improved aesthetic and smoother operation of the architectural-structure covering  100  as the covering  106  is wound and unwound. In addition, by incorporating a weighted hem bar  200 , an improved seal may be created between a bottom edge of the hem bar  200  (e.g., weather strip) and the contacting surface S ( FIG.  1   ) such as, for example, a floor. 
     The hem bar  200  may be coupled to the covering  106  by any suitable mechanism now known or hereafter developed. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the hem bar  200  includes a first or cover-receiving channel  220  open through the top end  212  of the body  210  for receiving a lower end of the covering  106 . The covering  106  can be secured within the cover-receiving channel  220  by any suitable mechanism now known or hereafter developed such as, for example, a Kedar, a rod, or the like. As illustrated, and as will be described in greater detail, in one embodiment, the cover-receiving channel  220  may be centrally located so that a longitudinal axis L A  of the covering  106  is coaxially aligned with a central longitudinal axis C L  of the hem bar  200 . 
     The hem bar  200  may also include one or more weight-receiving chambers  230  for receiving an elongated weight, for example, a weighted rod, a weighted bar, or the like. Incorporating one or more weight-receiving chambers  230  into the hem bar  200  assists with maintaining the covering  106  in a taut condition when in the extended position. In one embodiment, the weight-receiving chambers  230  are evenly sized and distributed about the central longitudinal axis C L  of the hem bar  200  so that the hem bar  200  is symmetrical (e.g., either side of the hem bar  200  about the central longitudinal axis C L  is a mirror image of the other side. In addition, the hem bar  200  is a mirror image on either side of a central lateral axis C A  (e.g., a horizontal axis passing through a midpoint of the hem bar  200 )). By incorporating a symmetrical hem bar, the hem bar  200  is better able to maintain the covering  106  in a taut condition while eliminating or minimizing any moment arms, thus eliminating or minimizing any tendency for the hem bar  200  to rock or pivot. 
     As illustrated, in one embodiment, the hem bar  200  may include four weight-receiving chambers  230   a ,  230   b ,  230   c ,  230   d  distributed about the body  210  of the hem bar  200 , although more or fewer chambers may be included. As previously mentioned, the weight-receiving chambers  230   a ,  230   b ,  230   c ,  230   d  may be symmetrically distributed about the central longitudinal axis C L  and the central lateral axis C A  of the hem bar  200 . For example, as illustrated, the first weight-receiving chamber  230   a  may be located in the upper front quadrant (e.g., between a front surface  211  of the hem bar  200  and the central longitudinal axis C L ; above the central lateral axis C A ), the second weight-receiving chamber  230   b  may be located in the upper rear quadrant (e.g., between a rear surface  213  of the hem bar  200  and the central longitudinal axis C L ; above the central lateral axis C A ), the third weight-receiving chamber  230   c  may be located in the lower rear quadrant (e.g., between the rear surface  213  of the hem bar  200  and the central longitudinal axis C L ; below the central lateral axis C A ), and the fourth weight-receiving chamber  230   d  may be located in the lower front quadrant (e.g., between the front surface  211  of the hem bar  200  and the central longitudinal axis C L ; below the central lateral axis C A ). As illustrated, the first and second weight-receiving chambers  230   a ,  230   b  may be equally sized so that they can receive an equally sized elongated weight. Similarly, the third and fourth weight-receiving chambers  230   c ,  230   d  may be equally sized so that they can receive an equally sized elongated weight. It will further be appreciated that the weight-receiving chambers can be provided in any of a variety of different size and shape combinations (other than the specific embodiment illustrated) to achieve a desired evenly weighted configuration for the resulting hem bar  200 . 
     The hem bar  200  may also include a second or weather-strip-receiving-channel  240  opening through a bottom end  214  of the hem bar  200 . In use, the second channel  240  is adapted and configured to receive a weather strip  250  such as, for example, a brush or gasket, for contacting a contacting surface such as a floor, a ledge, a sill, an outdoor surface, or the like. Referring to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , in one example of an embodiment, the weather strip  250  may be in the form of a two-part weather strip  250  including an upper part  252  and a lower part  254 . In use, the upper part  252  is arranged and configured to couple to the hem bar  200 , as will be described in greater detail below. The lower part  254  is arranged and configured to contact and conform to the contours of the contacting surface (e.g., floor). As shown, in one embodiment, the upper part  252  may be solid while the lower part  254  may be hollow and include an accordion-like shape. 
     The weather strip  250  may be formed from any suitable material now known or hereafter developed. In one embodiment, the weather strip  250  is arranged and configured to adapt to the contour, slope, etc. of the contacting surface S. For example, in one embodiment, the weather strip  250  is adapted and configured to be concave and/or convex in shape relative to the contacting surface S to better conform, seal, etc. against the contacting surface S. In addition, in one embodiment, the weather strip  250  is arranged and configured to maintain its shape (e.g., in use, after contacting the contacting surface S, with the covering  106  in a retracted position or a partially retracted position (e.g., not in contact with the contacting surface S), the weather strip  250  is adapted and configured to maintain the contoured shape corresponding to the shape of the contacting surface S). 
     For example, in one embodiment, the weather strip  250  is arranged and configured to conform to the contour of the contacting surface S and, thereafter, to maintain its contoured shape and position relative to the body  210  of the hem bar  200 . That is, once the weather strip  250  conforms to the contoured surface of the contacting surface S, the weather strip  250  is adapted and configured to maintain its contoured shape and position relative to the body  210  of the hem bar  200 . Thus arranged, it has been found that the weather strip  250  is better able to conform to the contoured surface of the contacting surface S. In addition, and/or alternatively, it has been found that the hem bar  200  is better adapted to maintain tension on the covering  106  by not allowing weight such as, for example, the weight of the hem bar  200  (e.g., weight of the body portion  210  of the hem bar  200 ), to transfer from the hem bar  200  to the contacting surface S beneath the hem bar  200 . That is, by maintaining its shape and position, the weather strip  250  helps ensure that the weather strip  250  remains in contact with the contacting surface S when in an extended position, and that the weight of the hem bar  200  is not transferred to the contacting surface S, thus the weight of the hem bar  200  helps maintain the covering  106  in tension (e.g., the body  210  of the hem bar  200  does not contact the contacting surface S, thus maintaining tension on the covering  106  to maintain the covering  106  in a taut condition even when the covering  106  is in a fully extended position). In one embodiment, the weather strip  250  may maintain its contoured shape via memory of the material used to form the weather strip  250 . In addition, and/or alternatively, the weather strip  250  may maintain its position relative to the body  210  of the hem bar  200  via friction between the weather strip holder  242  and the inner surfaces of the second or weather-strip-receiving-channel  240 . 
     In one embodiment, the weather strip may be manufactured from an engineered plastic arranged and configured to contour to the surface of the contacting surface while also arranged and configured to maintain its contoured shape even when not contacting the contacting surface. For example, in one embodiment, the weather strip may be manufactured from a soft plastic such as, for example, a soft polyvinyl chloride (pvc), urethane, thermoplastic, an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer, or the like. In another embodiment, the weather strip may be manufactured from polypropylene, styrene-ethylene-butylene rubber, styrene-ethylene-butylene rubber with calcium carbonate, or a combination thereof. 
     As shown, in one embodiment, the weather strip  250  may be extruded. That is, the upper part  252  may be integrally formed with the lower part  254 . Alternatively, however, the lower and upper parts  252 ,  254  may be separately formed and coupled to each other by any suitable means including, for example, an adhesive. 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  3  and  5   , the weather strip  250  may be coupled to the hem bar  200  by any suitable mechanism now known or hereafter developed. As illustrated, and as will be described in greater detail, the second channel  240  may be centrally located so that a longitudinal axis of the second channel  240  is coaxially aligned with the central longitudinal axis C L  of the hem bar  200 . In this manner, as illustrated, the second channel  240  is positioned directly below the cover-receiving channel  220 . As such, as previously mentioned, the hem bar  200  may be symmetrical about the central longitudinal axis C L  thereof. 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated, the hem bar  200  may include a weather strip holder  242  for coupling to a top end  252  of the weather strip  250 . The weather strip holder  242  may be coupled to the weather strip  250  by any suitable mechanism now known or hereafter developed including, for example, an adhesive, fasteners, etc. As illustrated, the weather strip holder  242  may include a clip  243  for coupling the weather strip  250  to the weather strip holder  242 . 
     In use, the weather strip holder  242  is moveably positionable within the second channel  240 . That is, in use, the weather strip holder  242 , and hence the weather strip  250  coupled thereto, are vertically movable relative to the hem bar  200 . In this manner, the weather strip  250  is better able to make sealing contact with the contacting surface (e.g., floor). As illustrated, the second channel  240  may include a pair of inwardly-extending projections  244  at the bottom end  214  to prevent the weather strip holder  242 , and the weather strip  250 , from falling out of the second channel  240  formed in the body  210 . In this manner, the weather strip holder  242 , and hence the weather strip  250 , is able to move freely up and down within the second channel  240  as needed to contact, for example, the contacting surface S (e.g., an uneven floor). Meanwhile, the weather strip holder  242  and the weather strip  250  are prevented from falling out of the second channel  240  of the body  210  by the inwardly-extending projections  243  (e.g., projections  243  form a bottom opening that is narrower than the weather strip holder  242 ). 
     In one embodiment, the hem bar  200  also includes a biasing member  260  for biasing the weather strip holder  242 , and hence the weather strip  250 , in a downwardly-extending position (i.e., toward the contacting surface S). In this manner, the hem bar  200  is better able to bias the weather strip  250  into sealing contact with the contacting surface S when in the extended position by providing a movable, biased seal that is better able to conform with a non-level contacting surface. By downwardly biasing the weather strip  250 , the weather strip  250  is able to contact the contacting surface while preventing the body  210  of the hem bar  200  from contacting the contacting surface (e.g., by downwardly biasing the weather strip  250 , the weather strip  250  is able to form a sealing contact with the contacting surface S while ensuring that the body  210  of the hem bar  200  does not rest on the contacting surface S). As a result, the body  210  never contacts the contacting surface S, thus ensuring that the weight of the hem bar  200  is continuously applied to the covering  106 , thereby ensuring that the covering  106  is constantly tensioned and remains in a taut condition, ensuring a neat, wrinkle-free appearance of the covering  106 . 
     The biasing member  260  may be any biasing member now known or hereafter developed such as, for example a spring member (e.g., coiled springs or the like). As illustrated, in one embodiment, the biasing member may be a plurality of leaf springs (e.g., U-shaped spring) or harmonic springs (e.g., V-shaped spring) positioned between a top surface  245  of the weather strip holder  242  and an inner surface  247  of the second channel  240 . Generally speaking, incorporation of harmonic springs provide increased travel (e.g., increased vertical movement) while incorporation of leaf springs provide increased flexibility. In the non-limiting example illustrated embodiment, the end of the weather strip holder  242  may include a rail  248  for receiving the plurality of leaf springs or harmonic springs  260 . 
     In use, referring to  FIGS.  3 - 6   , in the at-rest position (i.e., before the hem bar  200  contacts the contacting surface S), the weather strip holder  242 , and the weather strip  250  coupled thereto, may assume a downwardly-extended position (the configuration illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4   ) due to the biasing force of the biasing member  260 . When the covering  106  is in the extended position and in contact with the contacting surface S however (the configuration illustrated in  FIGS.  5  and  6   ), the weather strip  250  and weather strip holder  242  may move upwards relative to the body  210  against the biasing force of the biasing member  260 . By providing a biased weather strip  250 , an improved seal is achieved between the bottom edge of the weather strip  250  and the contacting surface S. Thus, in some examples, the hem bar  200  may provide a self-adjusting bottom surface for contacting a non-level floor. As a result, in use, when the hem bar  200  contacts a non-level contacting surface S, the body  210  of the hem bar  200  may remain level while the weather strip  250  may adjust to better conform to the non-level contacting surface S. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 ,  9 , and  10   , in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the headrail  108  may also incorporate one or more end cap covers  300  coupled to the headrail assembly  108 , such as, for example, the end caps  110 ,  112 . In use, the end cap covers  300  are coupled to the end caps  110 ,  112  to extend the headrail  108  to prevent, cover, or occupy any gaps between the end caps  110 ,  112  and a side surface of the structural opening. Such gaps can occur, for example, when the structural opening is non-square. That is, for example, in use, the dimension of the structural opening may not be the same at the top and bottom of the opening. As such, it would be desirable to dimension the covering  100  to accommodate the smaller of the width dimensions at the top and bottom of the structural opening. As a result, gaps may be formed between the end caps  110 ,  112  of the headrail  108  and the structural opening (e.g., gaps can occur when the dimensions of the headrail  108  does not conform to the exact dimension of the structural opening). When these gaps are formed at the top end thereof, the end cap covers  300  may be used to extend the headrail  108  and to close the gaps formed between, for example, the ends of the headrail  108  and the structural opening. 
     In use, the end cap covers  300  substantially correspond with the shape of the headrail  108 , and more specifically with the shape of the end caps  110 ,  112 . In use, the end cap covers  300  may be coupled to the headrail  108  (e.g., end caps  110 ,  112 ) by any means now known or hereafter developed, including for example, a friction-fit connection. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the end cap covers  300  may include first and second components  310 ,  320 , although it is envisioned that the end cap covers  300  may be manufactured from more or fewer components. Manufacturing the end cap covers  300  from first and second components  310 ,  320  facilitates easier installation. As illustrated, the first component  310  is attached to a front surface of the headrail  108 . The second component  320  is attached to a rear surface of the headrail  108 . As illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the first and second components  310 ,  320  may include inwardly projecting projections  325  for receiving the end caps  310 ,  320 . 
     The end cap cover  300  may include a fixed thickness for coupling to the end caps  110 ,  112 . Alternatively, the end cap cover  300  may be adapted and configured to be movably positioned with respect to the end caps  110 ,  112 . In use, it is envisioned that a plurality of end cap covers  300  having varying thicknesses may be provided, for example, in a kit. In this manner, based on the size of the existing gap between the ends of the headrail  108  and the structural opening, an appropriately sized end cap cover  300  can be selected. 
     In one embodiment, it is envisioned that a plurality, or kit, of end cap covers  300  may be provided with varying thicknesses ranging from, for example, 1/16″ to 1″, although these dimensions are merely exemplary and other thicknesses may be used. By providing a plurality of end cap covers  300  with varying thicknesses, an installer can select the best-fitting end cap cover  300  for their particular application. In this manner, the system can accommodate measurement discrepancies in the width of the headrail  108  relative to the structural opening. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the hem bar such as, for example, hem bar  200  may travel (e.g., move between extended and retracted positions along with the covering  106 ) in first and second side tracks  120 ,  122  positioned on either end of the covering  106  and the hem bar (e.g., hem bar  200 ). In some implementations, the side tracks  120 ,  122  may include a guide cover  124 . In use, however, the weather strip (e.g., weather strip  250 ) may contact the guide cover  124 . As a result, the weather strip  250  is often trimmed to prevent the strip  250  from contacting the guide cover  124 . This results in a gap being created between the ends of the weather strip  250  and each track  120 ,  122 , potentially allowing mosquitoes or insects to enter. Referring to  FIGS.  2 ,  11 , and  12   , an adjustable filler cap  400  may be provided. In use, the filler cap  400  may be coupled to the tracks  120 ,  122  to fill the gap created between the ends of the weather strip  250  and the tracks  120 ,  122 . The filler cap  400  may be coupled to the tracks  120 ,  122  adjacent to the contacting surface S (e.g., floor). In use, the filler cap  400  extends from the contacting surface S to the bottom edge  214  of the hem bar  200  (e.g., the filler cap  400  extends approximately the height of the weather strip  260 ; the filler cap  400  extends from the contacting surface S to the top of the weather strip  260 ) so that, in use, the filler cap  400  fills the gap created by trimming the weather strip  250 . 
     The filler cap  400  may have any appropriate shape. As illustrated in  FIG.  12   , the filler cap  400  may have a trapezoidal shape, although other shapes are envisioned. The filler cap  400  may be coupled to the tracks  120 ,  122  by any means now known or hereafter developed, including for example, a snap-fit connection. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the filler cap  400  includes a pair of channels  402  for receiving projections  404  extending from the track  120 ,  122 . 
     The filler cap  400  may include a fixed thickness for coupling to the tracks  120 ,  122 . In use, it is envisioned that a plurality of filler caps  400  having varying thicknesses may be provided, for example, in a kit. In this manner, based on the size of the existing gap between the ends of the weather strip  250  and the tracks  120 ,  122 , an appropriately sized filler cap  400  can be selected. 
     In one embodiment, it is envisioned that a plurality or kit of filler caps  400  may be provided with varying thicknesses ranging from, for example, 1/16″ to ¼″, although these dimensions are merely exemplary and other thicknesses may be used. By providing a plurality of filler caps  400  with varying thicknesses, an installer can select the best-fitting filler cap  400  for their particular application. 
     Architectural-structure coverings may also include a space between the side or lateral ends of the covering  106  and the side or lateral ends  105  ( FIG.  13   ) of the rotatable member  104 . This space may be created for any of a variety of reasons. For example, in some implementations, the architectural-structure covering  100  may include an exterior zipper system (e.g., a zipper coupled to the covering) or a Kedar shade panel (e.g., a binding that travels with the track) or the like (not shown). In either event, the zipper or Kedar is attached on either side of the covering  106 . However, because the zipper or Kedar is thicker than the material of the covering  106  rolling on the rotatable member  104 , the sides of the covering  106  including the zipper/Kedar will build up (e.g., have an increased thickness when wound about the rotatable member  104 ). As a result, to ensure that the covering  106  rolls up properly on the rotatable member  104 , a space is needed to accommodate the zipper/Kedar (e.g., to accommodate the increased thickness). The space enables the covering  106  to fall and not build up. However, if the covering  106  falls from the ends  105  of the rotatable member  104 , the covering  106  will wrinkle, shift, or the like (e.g., an undesirable line may be formed in the covering  106 ). That is, when the covering  106  hangs off a sharp or abrupt surface, the covering  106  compresses, forming a line or wrinkle in the covering  106 . 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a tapered surface  502  may be provided at the ends  105  of the rotatable member  104  to prevent the covering  106  from wrinkling (e.g., to prevent the covering  106  from hanging off an abrupt surface). The tapered surface  502  may be created by any suitable mechanism. For example, in one embodiment, it is envisioned that the ends  105  of the rotatable member  104  may be tapered. Alternatively, referring to  FIGS.  13 - 15   , an example of an embodiment of a tapered collar  500  is illustrated. In use, the collar  500  may include a first end  503  and a second end  504 . The first end  503  of the collar  500  includes the tapered surface  502  for the covering  106  to hang from. In use, the hanging of the covering  106  may be controlled by the curvature of the tapered surface  502  of the collar  500 . In use, the tapered collar  500  facilitates proper positioning and hanging of the covering  106  by adjusting the space between the end of the covering  106  and the rotatable member  104 . The tapered collar  500  closes the space (e.g., minimizes the distance between the end of the rotatable member and the end of the covering) and provides a smooth tapered surface  502  for the covering  106  to hang from, thus minimizing or eliminating the formation of a wrinkle or line. 
     The second end  504  of the collar  500  may be positioned adjacent to, and/or coupled to, the end  105  of the rotatable member  104 . The second end  504  may be coupled by any suitable mechanism now known or hereafter developed including, for example, an adhesive, welding, fasteners, etc. As illustrated in  FIG.  14   , the second end  504  may include a plurality of projections  505  for engaging the end  105  of the rotatable member  104 . 
     While the present disclosure makes reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claim(s). Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof. 
     The foregoing description has broad application. It should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may apply to many types of coverings, in addition to the roller-type coverings described and depicted herein. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may apply to many types of operating systems, in addition to the operating system described and depicted herein. For example, the concepts may apply equally to any type of architectural-structure covering having a covering movable across an architectural structure. The discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these embodiments. In other words, while illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art. 
     The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. 
     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 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., engaged, attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative to 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. All rotational references describe relative movement between the various elements. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative to sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.