Patent Publication Number: US-2023138944-A1

Title: Cordless retractable roller shade for window coverings

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/152,005 filed Jan. 19, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/042,995 filed Jul. 23, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,907,406, issued Feb. 2, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/155,304, filed May 16, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,030,439, issued Jul. 24, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/240,304, filed Feb. 21, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,353,570, issued May 31, 2016, which is a 371 of international patent application No. PCT/US2012/052514, filed Aug. 27, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Application No. 61/527,820, filed Aug. 26, 2011, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to retractable shades for architectural openings and more particularly to such a shade that does not include operating or lift cords, but rather is operable between selected extended conditions of the shade by manual movement of the bottom rail of the shade. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Retractable shades have been popular for many years and generally extend across or are retracted from covering architectural openings such as windows, doorways, archways, and the like. Such retractable coverings may include a roller rotatably supported with a shade material suspended therefrom. The shade material can either be wrapped about the roller when retracting the shade or unwrapped from the roller when extending the shade. 
     Some retractable coverings such as Venetian blinds do not have a shade material that wraps around or unwraps from a roller, but rather a rotatable shaft in the head rail that is adapted to wrap or unwrap lift cords thereabout. The lift cords generally may extend downwardly through the slats of the blind to a bottom rail to raise or lower the bottom rail when retracting or extending the blind. 
     Many retractable coverings are operated with flexible operating cords which may extend, for example, downwardly through the shade material to the bottom rail of the covering from the head rail and be operated from free ends of the cords. The free ends of the cords may be exposed adjacent to one end of a head rail for manipulation of an operator. 
     Operating and pull cords can be an issue with retractable coverings, as in some instances the cords may become tangled and difficult to use, fray or break, damage the covering from repeated wear, and may sometimes form loops that may present a risk to users. 
     SUMMARY 
     The cordless retractable shade of the present disclosure includes an operating system that applies a counterbalancing force to support the shade element at any level of extension selected by the user. Where the shade includes operable vanes, the operating system may also include a vane orientation mechanism. The vane orientation mechanism allows the user to position the vanes in an open orientation, or in a closed orientation. 
     The present disclosure includes an operating system configured to act on a collapsible shade element rotatably positioned in a head rail. The collapsible shade element is connected along its upper edge to the roller for wrapping about and unwrapping therefrom. The shade material includes vertically suspended front and rear sheets of flexible translucent or transparent material, such as sheer fabric, and a plurality of horizontally extending, vertically spaced flexible vanes preferably of a translucent or opaque material. The vanes are secured along front and rear edges to the front and rear sheets along horizontal lines of attachment. The front and rear sheets are attached to the roller at circumferentially spaced locations so that pivotal movement of the roller moves the front and rear sheets vertically relative to each other to shift or rotate the vanes gradually between closed and open positions. 
     In the closed position the front and rear sheets are spaced close together and the depth dimension of vanes are aligned generally parallel to or along the direction of the front and rear sheets. When positioned in an architectural opening, the depth dimension of the closed vanes would extend generally vertically in coplanar contiguous relationship with the front and rear sheets. In the open position, the front and rear sheets are spaced apart by a distance defined by the depth of the vanes, and the vanes are generally perpendicular to the front and rear sheets. When positioned in an architectural opening, the depth dimension of the open vanes would extend generally horizontally. The vanes are in the closed position when wrapped around the roller, and when extended from the roller to the fully extended position. 
     A bottom rail may be secured to the lower edge of the shade element with bottom edges of the front and rear sheets of the shade material secured along front and rear edges of the bottom rail. 
     An operating system is provided that includes a biasing element (or also a biasing component) operably engaged between the head rail and the roller to apply a counterbalancing force to the roller that allows the shade element to be positioned in any location between fully retracted and fully extended. The configuration of the operating system is designed to increase the tension in the biasing element (i.e. increase the spring load where a spring is utilized), as the roller is rotated in the direction to extend the shade element. This increased load in the bias element is then converted by the operating system to apply a rotational force to the roller in the direction of retracting the shade element. To do this, in the operating system the bias element is operably engaged between the head rail and the roller in order to convert the load in the bias element into a rotational bias applied to the roller. The operating system could be oriented to create the operating bias in the direction of extension if desired. 
     The rotational bias applied to the roller is a counterbalancing force to compensate for the increasing weight of the shade as the shade extends. The force increases with the extension of the shade because the bias element in the operating system develops an increasing load as the shade extends. As the shade retracts, the load on the bias element decreases and the rotational bias force decreases. The counterbalancing force created in the operating system may be set to fully support the shade element in any position, or it may be set to have a greater or lesser level. In some scenarios, the counterbalancing force co-acts with the friction in the operating system to combine together to provide sufficient rotational force to support the shade in any position of extension. The operating system may apply a slight rotational bias to the roller in the fully retracted position. 
     A vane orientation stop structure is another aspect of the disclosure that may either be used independent of or in combination with the operational system described herein. The vane orientation stop structure operates on the fully extended shade element to allow the vanes to be positioned in at least a fully opened position even where the rotational bias of the operating system is acting on the roller. The vane orientation stop structure may be implemented in the operating system and specifically in conjunction with the drive mechanism. 
     In one example of the operating system, the biasing component is a spring motor in the form of a coil spring positioned inside the roller to extend along a portion of the roller&#39;s length. One end of the coil spring is operably connected to the roller at a fixed location for unitary rotation therewith. An opposite end of the coil is movably connected to the roller for unitary rotation with the roller and reversible translation along the length of the roller. The movable end of the coil spring is driven or moved by a drive system or drive mechanism that includes a longitudinally extending threaded shaft fixed to the head rail so that the roller can rotate thereabout. A nut connected to the movable end of the coil spring is operably mounted on the threaded shaft for reversibly translatable movement along the length of the threaded shaft upon rotation of the roller. As the roller rotates, the nut moves along the threaded length of the shaft and also along the length of the roller. Movement of the nut along the shaft causes the coil spring to extend (placing tension and bias in the spring) or retract (relieving such tension and bias) depending upon the direction of movement of the nut. The spring generally retains a degree of extension, even with the shade in the fully retracted position, so as to at least slightly bias the bottom rail, through the operating system, upwardly toward the head rail. Movement of the bottom rail downwardly away from the head rail causes the roller to rotate, which thereby causes the nut to extend the spring and increase the rotational bias or force applied to the roller. Movement of the bottom rail upwardly toward the head rail causes the nut to move toward the fixed end of the coil spring to reduce the bias of the spring. 
     The coil spring thereby assists an operator in raising the bottom rail. A predetermined amount of friction is built into the system via the inter-relationship of the nut to the threaded shaft so as to help retain the bottom rail at any displaced relationship from the head rail. The amount of built-in friction is determined by the variable operative strength of the spring at various displacements of the bottom rail from the head rail. 
     The fixed position of the first end of the spring is further adjustable between predetermined fixed positions so that the effective strength of the coil spring can be set for a predetermined size and weight of shade material to thereby cooperate with the built-in friction in assuring the bottom rail remains in any predetermined position. 
     In another example of the present disclosure, the operating system may include a biasing element in the form of a spring motor including a clock spring structure. The spring motor in this example may include one or more counter-balancing spring motors. The counter-balancing motors in this example may include a spring that may provide a counter-balancing force against the weight of the shade. The counter-balancing motors may include one anchored or fixed member and one rotatable member, with a clock spring operably connected to each the anchored member and the rotatable member. The rotatable member may be keyed to the roller, such that as the roller rotates, such as to extend or retract the shade, the rotatable member may rotate therewith. Because one end of the spring is anchored and one end is connected to the rotatable member, the spring may be wound around itself as the roller rotates to extend the shade (which builds up tension in the spring) and the spring may be unwound as the roller rotates in the opposite direction to retract the shade (which reduces the tension in the spring). Varying the number of spring windings by rotating the roller correspondingly changes a biasing force exerted by the spring, which acts to balance the load exerted by the shade in substantially any position of the shade. 
     In a general depiction of the disclosure herein, a cordless retractable shade is described, which includes a shade element, a rotatable roller operably connected to the shade element, whereby the shade element is wrapped around the roller when in a retracted configuration, and is at least partially unwrapped from around the roller when in an at least partially extended configuration. A biasing component is operably associated with the roller and configured to exert a variable biasing force on the roller to counterbalance a weight of that portion of the shade element at least partially extended from the roller. The biasing component is configured to apply greater amounts of force to the roller as greater amounts of the shade element is extending from the roller. The biasing component engages the roller with sufficient biasing force to support the shade for at least one amount of shade extension from the roller, and may support the shade in many positions of extension. 
     Additionally to this first example, the cordless retractable shade includes a non-rotatable element operably associated with the roller, wherein the biasing component further comprises a spring operably connected between the roller and the non-rotatable element. Rotation of the roller in a first direction increases a biasing force exerted by the spring on the roller, and rotation of the roller in a second direction decreases the biasing force exerted by the spring on the roller. 
     With respect to the general depiction of the disclosure here, a vane orientation stop mechanism may be provided. In this vane orientation stop mechanism, the shade component includes a front sheet, a back sheet, and at least one vane positioned between the front sheet and back sheet, the vane engaging the front sheet along a front edge and engaging the back sheet along a rear edge. The roller is operably engaged with the front sheet and back sheet to transition the vane from a closed configuration to an open configuration when substantially the entire shade element is extended from the roller. A vane orientation stop mechanism is operably engaged with the biasing component, the vane orientation stop mechanism is operable to selectively engage the roller in at least one orientation where the at least one vane is oriented in an open configuration. 
     Additionally, the vane orientation stop mechanism may define more than one engagement position, each corresponding to a discrete open configuration of the at least one vane. 
     With respect to a first example of the disclosure, and based on the general depiction provided above, a first end of the spring is operably connected to the roller at a fixed position, and the second end of the spring is reversibly translatable along at least a portion of a length of the roller, wherein as the second end of the spring translates along a portion of the length of the roller, the spring extends or retracts to vary the biasing force exerted by the spring on the roller. 
     A head rail may rotatably receiving the roller, and a drive mechanism is adjacent to the second end of the spring for reversibly moving the second end along the length of the roller upon rotation of the roller. The drive mechanism is operably connected to the head rail. There is a predetermined amount of friction between selected relatively movable parts of the shade. 
     The drive mechanism may include a nut operably mounted on the non-rotatable shaft, the nut movable along the length of the non-rotatable shaft upon rotation of the roller. The nut may be keyed to the roller to rotate therewith. 
     The non-rotatable shaft is a threaded shaft fixed relative to the head rail and extending longitudinally thereof, and the movable connector is fixed to one end of the spring with the opposite end of the spring fixed relative to the roller. The movable connector has an internal thread received on the threaded shaft for both rotation about the threaded shaft and translation there along. The movable connector translates along the length of the threaded shaft upon rotation of the roller to vary the effective length of the spring. There may be an abutment formed on the threaded shaft adapted to engage the internal thread to limit translating movement of the movable connector in one direction. 
     A vane orientation stop mechanism may be associated with this first example of the disclosure herein. The vane orientation stop mechanism is adjacent to the abutment to releasably retain the movable connector adjacent to the abutment. The vane orientation stop mechanism may include a releasably directed end of the thread on the threaded shaft against which an end of the internal thread on the movable connector stationarily abuts. The end of the internal thread on the movable connector defines a releasably directed end of the internal thread, wherein each of the releasably directed ends forms a respective tab. Each respective tab extends at a reverse angle to the respective thread. The transition from the thread on the threaded shaft to the tab forms a first apex, and the transition from the thread on the movable connector to the tab forms a second apex. The relative movement between the movable nut and the threaded shaft causes the first apex to pass the second apex where the tab on the threaded shaft engages the tab on the movable connector. 
     The first example of the disclosure herein also may include a bottom rail including a front edge and a rear edge, the shade element including a front sheet and a rear sheet, each of the front and rear sheets having bottom edges operably connected respectively to the front and rear edges of the bottom rail, and a plurality of horizontally extending vertically spaced flexible vanes operably connected to the front and rear sheets along respective front and rear edges thereof. Tilting the bottom rail to raise or lower the front and rear edges moves the vanes between a closed vertically oriented position and an open substantially horizontal position. 
     A second example of the disclosure herein, based on the general depiction provided above, includes a first end of the spring operably connected to the roller in a manner to resist radial movement relative to an axis of the roller. The second end of the spring is operably connected to the roller to rotate with the roller, and is positioned at a location spaced at least radially from the first end. The rotation of the second end of the spring in conjunction with the roller acts to coil or uncoil the spring to vary the biasing force exerted by the spring on the roller. 
     Additionally, a head rail may rotatably receiving the roller, and an elongated member, which may be an elongated shaft or rod, may be operably connected with the head rail in a non-rotatable manner and positioned within the roller. The first end of the spring defines an anchor and engages the elongated member. The second end of the spring may be rotationally keyed with the roller. The elongated member extends along at least a portion of the length of the roller. The anchor may be an arbor for connecting to the first end of the spring. The second end of the spring may engage a housing, and the housing may be rotationally keyed to the roller. 
     Further to this second example of the disclosure, the spring may be a clock spring having a radially inner end and a radially outer end. The first end is the radially inner end, which is operably secured in a rotationally stable manner with the roller, and the second end is the radially outer end. The clock spring is received in a housing, and the housing is attached to the radially outer end, and keyed with the roller. The arbor is received in an open center of the clock spring and attached to the radially inner end. The arbor is connected to the shaft in a non-rotatable manner. 
     Additionally to the second example of the disclosure herein, the shaft defines a threaded outer portion extending along a portion of the length of the shaft. A screw limit nut is keyed to the roller such that rotation of the roller rotates the screw limit nut to translate the nut along a threaded portion of the non-rotatable shaft. A stop is disposed on the non-rotatable shaft and engages the screw limit nut at an end point of travel along the threaded portion of the non-rotatable shaft, end point is substantially corresponding to the full extension of the shade material from the roller. 
     The stop may include a protrusion extending radially outward from a surface of the non-rotatable shaft, the protrusion configured to engage a knuckle disposed on the screw limit nut when the screw limit nut reaches the end point. When the screw limit nut is adjacent the end point, the roller may be further rotated to open the shade and to thereby move the screw limit nut such that a center of the knuckle moves over the protrusion to thereby hold the roller in place. The stop may include a collar fixed to the non-rotatable shaft, the collar and the screw limit nut together having a detent structure configured to engage when the screw limit nut reaches the end point. The detent structure engages when the roller rotates to open the shade. 
     The detent structure includes a pin disposed on the screw limit nut, the pin configured to engage a groove disposed on the collar. The detent structure may alternatively include a pin disposed on the collar, the pin configured to engage a groove disposed on the screw limit nut. The detent structure may alternatively include a molded spring disposed on the screw limit nut, the molded spring configured to engage a groove disposed on the collar. The detent structure may alternatively include a leaf spring disposed on the screw limit nut, the leaf spring configured to engage a groove or recess disposed on the collar. The detent structure may include a pin disposed on the screw limit nut, the pin configured to engage a plurality of grooves disposed on the collar. 
     A method of using the operating system aspect of the disclosure includes a method for counterbalancing the load of a shade element extending from a roller shade structure comprising the steps of unrolling the shade element to a desired extended position by rotating the roller in a first direction, creating an amount of biasing force in an operating system by rotation of the roller in a first direction, applying the amount of biasing force to the roller in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the amount biasing force sufficient to counterbalance the load of the shade element. 
     The amount of biasing force may be sufficient to maintain the shade in the selected extended position, or it may be less or more than the amount needed to maintain the shade in the selected extended position. Additionally, a predetermined level of friction may be created between components of the operating system, wherein the amount of biasing force in addition to the friction is sufficient to maintain the shade in the selected extended position. The biasing force may be a spring motor, which in turn may be a coil spring or a clock spring. 
     Further, the shade element may include a shade element extending from a roller shade structure, where the shade element includes a front sheet, a rear sheet, and at least one vane connected along a front edge to the front sheet and along a back edge to a back sheet, where the relative motion of the front and rear sheets move the at least one vane between open and closed orientations. In this case, the method comprises the steps of unrolling the shade element to a fully extended position, with at least one vane in a closed orientation; further rotating the roller in a first direction to cause the front sheet and back sheet to move relatively to orient the at least one vane in an open position; and engaging a vane orientation stop mechanism to overcome the biasing force and hold the roller in position to maintain the open orientation of the at least one vane. 
     This summary of the disclosure is given to aid understanding, and one of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. 
     Other aspects, features and details of the present disclosure can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an isometric of a retractable shade in accordance with the present disclosure in a fully extended open position with vanes adjusted to allow light to pass through and mounted within an architectural opening shown in dashed lines. 
         FIG.  2    is an isometric similar to  FIG.  1    with the shade partially retracted. 
         FIG.  3    is a front elevation of the shade of  FIG.  1    in a fully extended position, and the horizontal vanes in the open position to allow light to pass through. 
         FIG.  4    is a front elevation of the shade in the partially retracted position of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  7 A  is an enlarged section taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  7 B  is a section similar to  FIG.  7 A  showing the bottom rail. 
         FIG.  7 C  is a section similar to  FIG.  7 B  showing the bottom rail and vanes slightly tilted. 
         FIG.  8    is an enlarged section taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  9    is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  10    is a fragmentary isometric showing the left end cap of the head rail and the roller connected thereto. 
         FIG.  11 A  is an isometric showing the threaded screw mounted on the left end cap. 
         FIG.  11 B  is an isometric of the coil spring and other components of the operating system of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is an exploded view of the operating system shown in  FIG.  11    B. 
         FIG.  13    is an isometric showing the drive mechanism for the operating system. 
         FIG.  14    is an exploded isometric of the mechanism shown in  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  16    is a further enlarged section taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  17    is a further enlarged section taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  18    is an isometric looking at the threaded end of the nut portion of the drive mechanism. 
         FIG.  19    is a section taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  20    is a section taken along line  20 - 20  of  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  21    is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along line  21 - 21  of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  22    is a fragmentary section taken along line  22 - 22  of  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  23    is a section similar to  FIG.  21    showing a system and a tool for adjusting the fixed end of the coil spring. 
         FIG.  24    is a section taken along line  24 - 24  of  FIG.  23    with the tool having been inserted a further distance. 
         FIG.  25    is a section similar to  FIG.  5    showing another example of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  26    is a section similar to  FIG.  6    of the example of  FIG.  25   . 
         FIG.  27    is an exploded isometric of the example of  FIGS.  25  and  26   . 
         FIG.  28    is an exploded isometric of the example of  FIGS.  25 - 27    showing the operating system connection to the end caps. 
         FIG.  29    is a plan view of an architectural opening having a shade mounted therewith in a partially extended configuration. 
         FIG.  30    is a plan view of an architectural opening having a shade mounted therewith in a fully extended configuration. 
         FIG.  31    is an exploded view of an example of the present invention utilizing a counter balancing spring motor in the form of a clock spring. 
         FIG.  32    is a section taken along line  32 - 32  of  FIG.  29   . 
         FIG.  33    is a section taken along line  33 - 33  of  FIG.  30   . 
         FIG.  34    is an enlarged perspective view of an open end of a roller. 
         FIG.  35    is a hub that is received in an open end of the roller. 
         FIG.  36    is a threaded post forming part of one of the examples of the drive mechanism of the operating system. 
         FIG.  37    is a section taken along the line  37 - 37  of  FIG.  30   . 
         FIG.  38    is a perspective view of a counter balancing unit in the form of a piano 
         FIG.  39    is an exploded view of the counter balancing unit of  FIG.  38   . 
         FIG.  40    is a section taken along the line  40 - 40  of  FIG.  38   . 
         FIG.  41    is an end view of an anchor. 
         FIG.  42    is a perspective view of the anchor. 
         FIG.  43    is an end view of the anchor from the opposite end than  FIG.  41   . 
         FIG.  44    is a section similar to that of  FIG.  37   . 
         FIG.  45    is a perspective view of a screw limit nut. 
         FIG.  46    is a perspective view of a shade having a vane orientation limit stop, and having part of the shade cut away. 
         FIG.  47    is an enlarged partial view of a vane orientation stop mechanism such as that shown on  FIG.  46   . 
         FIG.  48    is an enlarged partial view of a vane orientation stop, similar to that of  FIG.  47   . 
         FIGS.  49 A- 49 D  are schematic representations of the engagement of a portion of the screw limit nut and a protrusion forming part of the vane orientation stop configuration of  FIG.  46   . 
         FIG.  50    is an exploded view of a shade including another example of the vane orientation stop. 
         FIG.  51    is a representative section of the roller tube, the drive mechanism and counter balancing units shown in  FIG.  50   . 
         FIG.  52    is a representative section similar to that of  FIG.  51   , wherein the vane orientation limit stop is positioned to one end. 
         FIG.  53    is a section view similar to that of  FIG.  37   . 
         FIG.  54    is a perspective view of a counter balancing unit having a spacer positioned thereabout. 
         FIG.  55    is a section view similar to that of  FIG.  37   . 
         FIG.  56    is a perspective view of a nut structure. 
         FIG.  57    is a perspective view of a collar. 
         FIG.  58    is a schematic representation of a pin having engaging a detent recess formed on a portion of the collar of  FIG.  57   . 
         FIG.  59    is a schematic representation of another example of pin engaging a detent recess formed on a portion of the collar of  FIG.  57   . 
         FIG.  60    is a perspective view of a shade having another example of a vane orientation limit stop, and having part of the shade cut away. 
         FIG.  61    is an enlarged section view taken along line  61 - 61  of  FIG.  60   . 
         FIG.  62    is an enlarged partial view of the vane orientation stop structure of  61  with the pin engaging a recess. 
         FIG.  63    is a section view taken along line  63 - 63  of  FIG.  62   . 
         FIG.  64    is a plan view of a collar having recess structures for the detent engagement of a vane orientation limit stop, and showing the angle on the face of the collar. 
         FIG.  65    is a perspective view of a shade having another example of a vane orientation limit stop, and having part of the shade cut away. 
         FIG.  66    is an enlarged view of the vane orientation stop mechanism of  FIG.  65   . 
         FIG.  67    is a reverse angle perspective of the vane orientation limit stop mechanism of  FIG.  66   . 
         FIG.  68    is a perspective view of a shade having another example of a vane orientation limit stop, and having part of the shade cut away. 
         FIG.  69    is a section taken along line  69 - 69  of  FIG.  68   . 
         FIG.  70    is a perspective view of a shade having another example of a vane orientation limit stop, and having part of the shade cut away. 
         FIG.  71    is a section taken along line  71 - 71  of  FIG.  70   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure provides a retractable covering that includes a counterbalance that allows the shade material to be stopped at a number of different locations, selected by the user, along a drop length of the shade. Conventional cordless operating systems may generally have a finite number of stop positions for the extension of the shade and/or generally may be limited to shades in which the only function is to raise and lower, and are not capable of adjusting the graduated amount of light passing through the shading when in the fully extended position. As such, these systems are not capable of operating shades with a plurality of tiltable horizontal vanes. However, the covering and operating system of the present disclosure may provide for a shade that may vary light passage there through when in the fully extended position, as well as be positionable at substantially any position between full extension and full retraction. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the retractable shade  30  of the present disclosure is a cordless roll-up shade including a head rail  32 , a bottom rail  34 , and a flexible shade material  36  extending therebetween. The shade material includes vertically suspended front  44  and rear  45  sheets of flexible translucent or transparent material, such as sheer fabric, and a plurality of horizontally extending, vertically spaced flexible vanes  46 . The vanes are preferably of a translucent or opaque material and are secured along front and rear edges to the front and rear sheets along horizontal lines of attachment. However, in other instances, the shade material may be substantially any type of material, such as but not limited to: woven, non-woven, knits, or the like. Additionally, the shade may be non-translucent or opaque, or may include a combination of opaque and translucent or semi-translucent materials. 
     The front and rear sheets are attached to a roller  42  at circumferentially spaced locations (see  FIG.  7 A ) so that pivotal movement of the roller, when the shade is fully extended, moves the front and rear sheets vertically (relative to each other) to shift the vane material between open and closed positions. Rotation of the roller causes the shade material in its closed position of  FIG.  2    to wrap around or unwrap from the roller depending upon the direction of rotation. In the closed position of the shade material, the vanes extend vertically in coplanar contiguous relationship with the front and rear sheets. The front and rear sheets are relatively close together in the closed configuration. In the open position of  FIG.  1   , the front and rear sheets are horizontally spaced with the vanes extending substantially horizontally therebetween. 
     The shade includes an operating system whereby an operator of the shade can manually lift or lower the bottom rail of the shade and leave it in any desired position between and including fully retracted and fully extended and it will maintain this position until moved again. The operating system for maintaining the extension of the shade in a desired position between fully retracted and fully extended may include many different types of counter-balancing units, or also referred to as biasing components. For example, a coil spring (one example of a counter balancing spring motor) operably associated with the operating system and extending laterally (to create a counter balancing spring force to hold the desired position of the shade) within the roller positioned in the head rail may be used. A piano spring oriented orthogonally to the lateral extension of the roller, and positioned inside the roller, may alternatively be used as a counter balancing spring motor or unit. In addition, the horizontal vanes may be tilted to control the amount of light passing through the shade. The shade does not require an operating cord or cords, and so may reduce risk presented to children, infants, or animals. 
     Before describing the details of the system, it is felt helpful to understand that in a retractable shade of the type described in detail hereafter, the effective weight of the shade material increases as the shade is extended. In some embodiments described herein, in order to maintain the bottom rail at any desired position between fully retracted and fully extended, a system combining the friction of relatively movable parts within the operating system and the strength and spring rate of a spring motor (which may be, for example, a coil biasing spring  38  or other type of spring structure, such as a clock spring) in the head rail  32  are utilized. In one example, the spring motor is mounted in relation to the head rail, and the operating system is designed to increase the load on the spring motor (thus increasing the bias force in the spring) as the bottom rail  34  is lowered (which increases the effective weight of the shade material extended off the roller). To complement the bias force of the spring motor, a predetermined coefficient of friction is built into relatively moving parts of the operating system of the shade so that the friction within the system, in combination with the bias force of the coil spring, will equal, overcome or generally counterbalance the gravity force acting on the bottom rail and shade material, so that the bottom rail will remain positioned at any user selected location between fully retracted and fully extended. In other words, the biasing force (biased towards retracting the shade) exerted by a counterbalancing spring motor may counter the effective force exerted by the shade, and as the effective weight of the shade varies, the biasing force may also vary. This may allow the counter-balancing spring motor to balance the weight of the shade to hold the shade at substantially any position along an extension length of the shade. Note that the counterbalance properties of the spring motor in the operating system may either include the effects of the friction in the operating system, or it may not include the effects of the friction in the operating system. Also, the term “counterbalance” is interpreted to include creating a force equal to the load caused by the extended shade, or a force less than or greater than, the force equal to the load, unless defined explicitly or by clear intention otherwise. Additionally, it should be noted that the shade element utilized with the operating system does not need to have operable vanes. The operating system can be implemented to provide a counterbalancing bias force roller used with many different shade elements that are rolled up on a roller. In this instance, the vane orientation stop mechanism(s) as described below would simply not be utilized. 
     As will be appreciated with the description hereafter, the bias force of the spring motor is also adjustable as a fine-tuning mechanism to complement the fixed built-in friction of the system. Alternatively or additionally, the system may include single springs, multiple springs or other counter-balancing units or spring structures to complement the friction of the system, and to achieve the desired counterbalance against the weight of a selected shade. As used herein, the spring motor utilized in the operating system may also be referred to as a bias component or bias element, or variations thereof. 
     As can be appreciated by reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the retractable shade  30  is shown mounted within an architectural opening  40  which is illustrated as a window opening, but could be a doorway, archway, room dividers, or the like. The shade material illustrated could be any one of numerous, flexible materials that can be wrapped on or unwrapped from a roller  42 . The shade material may be shifted from the open position of  FIG.  1    to the closed position of  FIG.  2    upon initial rotation of the roller as will be described in more detail hereafter. Reverse movement of the shade material from the closed position of  FIG.  2    to the open position of  FIG.  1    may be accomplished by opposite rotation of the roller under the force of a spring motor or motors. 
       FIGS.  3  and  4    are front elevations of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , respectively, and show diagrammatically components of the operating system for the shade  30  in dashed lines. 
       FIG.  5    is a section taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG.  3    and is therefore a horizontal section through the head rail  32  with the roller  42  and an operating system being shown.  FIG.  6    is a section similar to  FIG.  5    taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  4    therefore illustrating the retractable shade  30  with a portion of the shade material  36  wrapped about the roller within the head rail. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , the roller  42  is shown as a two-part roller having an inner component  48  that is cylindrical in nature with a plurality of radiating longitudinally extending ribs  50  around its periphery. The larger of the ribs are sized to support the inner component  48  concentrically within an outer component  52  of the roller. The outer component  52  is also generally cylindrical in configuration, with the outer component having a pair of diametrically opposed longitudinally extending channels  54  formed therein that open through the outer surface of the outer component through a relatively small slot  56 . The opposed channels  54  are provided to anchor the upper edges of the front  44  and rear  45  sheets, respectively, of the shade material. For example, an anchor strip  58  may be used to secure the fabric, such as by forming a loop in the upper edge of the sheets of material, inserting the loop into an associated channel of the outer roller component and inserting the anchor strip to render a connection of the associated sheet with the associated channel in the roller. Alternatively, the shade may be glued, sewed, or otherwise connected to the anchor strip and/or roller with or without the channels  54 . 
       FIG.  8    is a section similar to  FIG.  7 A  taken at a different location along the length of the roller  42 , but again illustrating the two-component roller and the connection of the shade material  36  thereto. As can be appreciated from  FIGS.  7 A,  7 B and  8   , the shade material is shown in its open position with the front  44  and rear  45  sheets of material being separated and the vanes  46  disposed substantially horizontally therebetween. It can be appreciated, however, that if the roller were to rotate 90 degrees in either direction, the front and rear sheets of the shade material would move vertically relative to each other and into closer adjacent relationship. If the roller is rotated 180 degrees or more, in a counter-clockwise direction, the flexible vanes would be substantially vertically oriented in a vertical plane and in a horizontally stacked relationship with the front and rear sheets as seen, for example, in the closed position of the covering of  FIG.  9   . 
       FIG.  9    is a vertical section through the head rail  32  showing the shade material  36  partially wrapped about the two-component roller  42 . As will also be appreciated by referencing  FIGS.  7 A- 9   , the bottom rail  34  is horizontally disposed when the shade material is open as shown in  FIGS.  7 A and  8    but may become substantially vertically oriented when the shade material is closed ( FIG.  7 C ) as when the front and rear sheets are shifted vertically relative to each other upon a 180 degree rotation of the roller. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  10  and  15   , the two-component roller  42  is shown with some parts removed to illustrate the inner cylindrical component  48  mounted within outer cylindrical component  52 . The inner cylindrical component is abutted against a splined hub or bearing  60  mounted on a left bearing plate  61  of an end cap  62  of the head rail  32 . The two-component roller  42  is rotatable relative to the left bearing plate  61  and head rail  32 . The outer component  52  of the roller, in the completed assembly, may extend over the inner component, as well as the hub or bearing, so as to have its end generally contiguous with the inner surface of the left end wall of the head rail, albeit in sliding relationship therewith. 
     The outer cylindrical component  52  extends the full width of the shade fabric. However, the inner cylindrical component  48  need only be sufficiently long to contain the full length of the spring  38 , as shown in more detail below. 
     One example of the operating system for the retractable shade of the present disclosure is shown in  FIGS.  11 - 22   . Referring first to  FIG.  11   , the spring motor or biasing component, in this example an elongated coil spring  38 , used to variably counterbalance at least a portion of the weight of the shade material  36  is seen. It should be noted, that in other examples, a counter-balancing spring motor having one or more counter-balancing spring motors may be used to counterbalance the weight of the shade (see, for example,  FIGS.  32  and  33   ). 
     In this example, the spring may extend along a portion of the length of the inner cylindrical component  48 , and is disposed within the component  48 . The effective length of the coil spring when the shade is extended is shown in  FIG.  11    B, which is contrasted with its at-rest length shown in  FIG.  11 A  (no spring is shown in  FIG.  11 A , however the end piece  104  represents the position of the end of the spring). Thus, the tension and effective roller bias force of the spring is varied with the length of the spring caused by the actuation of the operating system. For instance, referring to  FIG.  11    B, when the shade is extended to its fullest extent, the left end of the spring  38  is moved to the left end of the roller (loading the spring) while the right end of the spring remains anchored. As can be seen in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , the spring has a fixed end connector  64  (also referred to as a non-rotatable element) at its right end, which fixed connector  64  is axially fixed in position by engagement with the inner wall of the inner component  48  of the roller  42 , as described in more detail with respect to  FIGS.  21 - 24   . This non-rotatable element is thus fixed in position relative to the head rail and the roller. And as seen in  FIG.  11   , the spring has a movable end connector  66  (also referred to as the actuable end) at its left end that moves along the threaded shaft upon rotation of the roller, which extends the spring  68  upon extension of the shade, and shortens the length of the spring  68  upon retraction of the shade. It should be appreciated for purposes of the present disclosure that a left hand mount or end cap is illustrated, but as will be evident to those in the art and from the following description, a right hand mount would be the mirror image thereof. The non-rotatable element is an anchor against which the spring motor acts, in this example, to increase the bias force. The static position of the fixed connector is referenced herein as being relative to the head rail. It is contemplated that the fixed end of the spring motor may be attached to a structure outside the head rail, such as a wall or frame of an architectural opening as non-limiting examples, and result in the same effect of anchoring an end of the spring motor. Having the anchor position on or in the head rail allows the shade to be a self-contained unit not relying on attachment or affixation with anything outside the head rail. 
     The movable end connector  66  may be a nut with both the fixed  64  and movable  66  end connectors supporting a portion of the spring  38  in a connective manner. This connection configuration allows the spring to be extended or retracted without losing its grip on the fixed and movable end connectors. For example, in this configuration the grooves  106  on movable end connector  66  and the grooves  124  on the fixed end connector  64 , as described in more detail below, are sized and oriented to receive the spiral winding of the spring  38  along at least a portion of the length of the grooves on the connector to secure the relative ends of the spring  68  to each of the fixed  64  and movable  66  end connectors. 
     With reference to  FIG.  13   , which is exploded in  FIG.  14   , the movable end connector  66 , as mentioned above, is a nut that is adapted to be reversibly translated, as the roller is rotated, along the fixed threaded shaft  68 . The threaded shaft  68  is fixably mounted to the left end cap  62  of the head rail  32  on an inwardly directed hub  70  fixed with the bearing plate  61  on the left end cap. The hub  70  may be integral with the bearing plate  61  as shown, or may be a separate component piece attached to the bearing plate  61  by a fastener. The hub  70  defines a set of longitudinally extending radiating ribs  72  adapted to be received in corresponding grooves (not seen) in a cylindrical body  76  of the threaded shaft. The receiving grooves in the cylindrical body  76  cooperate with the ribs  72  on the hub  70  to act as a key between the cylindrical body  76  and the hub  70  to prevent the threaded shaft from rotating by fixing the shaft  68  relative to the hub  70  and the left end cap  62  of the head rail  32 . 
     The outer hub or bearing sleeve  60  fits over the threaded shaft  68  and has a generally cylindrical passage  84  there through. The bearing walls forming the passage  84  define an end wall  85  at its innermost end (i.e. the end positioned away from the end cap  62 ) through which the passage  84  extends, but with a reduced diameter inner end  92 . The end wall defines a plurality of ribs  90  that extend axially relative to the bearing  60  from the end wall  85 , and also extend radially to just short of the outer wall of the bearing  60 . The hub  60  defines a plurality of longitudinally-extending outwardly radiating ribs  86  around its cylindrical body  88  which are substantially alignable (see  FIG.  10   ) with the external longitudinally extending radial ribs  50  on the inner component  48  of the roller  42 . An open left end of the inner roller component  48  is received onto seated upon the plurality of ribs  90  on the reduced diameter inner end  92  of the bearing sleeve  60  with the radiating ribs  90  on the reduced diameter inner end supporting the inner surface of the inner roller component  48  in abutting axially aligned contiguous relationship with the bearing sleeve. The outer wall of the bearing  60  and the outer wall of the roller component  48  may be flush with one another. The bearing sleeve  60  is therefore rotatably seated on the outer surface of the cylindrical body  76  at one end of the threaded or screw shaft  68  so as to rotate with the roller and relative to the fixed screw shaft  68 . 
     The cylindrical body  76  of the threaded shaft extends (inwardly) from the face  78  and has a reduced diameter cylindrical surface  79  ( FIG.  14   ). An annular groove  94  is formed in the cylindrical surface a short distance from the face  78 . The annular groove  94  is adapted to releasably receive a retaining C-clip  96  for retaining the components during the assembly process. A complement of spherical bearing (see  FIGS.  14  and  15   ) elements  93  are positioned in an annular cavity  95  formed between lateral face  78  of the screw shaft  68  and lateral face  97  inside the bearing sleeve  60 , and between horizontal lower face  79  (inner race) and horizontal upper face  81  (outer race) formed on the inside of the bearing sleeve  60 . The spherical bearing elements  93  transfer axial thrust loads created by the spring tension, while providing minimal rotational friction between outer bearing  60  and screw shaft  68 . 
     As best appreciated in  FIGS.  13 - 20   , the threaded shaft  68  continues to extend axially and inwardly away from the left end cap  62  from the innermost end of the cylindrical body  76  and has a large thread  98  formed thereon. The thread  98  has a relatively large thread pitch (also a low thread count) so that the movable connector  66  can rotate relatively easily and move axially the desired distance per rotation of the roller. The thread  98  on the shaft terminates in a particular manner at its outermost end adjacent to the bearing  60  as will be described hereafter. At a predetermined spacing from the outermost end  100  (the end adjacent the end cap  62 ) of the thread  98 , a radial abutment stop  102  is formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body of the shaft  68 , which stop  102  engages the movable connector  66  to keep it from further rotating (which generally defines the limit of extension of the shade since the roller can no longer rotate). This is explained in more detail below. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  12 - 20   , the movable connector or nut  66  may have a relatively long cylindrical body  104  with external threads  106  extending along the length of the hollow cylindrical body  104  to a stopping location spaced from a generally circular enlarged head  110 .  FIGS.  18 - 20    show the movable stop  64  in perspective and cross-section views to show the features described herein. The generally circular head  110  has four circumferential flat surfaces to facilitate the use of wrench type tools during assembly of the nut  66  and spring  38 . The external thread  106  is adapted to receive and be threaded into the spiral wound left end of the coil spring  38  so that the coil spring is mounted on and fixed to the movable connector  66 . The left end of the spring and the movable connector  66  thereby become joined for unitary rotation and translation with each other. A cylindrical passage  112  through the movable connector  66  has a single thread  114  ( FIG.  15   ) formed at its outermost end within, adjacent to, or aligned with the body or head  110 . This thread  114  is adapted to mate with the external thread  98  on the threaded shaft  68  so that as the roller rotates about the shaft  68 , the movable connector rotates with the roller and moves along the length of the shaft  68 . Thus, the relative rotation between the movable connector  66  and the shaft  68  causes the movable connector  66  to translate along the length of the shaft in the direction dictated by the direction of rotation of the roller and the threads  98 . The head  110  on the movable connector has diametrically opposed ribs  116  (see  FIGS.  16  and  18   ) adapted to be received in diametrically opposed internal grooves  118  formed in the inner component  48  of the roller  42  as seen in  FIGS.  7 ,  9 ,  16  and  18   . The internal grooves extend along at least a portion of the length of the inner component roller  48 , and are extend linearly. The length of extension of the internal grooves is sufficient to allow for the movable connector  66  to move with the end of the spring  38  from its length when the shade is retracted to its length when the shade is extended. This assures that the movable connector will rotate in unison with the roller during operation of the shade but can translate along the length of the roller (along the length of the internal grooves) as it is rotated about the threaded shaft. 
     As will be appreciated from the above, as the roller  42  rotates with its support bearing  60  at the left end thereof, it causes the movable connector  66  to rotate about the fixed threaded shaft  68  and also translate along the length of the shaft  68 , which causes the coil spring  38  to be lengthened or shortened thereby affecting the axial bias of the spring. The threaded shaft  68  may be axially compressed in the direction towards, and against, the rotatable bearing  60  due to the thrust forces created by the spring tension, with the compression force of the spring being exerted at least in part along the fixed shaft between the movable nut  66  and the fixed nut  64 . The spring thus biases the movable nut  66  (as the spring extends) towards the fixed nut  64 . The threaded shaft is secured to the left end cap so as not to be rotatable relative to the head rail  32 . Accordingly, rotation of the roller  42  around the fixed threaded shaft  68  will effect controlled translation of the movable connector  66  along the shaft and affect the axial bias of the coil spring. For instance, the axial bias of the spring  38  will relatively increase as the spring is extended (shade is extended), and relatively decrease when the spring is shortened (shade is retracted). 
     The counter balancing spring motor in this first example is the spring  38 , which acts through the movable connector  66  to apply a biasing force to the roller  52  in the direction to urge the roller  52  to rotate in the direction of retracting the shade. From the fully extended position, the movable connector is urged by the tension in the sprint  38  toward the fixed connector  64 . The tension force applied to the movable connector  66  urges it to rotate along the threads  98  of the shaft  68  toward the fixed connector. The movable connector  66  thus rotates around the shaft  68  as it translates along its length. Since the movable connector  66  is rotationally keyed to the roller, yet free to translate relative to the roller, the rotation of the movable connector  66  urges the roller to rotate in the direction to retract the shade. The force applied by the counter balancing spring motor may or may not be sufficient to cause the roller to rotate independently of a user lifting the bottom rail. The drive mechanism of the operating system of this first example may include the shaft  68 , the spring  38 , the fixed nut  64 , and the movable nut  66 , or any subcombination thereof. The shaft  68  is fixed to the head rail, and the end of the spring  38  attached to the movable nut  66  is slidingly attached to the roller. In this way, the driving mechanism biases or urges roller  52  and shade  44  in the retracting direction. The spring  38  of the operating system is indirectly connected to the roller  52 , through the movable nut  66  rotating as it moves along the shaft  68 , and thus indirectly applies a biasing or urging force to the roller  52 . 
     As is best appreciated by reference to  FIGS.  15 - 20   , a shaft or screw limit stop mechanism is shown and described. When the roller  42  is rotating in a direction that causes the movable connector  66  to translate toward the left end cap  62  (the shade is extending), thereby tensioning and effectively lengthening the coil spring  38 , the movement of the movable connector  66  it is limited by the abutment stop  102  protruding radially from the threaded shaft  68 . The abutment stop  102  may be formed on the threaded shaft  68  spaced away from the terminal end of the thread  98  so as to be positioned at an outermost end  120  of the internal thread  114  of the movable connector (see  FIG.  17   ) when the internal thread  114  and abutment stop  102  are engaged. When the portion of the thread  114  of the moveable connector  66  engages the abutment stop  102  and the movement of the connector  66  is halted, the other end  122  of the single thread  114 , as best seen in  FIG.  17   , becomes aligned near or at the end  100  of the thread  98 A on the threaded shaft  68 . The shaft or screw limit stop includes the abutment stop  102  extending outwardly from the threaded shaft  68 . This shaft or screw limit stop interferes with the rotation of the thread  114  formed on the inside surface of the movable connector  66 . This position denotes the full extension of the shade. 
     A vane orientation stop mechanism is described with reference to  FIGS.  17  and  19   . A terminal thread  98 A is formed at the end portion of thread  98 . A knuckle  123  is formed in thread  98 A, at or near the terminus of thread  98 , that defines an apex or transition in the thread direction, and at which the thread  98 A reverses direction or angle at least a slight amount. The portion of thread  98 A that extends beyond the knuckle  123  and that is in the reverse direction from the balance of thread  98  before the knuckle is defined as the end tab. The end tab  125  of the thread  98 A is angled back towards the previous extensions of thread  98 . In this manner, the terminal thread  98 A defines the knuckle  123  that defines an apex directed towards the end of the shaft  68 . 
     The internal threads  114  defined on movable nut  66  have corresponding features defined thereon to aid in the operative engagement with the knuckle  123  and tab  125  on the thread  98  of the shaft  68 . The thread  114  defines a knuckle  114 A ( FIG.  19   ), at which point a terminus portion of the thread  114  forms a tab  114 B with an angle slightly reversed from the earlier extension of thread  114 . The knuckle  114 A and the tab  1148  are shaped and formed similarly to that described with respect to the knuckle  123  and tab  125  on thread  98 . 
     When the knuckle  114 A passes knuckle  123  ( FIG.  17   ) as the movable connector rotates near the end of its travel, the end tab  125  on thread  98  will come into engagement with the tab  114 B on thread  114 , and the respective reverse angles at which each tab extends forms an over-center latch or position that anchors or resists the movement of the movable connector  66  back towards the fixed nut under the tension of the spring  38  (retraction of the shade). This is because beyond the respective knuckles  123 ,  114 A, the end tab portions  125 ,  114 B of the threads  98 ,  114  angle in a direction reverse to the direction of the rest of the thread  98  and  114 . The position of the knuckle  114 A and tab  1148  on the movable nut  66  in an orientation to connect with the end tab  125  thus interferes with the rotation of the roller in a direction to retract the shade from the fully extended position. So, as the movable connector  66  translates towards the left end cap  62 , and the single thread  114  is aligned with the end  100  of the thread  98 A, the knuckle  123  and tab  126  (which is reversed in a spiral direction from the rest of the thread) defines a seat. The seat defined by the knuckle  123  and tab  125  encourages the movable connector or nut  66 , when knuckle  114 A and tab  1148  are positioned at the seat to remain in the over-center position past the knuckle  123 . In other words, the reversed direction of the spiral thread at the knuckle  123  near the end  100  of the shaft, as shown in  FIG.  17   , provides an over-center relationship between the movable connector and the thread on the shaft to selectively and releasably hold the movable connector in position under the tension of the spring  38 . This also corresponds generally with the position of the maximum bias provided by the coil spring  38 , which also generally corresponds with the limit of the extension of the shade. Also, when the thread  114  engages the end tab  125  and is held in that bottom-most position by the tension applied by the spring  38 , the thread  114  may also be in contact with the abutment stop  102 . At this bottom position, the bottom rail is oriented so as to cause the front and back sheets to move relative to one another and become spaced apart, which orients the vanes in a relatively horizontal (or open) position, such as the orientation shown, for instance, in  FIG.  7 B . The knuckle  123  formed on the thread  98  is included in the vane orientation stop mechanism, which causes the thread  114  to engage the end tab  125  and holds the vanes in an open position. Other examples of the vane orientation stop mechanism described above are provided below. 
     The movable connector  66  is selectively and releasably prevented from reversing direction due to the engagement of the end  122  of its thread  114  with the reversed end tab  125  on the main thread  98  of the shaft  68 , which is positioned past the knuckle  123  ( FIG.  17   ). Movement of the roller  42  in an opposite direction causes the internal thread  114  of the movable connector as viewed in  FIG.  17    to move over the knuckle off its over-centered relationship with the end  100  of the thread  98 A on the shaft  68  to allow the roller to rotate to retract the shade with the assistance of the spring tension. During the retraction of the roller, the movable connector  66  begins to rotate and follow the thread on the shaft back towards the fixed connector  65 . 
     Rotation of the roller  42  in a forward or rearward direction is caused by creating downward tension on either the front  44  or back  45  vertical sheets of the shade material ( FIG.  7   ), respectively. This may be accomplished by a user pressing down on the front or back edge of the bottom rail  34 , which is attached respectively to the bottom edges of the front  44  and back  45  vertical sheets. In other words, the operator can place the shade in an extended position with the vanes open by pulling down on the back edge of the bottom rail, which rotates roller  42  to its limit and places the end tab  125  portion of the thread  98 A into the over-centered and seated position ( FIG.  17   ). In the over-centered and seated position, the thread  98  negates or resists the bias exerted by the spring that may otherwise rotate the roller tube in a direction to cause the orientation of the bottom rail to change and the vanes to close. 
     When the vanes are open in this bottom-most over-center position, the operator can push down on the front of the bottom rail, effectively tensioning panel  44  and causing the roller  42  to rotate in a direction which turns connector  66  and overcomes the rotational resistance created in the over-center seated position. This causes the vanes to close. The angle of the thread  98  before the knuckle  123  is relatively steep, and the reverse angle of the thread  98 A forming the tab  125  after the knuckle  123  may be relatively steep or shallow. The apex of the knuckle itself may be rounded, to allow the movable connector  66  to disengage as selectively desired by the user by pulling down on the front edge of the bottom rail, as is described below. The angle of the thread  114  before the knuckle  114 A is relatively steep, and the reverse angle of the thread forming the tab  114 B after the knuckle  114 A may be relatively steep or shallow. The apex of the knuckle  114 A itself may be rounded. The over-centered position can thus be overcome relatively easily to allow retraction of the shade. Note that the thread angle before and after the knuckle on either of the threads  98  or  114  is not limited to that described or shown herein. 
     When the shade is lifted as by raising the bottom rail, the nut will rotate and translate toward the opposite or right end of the roller in the direction of the fixed connector  44 . In other words, as the movable nut  66  is rotated on the threaded shaft  68  under the tension bias of the spring  38 , it assists the roller to rotate with it, the movable nut  66  translates along the length of the roller (and shaft  68 ) to retract the coil spring and assist in the lifting of the shade into the partially or fully retracted position. 
     As can be appreciated from the above, when the end  122  of the thread  114  is in its over-centered and seated position past the knuckle  123 , the shade is in the fully open and extended position of the  FIG.  7 A or  7 B . It will be appreciated in the fully opened position that the vanes  46  are substantially horizontally disposed so that there is substantially full vision through the shade. By lowering the front edge of the bottom rail, as shown in  FIG.  7 C , the front sheet  44  of the fabric material is pulled downwardly relative to the rear sheet  45  so that the vanes  46  become slightly inclined thereby reducing the amount of the vision obtained through the shade. The position of the vanes illustrated in  FIG.  7 C  occurs substantially at the time the end  122  of thread  114  is aligned with the knuckle  123 . Once the end  122  of the thread  114  is moved past the knuckle  123  by lowering the front edge of the bottom rail as shown in  FIG.  7 C , the shade material will move to its fully closed position of  FIG.  2   . With the shade material closed, it can be raised by lifting the bottom rail toward the head rail of the covering, which allows the fabric material to wrap automatically around the roller  42  under the bias of the coil spring. Of course, the movement of the bottom rail toward the head rail can be stopped at any position and the shade will remain in that position until the bottom rail is raised or lowered. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  5 ,  6 ,  8 ,  11 ,  12 ,  21  and  22   , the right end of the coil spring is seen anchored to the fixed end connector  64 . The fixed connector (see  FIG.  12   ) has an external thread  124  formed on a cylindrical body  126  thereof adapted to receive the right end of the coil spring  38  by screwing the connector into the right end of the spring. The fixed end connector also has tabs  127  (see  FIG.  8   ) that are received in the internal grooves  118  of the inner roller component  48  to assure unitary rotation of the connector  64  and the roller. The fixed connector  64  is adjustably located in any desired fixed location within the inner component  48  of the roller  42  by a pivotal plate  128  that is slid into and within an open cavity  130  in a larger diameter semi-cylindrical portion  132  of the fixed connector  64 . The pivotal plate  128  is movable between a gripping position, as shown, for example in  FIG.  22   , where the outer edge  134  of the movable plate  128  is in contact with and wedged against the inner surface of the inner component  48  of the roller  42 , and a release position, as shown, for example in  FIG.  24   , where the pivotal plate  128  has been pivoted in a counterclockwise direction to release the engagement thereof with the inner wall of the inner component  48  of the roller  42 . The pivotal plate  128  is biased into its gripping position of  FIG.  22    by a spring plate  136  integrally formed on the fixed connector. In this example the spring plate is in the form of a cantilever member extending at an angle off an edge of the fixed connector  64 . 
     As will be appreciated in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , in combination with the above description, the position of the fixed end  64  of the spring  38  relative to the left end of the roller  42  determines the amount of bias force the coil spring  38  can apply to the shade. Shifting the fixed end  64  of the spring  38  to the right away from the left end (i.e. bearing sleeve  60 ) will obviously provide a stronger or more powerful bias of the coil spring while shifting the fixed position of the fixed connector to the left will weaken the spring. In some examples, the spring bias is configured to be sufficient to raise the weight of the shade fabric, but is not sufficient to raise the fabric and the bottom rail. Therefore, the shade remains in a static position until a person manually lifts the bottom rail. As will be discussed in more detail below, in other examples, the bias force of the spring may be varied in other manners. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  23  and  24   , the position of the fixed end connector  64  is shown being moved with an auxiliary tool  138 . The auxiliary tool  138  may include a plunger  140  adapted to be inserted through the outer open end of the fixed connector  64  and into engagement with the pivot plate  128 . The plunger  140 , once inserted, depresses the plate  128  as shown in  FIG.  24    against the bias of the spring plate  136 . By doing so, the fixed connector  64  is free to slide within the inner component  48  of the roller  42  either to the left or to the right, and grippers  138  are provided on the tool to grip a disk  140  on the outer end of the fixed connector so that it can be pulled to the right if desired. By releasing the grippers and pulling the plunger out of the fixed connector  64 , the pivotal plate  128  will re-engage the inner wall of the inner component  48  of the roller so that the fixed connector  64  will remain in position. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , it will be appreciated the right end of the roller  42  is rotatably mounted on a bearing  142  that sits on a cylindrical stub shaft  144  that projects inwardly from a right end plate  146  of the head rail  32 . In this manner, the roller  52  may be rotatably supported by the bearing  142  at its right end and the bearing  60  at its left end and the outer component  52  of the roller can extend fully from one end plate to the other so that a shade material  36  extending substantially the full width of the head rail between the end plates  146  and  62  can be supported by the roller  42 . 
     It will be evident from the above that there are relatively movable parts within the operating system of the present disclosure such as between the movable end connector  66  and the threaded shaft  68 , and the left and right end bearings  60  and  142 , respectively, supporting the roller  42  on the left and right end plates of the head rail  32 . Pursuant to the present disclosure throughout, a level of predetermined level of friction may be built or designed into the moving parts of the operating system at these and maybe other locations, which friction would be within a range of coefficients of friction, the range being dependent upon the weight of the shade material combined with the weight of the bottom rail. 
     As mentioned previously, the combination of the friction between the relatively movable parts in the operating system and the upward bias force generated by the coil spring  38  and applied to the shade and bottom rail  34  support the shade against the action of gravity thereon. In other words, without the spring or the friction, the bottom rail would fall by gravity to the extended position of the covering, such as defined by the bottom of the architectural opening in which the shade is mounted. However, the combination of the bias of the spring and the friction built into the system cooperates to hold the bottom rail (and shade) against movement at any predetermined position of the bottom rail within the architectural opening. This occurrence helps mitigate the need to have an exact upward bias force needed by the spring to allow the positioning of the shade in between the fully extended and fully retracted positions. The friction in the system may help temper the effect of gravity where the spring force may be slightly lower than desired, and the friction in the system may also temper the effect of a spring having a slightly higher bias force than is desired. 
     The coil spring may generally provide the primary anti-gravity or counter-balancing support for the bottom rail and shade, while the friction may fine-tune that anti-gravity support. Since the bias in the coil spring can be adjusted by selecting a spring with the appropriate spring rate and adjusting the fixed location of the fixed end connector  64  along the length of the roller  42 , the bias of the coil spring  38  may be made to by itself precisely counteract the weight of the shade fabric at any extension position and regardless of the effect of the friction in the system. It should be appreciated, as previously mentioned, the effective weight of the shade fabric increases as the shade is extended. It should also be appreciated the bias of the coil spring increases as the movable end connector  66  moves to the left increasing the bias of the spring. The combination of the variable bias of the spring and the built-in friction of the relatively movable parts has been found to offset gravity on the combined weight of the shade material and the bottom rail to prevent movement of the bottom rail by gravity at any selected position within the architectural opening in which the bottom rail is manually placed. It is contemplated that while the bias force varies, as described throughout, with the extension of the shade element, the operating system may be designed to include a transmission mechanism that would allow the bias force to be constant or decrease throughout the extension of the shade element if a level or decreasing bias force was desired. 
     As will be appreciated from the above, an operator can easily retract or extend the shade by simply lifting or lowering the bottom rail and can tilt the vanes to adjust the amount of vision and light permitted through the shade material by tilting the bottom rail when in the extended position. The effort of the operator in combination with the bias of the coil spring make the movement very simple and substantially effortless. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  25 - 28   , another example of the covering is illustrated. This embodiment may be substantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 24   . However, in this example, the system utilized for anchoring the right end of the spring  38  may be varied. Accordingly, the below description of the embodiment of  FIGS.  25 - 28   , may refer to the system for mounting the fixed end of the spring even though reference numerals are included as they occurred in the description of the first embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG.  27   , the threaded shaft  68 , bearings  93 , the hub or bearing  60 , the c-clip  96 , the moveable end connector  66 , the inner-cylindrical component  48  of the roller and the coil-biasing spring  38  may be identical to the first described embodiment. However, in this example, the system for anchoring the fixed end of the coil spring includes an elongated threaded bolt  150 , a fixed end anchor  152 , an end plug  154  for the inner-roller component  48 , large  156  and small  158  bearing washers, and an adjustable nut  160  adapted to be threaded onto the bolt. The outer spiral wrap element  162  (which could also be used in the first described embodiment) may be used for dampening spring vibration and may prevent the spring from banging or running against the inner wall of the roller component  48 . Looking first at the fixed end anchor  152 , it may be substantially identical to the moveable end anchor  66 , except that the fixed end anchor  152  has a short cylindrical extension  166  from its threaded end  168 . The cylindrical extension  166  may include a hexagonal socket  170  formed in its axial end for receipt of the nut  160  to prevent the nut from rotating relative to the fixed end spring anchor. As with moveable end anchor  66 , threads  172  are provided thereon so that the fixed end of the coil spring  38  can be screwed onto the fixed end anchor to fix the fixed end of the spring to the fixed end anchor. The end plug  154  for the roller component  48  is a cylindrical plug having a small diameter portion  174  adapted for insertion into the open right end of the roller component  48  and a larger cylindrical component  176  that abuts the adjacent end of the roller component  48 . The plug has a centered passage  178  there through for slideable receipt of the threaded bolt. The large  156  and small  158  bearing washers also have passages there through for alignment with the passage through the plug  154  so that the bolt  150  can also pass through the bearing washers with a hexagonal head  180  of the bolt then being exposed at the right end of the roller tube  48 . 
     The threaded rod is inserted through the washers and the end plug and subsequently through the fixed end anchor for the spring and then receives the threaded hexagonal nut  160  thereon, which is seated within the socket  170  at the free end of the cylindrical extension on the fixed end anchor. 
     In as much as generally the coil spring  38  may always have some bias, meaning for instance and similar to that of the first embodiment described above, at its length of extension when the shade is in a fully retracted position, the coil spring tends to bias the fixed end anchor to the left, thereby encouraging the hexagonal nut to remain within the socket at the left end of the fixed end anchor. 
     With this arrangement, by rotating the threaded bolt  150  with a socket-type tool (not shown) by engaging the hexagonal head  180  of the bolt it can be rotated causing the nut  160  to translate along the length of the bolt. As the nut  160  translates along the bolt length, it thereby moves the fixed end anchor along the length of the bolt to vary the tension or bias of the coil spring. Thus, the desired bias of the spring is easily manipulated by rotation of the bolt with an appropriate socket-type tool or other tool inserted through the open end of the roller  42  where it can engage the head of the bolt as possibly best appreciated by reference to  FIG.  28   . 
     The inner plug  164  supports and centers the free end of the bolt  150 , which extends into the center hole in plug  164 . The plug  164  also serves as a safety stop to contain the spring energy in the event that a component in the assembly should fail. The inner plug  164  is sized to fit within the inside of the coil spring. 
     The right end of the outer roller component  52  receives a splined bearing  182  such that they rotate together. The bearing  182  rotatably sits on a cylindrical hub  184  integral with bearing plate  61  which is in turn connected to the end cap  62  with a fastener  186 . 
     The operating system may include different examples the operating system including the drive mechanism, screw limit stops, counterbalance mechanisms and/or orientation stops. In one example, the counter-balancing mechanisms may include one or more windable springs that may be operably connected to a non-rotatable shaft or rod at one end, and operably connected to the roller so as to move with the rotation of the roller. As the roller rotates, such as due to a user retracting or extending the shade upward or downward, the rotatable springs may wind around a fixed axle or rod at right angles to the rod&#39;s length to vary the biasing force or strength of the spring. For example, the rotatable springs may compress (increase bias force) or decompress (decrease bias force) as one end is wrapped and unwrapped around the non-rotatable shaft. 
     A first example of an alternative counter-balancing system is described with reference to  FIGS.  29  and  30   .  FIG.  29    is a front elevation view of an architectural covering incorporating an alternative example of the operating system with a shade partially retracted.  FIG.  30    is a front elevation view of an architectural covering including another example of the operating system with a shade partially retracted. The covering  200  may include a head rail  232 , a roller and drive mechanism (not shown), a shade  236 , and an end rail  234 . The head rail  232  may be operably connected to two end caps  262  (See  FIG.  32   ) that may be secured to opposing ends of the head rail  232 . As noted above and described in further detail below, the shade  236  is attached to the roller for retraction onto and extension there from. As shown in  FIG.  31   , the architectural covering may also include one or more top stops  226 , which keep the bottom rail from wrapping over the top. The shade  236  may be substantially similar to the shade  36  illustrated in  FIG.  1   , and may include a front sheet  244 , a rear sheet  245  (See  FIG.  55   ), and one or more vanes  246 . Referring now to  FIGS.  31  and  32   , the covering  200  may also include an operating system  202  to assist in extending and retracting the shade  236 , as well as to open and close the vanes when the shade is in the extended position.  FIG.  31    is an exploded view of an operating system  202  or drive mechanism including one or more counter balancing spring motors  204  and/or an orientation stop mechanism  206 . As shown in  FIG.  32   , the counter-balancing spring motor  204  and the orientation stop mechanism  206  may be disposed in an interior of a roller  242 , which operably connects to the shade  236 , such as in the manner described above with respect to the first example. The orientation stop mechanism  206  will be discussed in more detail below, but generally may assist in retaining the shade  236  in an extended position with the vanes  246  in one or more than one open configuration. 
     The counter balancing spring motor  204  may apply a biasing force to the roller  242 , directly or indirectly, to balance the weight of the shade  236  in order to allow the shade  236  to be positioned in a fixed location along any point along the length of extension of the shade  236 . In other words, the shade  236  may be positioned at substantially any location between the fully extended and fully retracted positions. Since the counter-balancing spring motor  204  eliminates the need for operating cords and acts as a cordless shade position mechanism or lock, it may help reduce accidents or injuries resulting from people or animals interacting with operating cords. 
     The counter-balancing spring motor  204  may include one or more spring units  302 ,  304  that may vary a biasing force exerted on a roller operably connected to the shade  236 . The biasing force is applied to the roller in the direction opposite the direction of rotation of the roller when the shade is extending. The biasing force is related to the extended position of the shade  236  relative to the roller. As the shade  236  transitions from the retracted position to the extended position, the biasing force exerted on the roller  242  by the one or more springs in the direction of retracting the shade may increase in order to counteract the increase of the effective weight of the shade  236  due to the shade extending away from the head rail  232 . Because the biasing or urging force of the counter balancing spring motor  204  varies with the amount of extension and retraction of the shade, the biasing force exerted by the counter-balancing spring motor  204 , in addition to inherent friction within the operating system of the covering  200 , provides a sufficient counter-balancing force to allow the shade  236  to be held in position along any location between extended and retracted positions. It should be noted that in the fully retracted position, the counter balancing spring motor may apply a biasing or urging force to the roller to assist the shade in maintaining its retracted position, and to reduce any looseness or the like experienced by the user when first extending the shade from the fully retracted position. 
     The counter balancing spring motor  204  may be disposed within an interior cavity  243  of the roller  242 . In this location, the counter balancing spring motor  204  is operably connected to a support rod  218 , which is fixed in position relative to the end cap  262 , and thus does not rotate along with the roller  242 . The support rod  218  provides a fixed point of connection for the motor  204 . As shown in  FIGS.  32  and  33   , the support rod  218  may be fixedly mounted within the head rail  232  such that it does not rotate with the roller. The spring motor  204  defines a fixed end which anchors to the rod  218 , against which the spring motor winds-up to increase the spring force biasing the roller towards retraction when the shade is being extended. 
       FIGS.  31 ,  32 , and  33    show the general assembly of the covering  200 , including the end plates  262 , roller  242 , and the operating system of this example. The operating system of this example includes the counter balancing spring motor  204 , and rod  218 . The roller  242  is rotatably mounted between the side plates  262  in a manner to allow rotation of the roller  242  relative to the side plates  262 . The mounting of the roller  242  to each side plate  262  using hubs  260 A and  260 B is identical, so the structure associated with only one end of the roller  242  is described. A hub  260 A is received in the open end  243  of the roller  242 , and itself defines a central bore  284  ( FIG.  35   ). The central bore  284  is rotatably received over an outer end  412  of an elongated tubular post  208 , which outer end  412  is in turn is secured to the side plate  262  by a central boss  264  and fastener  222 . The outer end  412  of the post  208  acts as a bearing, and the hub  260 A rotates thereon as the roller  242  rotates during extension and retraction of the shade. The post  208  does not rotate relative to the side plate  262 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  31 - 33   , the operating system is positioned within the roller, and engages the roller as well as the side plate at one end of the roller (the left end in  FIGS.  32  and  33   ). The operating system includes a counter balancing spring motor  204 , which has one actuable end (outer shell  306 ,  FIG.  37   ) engaging the roller  242 , and another fixed or anchor end  352  (inner tab) ( FIG.  40   ) positioned inside the roller. As the roller rotates during the extension of the shade, the counter-balancing spring motor  204  also rotates, which increases the bias force between the actuable end and the fixed end, the bias force being in the direction against the direction of rotation of the roller during extension of the shade. The counter-balancing spring motor  204  is mounted on an elongated rod  218 , with the fixed end of the counter balancing spring motor  204  anchored on the rod  218  to maintain its position during rotation of the roller  242 . One end of the rod  218  is attached by a collar or cap  219  to the inner end  414  of the post  208 , and held there in a fixed orientation so as to not rotate, thus providing a basis against which the counter-balancing spring motor  204  can increase its bias force during extension of the shade off of the roller  242 . A screw limit nut  205  is threadedly engaged around an outer surface of the post  208 , and engages at least a portion of its perimeter  211  the inner wall  247  of the roller  242  so that it rotates with the roller  242 , but is allowed to move axially along at least a portion of the length of the roller. The screw limit nut  205  functions with the vane orientation stop to set the extension limit of the shade, as well as to allow the vanes of the shade to be held in an open position when at the extension limit. With reference to  FIGS.  32  and  33   , the roller  242  has an elongated cylindrical shape, and defines an internal cavity  243  having a generally elongated cylindrical shape defined by the inner surface  247  of the wall of the roller. The roller  242  may be made of metal, plastic, wood, or other suitable materials, and may include a single piece, or more than one piece permanently or temporarily secured together. The roller may be received within an elongated cavity defined by the head rail  232 , and the shade  236  may extend from the roller  242 . With the hubs  260 A and  260 B mounted in the ends of the roller  242 , the rotatably engaging the side plates  262  of the head rail, the roller may rotate in the head rail as controlled by the user. The roller acts to retract or extend the shade, or hold the shade in a fixed position of extension as desired by the user. 
     As shown in  FIG.  34   , the internal cavity  243  of roller  242  may define a diameter D and may define a shade securing groove  256  extending longitudinally along the length of the roller  242 . The groove  256  extends into the inner cavity  243  of the roller  242 . The shade-securing groove  256  may operably receive the shade  236  by an anchor strip  214  positioned into and secured within the shade-securing groove  256 . The anchor strip holds the fabric of the shade that extends over the roller between the front  244  and rear  245  sheets in the groove. The shade-securing groove  256  may define, in radial cross-section, a larger dimension at the bottom or radially inward end  278 , and a narrower neck that opens through the outer surface of the roller  242 . The groove  256  may extend the entirety of the length of the roller. 
     The roller  242  may include retaining lips  266 ,  268  on opposite edges of the groove  256 . The lips  266 ,  268  extend over an internal cavity portion of the groove  256  to define the narrow neck or mouth of the groove. The lips  266 ,  268  act as a retaining structure to help secure the anchor strip  214  and the shade  236  in position within the groove  256 . After the shade material is positioned over the groove, the anchor strip is positioned in the groove by being slid in from an end of the roller or positioned through the neck of the groove. Once positioned in the groove, the anchor strip is held therein by the lips  266 ,  268 , and secures the fabric in the groove, and the shade to the roller. The anchor strip  214  may be secured to the shade material  236 , such as through adhesive, fasteners, or the like. In other examples, one or more ends of the shade  236  may be positioned within the shade-securing groove  256  and the anchor strip  214  may be positioned over the shade material, securing it to the roller  242 . As another example, the anchor strip  214  may be received within a loop or pocket formed within one or more ends of the shade material and then positioned within the groove. It should be noted that in other examples, such as shown in  FIG.  50   , the roller  242  may include two separate grooves, each for receiving the top edge of each of the front and rear sheets. Alternatively, the shade  236  may be otherwise operably connected to the roller  242 , such as by sewing, gluing, adhering, or otherwise. 
     The groove  256  extends into the inner cavity  243  and creates a key structure  258 , which engages and receives a matching-shaped cut-out in the rim of the screw limit nut  205  (as described herein below) to both cause the limit nut  205  to rotate with the roller, as well as guide or translate the limit nut  205  along the length of the tube. The key structure  258  may also engage the actuating portion of the counter-balancing spring motor to cause it to rotate with the roller  242 . The specific connections of the orientation stop mechanism and motor  204  are discussed in more detail below. 
     The key structure  258  has a general wedge-shape defined by sidewalls  272  and  274 , with the narrower dimension adjacent the outer peripheral wall of the roller  242 , and the wider dimension positioned toward the central axis of the roller. A bottom surface  276  may extend between terminating edges of each of the sidewalls  272 ,  274 , and thus the sidewalls  272 ,  274  and the bottom surface  276  may define the pocket of the receiving groove  256 . 
     It should be noted that the roller  242  might be otherwise configured. For example, the roller  242  may include multiple keying structures to operably connect to the motor  204  or other components. Additionally or alternatively, the roller  242  may include multiple grooves or other elements that may be used to operably connect the shade  236  thereto. 
     With reference to  FIG.  35   , the hub  260 A includes a main body  290  defining a generally cylindrical passage  284  there through, a collar  288  extending radially outwardly from a first end of the main body  290 , and a plurality of radially extending ribs  292  running longitudinally along the main body  290 , abutting the underside of the collar  288  at a first end, and terminating generally at the other end of the main body  290 . The ribs  292  extend radially to a dimension just less than the radial dimension of the collar  288 , leaving an annular strip  289  around the periphery of the underside of the flange. The hub  260 A may further include a radially extending groove  286  defined in the wall forming the cylindrical passage  284 . The groove  286  extends in an axial direction along at least a portion of the length of the hub. The groove  286  allows for clearance of the protrusion  430  on the shaft  208 . With the hub  260 B is positioned in the end of the roller  242 , the roller can be received over the shaft  208  during assembly by lining up the groove  286  with the protrusion prior to positioning the roller onto the shaft  208 . Once the roller is positioned over the shaft  208 , the hub is axially spaced away from the protrusion  430 , and there is no interference between the two as the hub and roller rotate about the shaft. Hub  260 B, for use in the other end of the roller, may be similar or identical to hub  260 A. The open end  243  of the roller  242  receives hub  260 A, with the ribs  292  engaging the inner surface of the sidewalls  247  of the roller  242 , and the annular strip  289  engaging the axial end of the roller so that the periphery of the collar on the hub  260 A is flush or near flush with the outer surface of the roller  242 . With the hub  260 A in place, the central passage  284  through the hub defines a reduced dimensioned opening into the interior of the roller  242 . The collar  288  may form an end cap for the roller  242  and may be positioned between an end of the roller  242  and the end cap  262  for the head rail. 
     The post  208  is best shown in  FIGS.  32 ,  33  and  36   . The post  208  has an elongated main body  213  having a generally cylindrical exterior surface  406  and a central passageway  410  defined by a generally cylindrical interior surface  408  (see  FIG.  33   ). The central passageway  410  extends axially along a length of the post  208 . A cylindrical inner wall  418  is positioned concentrically in the central passageway  410  and extends from the outermost end  412  of the post  208  a short distance through the central passage way  410 . The inner wall  418  defines a central bore  420  is spaced away from the interior surface  406  of the central passageway  410  by struts  419  positioned around the periphery of the inner wall  418 . The inner wall  418  may also be attached around the circumference of its innermost end to the interior surface  406  of the central passage way  410 , forming an axially facing annular bearing shoulder  413  ( FIG.  33   ). 
     The external surface  406  of the post  208  defines threads  504  from a midpoint along its length to the to the innermost end  414 . The outermost end  412  of the post  208  defines a smooth outer bearing surface  415 . A protrusion  430  extends outwardly from the surface  406  of the post  208 , and is positioned near the outermost end of the threaded section  504  of the post. The protrusion  430  is a structure related to the vane orientation stop mechanism  206 , which is described in greater detail below. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS.  31 ,  32  and  36   , the post  208  is affixed to the to the end plate  262  by a fastener  222 . A cylindrical screw seat boss  264  having a threaded internal bore extends at right angles from a central region of the end plate  262 . The boss  264  is sized to fit within the passageway defined by inner wall  418  of the post  208 . The length of the screw seat boss  264  is slightly shorter than the length of the inner wall  418 . To attach the post to the end plate  262 , the post  208  is positioned over the screw seat boss  264  to receive the screw seat boss in the bore  420  defined by the inner wall  418 . The interior dimension of the bore  420  is sized to closely receive the outer dimension of the screw seat boss  264 , and provide a solid, aligned engagement between the post  208  and the end plate  262 . The outermost end  412  of the post  412  abuts the end plate  262 , and the axially extending alignment nubs  215  on the outermost end  412  of the post  208  are seated in corresponding alignment indentations  217  formed in the end plate  264  (see  FIG.  31   ). A fastener, such as screw  222 , is threadedly engaged with the threaded internal bore of the screw boss  264 . When tightened, the flange head of the screw  222  engages the bearing shoulder  413  of the post and draws it tightly toward the end plate  264 . The alignment nubs  215  engaged tightly against the alignment recesses  217  help keep the post  208  from rotating relative to the end plate  264 , either from the roller rotating about the post or the counter-balancing spring motor  204  applying a torque load to the rod  218 . A second post  210  is positioned to extend from the side plate  262  on the opposite end of the head rail, as shown in  FIG.  32   . The second post  210  is secured to the side plate in the same manner and by the same structure as post  208 . There is no cap on the second post  210 , but there may be if needed or desired. 
     The inner end  414  of the post  218 , as best shown in  FIGS.  32  and  33   , receives a cap  219 . The cap  219  is generally cup-shaped, and has rim walls  221  substantially closed at one end  223  and open at the opposite end  225 . The open end  225  receives the inner end  414  of the post  208 , and is secured in a rotationally-fixed manner so as not to rotate. The closed end  223  defines aperture for receiving an end of the rod  218 , and the aperture is keyed to receive the rod  218  and inhibit the rod from rotating within the cap. The rod  218  extends into the post  218  a portion of its length through the keyed aperture in the cap  219 . A length of the rod  218  extends outwardly away from the post for engagement by the counter balancing spring motor  204 , as is described in further detail below. Thus, the rod  218  is anchored in a non-rotatable manner to the head rail by affixing to the cap  219  in a non-rotatable manner, with the cap engaging the post in a non-rotatable manner, and the post engaging the side plates  262  in a non-rotatable manner. 
     The rod  218 , referring to  FIG.  32   , extends through the motors  302  and  304 , and its distal end  249  extends into the interior cavity  251  of the second post  210 . The distal end  249  of the rod is not supported within the roller. The distal rod  218  is held in a non-rotational fixed position by the cap  218  on post  208 , and is supported at a midpoint along its length by engagement with the motors  304  and  306 . It should be noted that the distal end  249  of the rod  218  may be supported in the opposing post  210 , using a cap similar to cap  219  received on post  208 . Supporting the rod  218  at one end simplifies assembly and reduces the number of parts used for the product. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  37 - 40   , the operating system for supporting the bottom rail of a shade in a desired position may use different types of counter-balancing spring motors  204 , such as the spring  38  described above positioned within the roller and extending along a portion of the length there of, or clock-type springs positioned inside the roller and oriented orthogonally to the length of the roller  242 . The counter balancing spring motor  204  may urge the roller through an indirectly engagement, such as with the spring  38 , or may urge the roller through a direct engagement with the roller, such as with the clock spring example described below. In one example, the counter-balancing spring motor  204  used herein may be a clock-spring model, which includes an actuable end, for example housing  306 , which may be an outer end of a clock spring and operably associated with the roller  242 , and an anchor end, such as inner tab  356 , which may be an inner end of a piano spring and operably associated with a stationary anchor rod  218  positioned inside the roller  242 . The actuable end is operably associated with the roller  242 , such as by an attached engagement to cause the actuable end to rotate with the roller  24   s . The anchored end is operably associated with the rod  218  to fix the anchored end from moving with the roller or the actuable end. As the actuable end moves with the rotation of the roller  242 , the bias force in the spring, acting in the opposite direction of the rotation of the roller, increase. This bias force then creates the counter-balancing force to help hold the shade at the users selected position of shade extension. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS.  31  and  32   , the counter-balancing spring motor  302  is positioned inside the roller, and is received on the rod  218 . The motor  302  is positioned inside the roller at a location spaced generally mid-way between the ends of the roller. The motor  204  may be located at any point along the length dimension of the roller  242 , and if more than one motor  204  is used, the motors may be located in any effective position relative to each other and in any effective position along the length of the roller. One or more than one motor  204  may be used in any particular shade, depending on the desired bias force required for the size and properties (width, length, depth, material density) of the shade. The motors are rated to indicate particular load limit based on the motor&#39;s design. Since each motor  204  used in the same shade applies its bias force directly on the roller, load capability of more than one motor  204  of this type used in an operating system is calculated by adding the load rating of each motor. 
     With respect to  FIG.  37    and  FIG.  38   , the counter balancing spring motor  302  will now be discussed in more detail. The counter balancing spring motor  204  is referenced above with respect to  FIG.  31    and other figures to generally refer to a rotational bias source or motor, which could be made up of one or more motors  304  or other bias sources. Here, individual motors of the clock-spring configuration defined herein, are referred to individually as counter balancing spring motor  304 . It should be noted that the second counter-balancing spring motor  304  shown in  FIGS.  31 ,  32 , and  33    may be substantially identical to the first counter-balancing spring motor  302 , accordingly the discussion with respect to the first counter-balancing spring motor  302  may be applied to the second counter-balancing spring motor  304 . However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the counter-balancing spring motors might be configured differently from each other. 
     The counter-balancing spring motor  302  may include an outer housing or shell  306  having a generally cylindrical shape. A flat spring  308  is wound around an anchor  310  and together they are positioned inside the housing  306 . The radially inner end  344  of the flat spring forms an inner tab  256 , which engages the anchor  310 , and together form the portion fixed to the stationary rod  218 . The flat spring is wound around itself into a relatively tight spiral similar to a clock spring, and the radially outer end forms an outer tab  354  which engages the housing  306 , the housing  306  and end  354  together form one example of the actuable portion. The housing  306  is operably connected to the roller  242  as described below, and configured to rotate with the roller  242 . The anchor  310  is operably connected to the spring  308 , and is operably connected to fixed support rod  218 . 
     The operation of the counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  will be discussed in more detail below, but generally because the spring  308  is operably connected to the housing  306  which rotates with the roller  242 , and also connected to the anchor  310 , which does not rotate, As the roller  242  rotates, the actuable end of the motor (housing  306  and outer tab  354 ) rotates also, which winds the spring more tightly around the fixed end (inner tab  356  and anchor  310 ). With every rotation of the roller the bias force urging the roller in the opposite direction increases. 
     With reference to  FIG.  39   , the housing  306  includes a generally cylindrical body having an open first end and a closed second end. The housing  306  define a spring cavity  332  that receives the spring  308  and a portion of the anchor  310 . The second end of the housing  306  may include an aperture  334  for receiving a terminal end of the anchor  310 , discussed in more detail below. 
     The housing  306 , continuing with  FIG.  39   , may include a tab pocket  316  for receiving and securing the outer tab  354  of the spring  308 . The tab pocket is defined between a sidewall  318  of the cavity  332  and an outer wall  336  of the housing  306 . An entry aperture  338  into the pocket  316  is defined between a tip  320  of the sidewall  318  and the outer wall  336  of the housing  306 . The tip  320  of the sidewall  318  is sharply “V” or triangular shaped. The tab pocket  316  receives a portion  354  of the spring  308 , which bends sharply around the tip  320  to help secure the engagement of the spring with the housing. Other pockets  322  and  324  are defined in the outer wall  336 . The pockets  322  and  324  are circumferentially spaced from one another, and may be used to operably connect a different example of the spring  308 , or may be used to reduce the weight of the housing  306 . A roller-engagement groove  314  may be defined in the outer surface of the housing  306 . The engagement groove  314  may be a recessed portion of the housing  306  that may be bordered by two sidewalls  326 ,  328  on opposite sides. In one example, the groove  314  is positioned between the portions of the housing defining the recesses  322 ,  324 . 
     The engagement groove  314  extends axially along the length of the housing  306  and may have a width that in general corresponds with the width of the keying surface  258  on the roller  242 . In this embodiment, the keying surface  258  may be received into the groove  314  to operably couple the housing  306  to the roller  242  to cause the housing  306  to rotate together with the roller  242 . With reference to  FIG.  37   , the two sidewalls  326 ,  328  may extend around the keying surface  258  to retain the keying surface  258  within the engagement groove  314  and keep the housing  306  from rotating independently of the roller  242 . Other portions of the housing  306  may intentionally or incidentally engage the wall of the roller  242 , or the housing  306  may be positioned in a spacer or adapter to allow it to fit inside a roller having a larger diameter, which is described in more detail below. This is described in more detail below. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  39  and  40   , the spring  308  for use in this example of the counter-balancing spring motor  302  is a flat strip of material, typically metal, that is wound around itself in a coil, such as a clock spring. The spring  308  stores mechanical energy when wound more tightly in the direction of the coil, and exerts a force or torque in a direction opposite to a direction of the winding. The exerted force may generally be proportional to the amount of winding. The spring  308  may include a core  352  having an inner tab  356  and an outer tab  354 . In at least one example, the outer tab  354  is the actuable end (in combination with the housing  306 ), and the inner tab is the fixed or anchor tab (in combination with the arbor  310  as described below). The actuable tab  354  is operably associated with and rotates together with the roller during use, which winds or unwinds the spring coil  308 . The anchor or fixed tab  356  is operably associated with and is fixed in position to not move with the roller. The relative motion between the two ends during the extension of the shade creates a spring force used to counterbalance the weight of the shade and bias the shade in the retracting direction. 
     Between the two tabs  354 ,  356 , the spring  308  may have a plurality of coiled windings  358 . The number of windings  358  may be varied, as well as the diameter of each of the windings  358 . For example, as the outer tab  354  is moved (and the inner tab is held in a fixed position) in the direction to create more coils that are tighter and more tightly spaced, the biasing force of the spring increases. Where the outer tab  354  is moved in a direction to create fewer, less tightly spaced coils, the biasing force of the spring decreases. 
     The inner tab  356  is a bent-end of the spring  308 , and the inner tab  356  represents the innermost winding of the spring which defines an central bore  352 . The windings  358  may be wound around the inner tab  356  of the spring  308  all the way out to the terminal end at the outer tab  354 . The outer tab  354  may be formed on a second end of the spring  308  and may be defined by a crease or sharp bend, and forms the outer portion of the spring  308 . The outer tab is bent in a direction away from the coil windings in order to be secured in the housing as described herein. 
     The spring  308  has a rest position where the spring  308  is not under a load. At this rest position the spring  308  has a diameter, and there is a number of full coil windings that are generally present in this neutral rest position. From this position, if the outer tab  354  is rotated in a first direction, and the inner tab  356  is secured in a fixed position, the diameter of the windings  358  is reduced and the number of windings  358  is increased as the core wraps around itself. This increases the spring bias in the direction to unwind (which is the biasing force used to retract the shade elsewhere described herein). Alternatively, with reference to  FIG.  40   , if the outer tab  354  is rotated in a second direction and the inner tab  356  is secured in place, the number of windings  358  may be reduced as the spring may be un-wound, and as this occurs the diameter of the remaining windings  358  may be increased as the spring  308  expands to accommodate the rotation. 
     In some examples, the spring  308  may have 4 to 20 windings  358 , and the number of windings  358  may depend on the desired biasing force for the counter-balancing spring motor. The biasing force may depend on the length or width of the shade and/or the weight of the shade material. In some instances, the spring  308  may have a thickness of 0.003″ to 0.005″ and may have a width ranging between 0.8″ to 1.5,″ depending on the desired biasing force. Additionally, in some instances, the motor  302  may have a set number of “pre-windings,” or windings that may be used to maintain a minimum biasing force, when mounted in the operating system in the roller  242 . The pre-load helps keep the spring in a slightly tensioned configuration, which helps the operation of the shade. As an example, the spring  308  may include 4 pre-windings and may then be wound due to rotation of the roller to include an additional  14  winds. In this example, the spring  308  for each counter-balancing spring motor  302 ,  304  may generally be configured to balance the weight of a shade  236  having a drop length of approximately 96″ and the total number of winds when the shade is fully extended may be 18. However, the number of windings, material, and dimension of the spring may be varied depending on a number of factors, such as but not limited to, material of the shade, drop length of the shade, width of the shade, weight of the end rail, and/or number of counter-balancing spring motors. 
     The counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  may each include the anchor or arbor  310  to rotationally secure the inner end  356  to the rod  218 , and help retain the spring  308  into the spring cavity  332  of the housing  206  and keep the spring  308  from coming out of the housing  306 . The anchor is positioned into the bore3  352  of the spring  308 . See  FIG.  39   . With reference to  FIGS.  41 - 43   , the anchor  310  may include an anchor end plate  342  extending from a first end of an elongated anchor body  350 . The anchor body  350  received and positioned in the spring cavity  332  and extend through the exit aperture  334  defined in the housing  306 . The anchor end plate  342  may serve as an end cap for the spring cavity  332  to prevent the spring  308  from leaving the cavity  332 . 
     The anchor body  350  may be a generally cylindrical body with a rod cavity  312  defined there through. The rod cavity  312  receives the support rod  218 . Additionally, an internal wall surrounding the rod cavity  312  may include a securing key feature  344  extending into the cavity  312 . The securing feature  344  may be a triangular shaped protrusion that may match to a corresponding securing channel  345  defined longitudinally along a length of the support rod  218  to rotationally secure the anchor  310  to the support rod  218 . As the support rod  218  is fixed to or operably associated with at least one of the end caps  262 , and is non-rotatable, the anchor  310  is prevented from rotating relative to the support rod  218 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the non-rotatable connection of the anchor  310  to the support rod  218  allows for the spring  308  to wind/unwind around the anchor  310  as the roller is rotated. 
     An outer surface of the anchor body  350  defines an elongated spring recess  346  and a spring blocking protrusion  348 . The spring recess  346  and blocking protrusion  348  help secure the spring  308  to the anchor  310 . For example, the spring recess  346  may receive a bent inner end portion of the spring  308 , and the blocking protrusion  348  may prevent the received portion of the spring  308  from sliding along the shaft  350  and out of the recess  346 . Additionally, the blocking protrusion  348  may also help to retain the anchor  310  within the housing  306 , such as by preventing the end of the anchor body  350  from sliding out of the exit aperture  334  defined in the housing  306 . 
     The spring recess  346  may be defined longitudinally along the length of the anchor body  350 , or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the spring recess  346  may have a length generally corresponding to a width of the spring  308 , and thus may be varied based on the width of the spring. However, in some embodiments it may be desirable for the spring recess  346  to have a longer length than a width of the spring  308 . In these embodiments, the spring  308  may slide along the length of the spring recess  346 , which may provide additional flexibility for torsion forces, and may cushion torsion forces that could otherwise disengage the spring  308  with the anchor  310 . For example, in instances where the spring is back-wound while in an un-tensioned configuration, the diameter of the windings may increase, but due to the sliding and releasable engagement of the spring with the spring recess, the tab received into the recess may release, preventing the spring from bending backwards and deforming. If the bent inner end of the spring deforms, it may not re-engage with the spring recess  346  and the spring would need to be removed from the housing to repair the inner end of the spring. 
     The inner tab  356  may be releasably received within the spring recess  346  defined in the anchor  310 , as is discussed below and with reference to  FIG.  39   . The inner tab  356  may disengage from the spring recess  346  in instances where the spring is rotated in the unwinding direction prior to spring tension being increased by rotating the spring the other way. As the spring  308  disengages, the spring  308  may be prevented from being damaged or deformed. Conventional clock springs may generally have both ends of the core secured in position, which may result in the spring being damaged or over-stressed if rotated in the back-wind direction. Accordingly, the connection of the spring  308  to the anchor  310  as illustrated in  FIG.  43    may help reduce damage to the spring in instances where the spring may be rotated in a back-wind direction. 
     It should be noted that the spring recess  346  might allow some slippage in retaining the spring  308 . Because the spring recess  346  may not tightly secure the spring  308  therein, the end of the spring received in the recess may be able to disengage from the spring recess  346 . For example, in instances where the spring  308  may be back-wound or otherwise wound in an opposite direction than as configured to rotate, the end of the spring  308  may disengage from the recess  346 . The blocking protrusion may prevent the spring  308  from bending or breaking when wound in the back direction. However, when the spring  308  is wound again in the forward direction, the end may slip back into the spring recess  346 , re-engaging the spring with the anchor  310 . 
     As briefly discussed above, the anchor end plate  342  may help to retain the spring  308  within the spring cavity  332 . In some embodiments, the anchor end plate  342  may be a cylindrically shaped disk or collar that extends radially from the anchor body  350 . The anchor end plate  342  may have the same diameter as the spring cavity  332  defined in the housing  306 , or may have a different diameter. For example, the anchor end plate  342  may have a smaller diameter than the spring cavity  332  and may be partially received therein. However, in other embodiments, the anchor end plate  342  may have a larger diameter and may be configured to extend to the outer wall  336  of the housing  306 . 
     The support rod  218  extends from the first non-rotatable shaft  208  and extends in the direction to the other non-rotatable shaft  210 . Additionally, the counter-balancing spring motor  204 , specifically, the counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  may be operably connected to and received on the support rod  218  as it extends between the two shafts  208 ,  201 . The housing  306  of each counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  may be rotatably coupled to the support rod  218 , whereas the anchor  310  of the counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  204  may be non-rotatably coupled to the support rod  218 . In this manner, as will be discussed in more detail below, the spring  308  may wind around itself to accommodate the rotation of the housing  306  in light of the non-rotatable anchor  310 . 
     In some instances, the counter balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  may include an adapter to accommodate rollers having a larger diameter, such as the roller  642  shown in  FIG.  50   . For instance, depending on the shade  236  material or length, the roller diameter may be increased to provide additional strength, and accommodate additional fabric or the like. In these instances the housing  306  diameters for each counter-balancing spring motor  302 ,  304  may be increased and/or an adapter may be positioned over the housing  306  counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  to effectively increase the diameter of the counter-balancing spring motors and provide adequate engagement between the motor  302  and the housing. 
     As shown in  FIG.  54   , the adapter  360  may be a generally cylindrical member and be configured to receive the housing  306  of the counter-balancing spring motor  302  in a manner than fixes the rotation of the housing and the adapter. The adapter  360  may include axially aligned and radially extending engaging fins  362  spaced apart from one another around an outer surface of the adapter  360 . The engaging fins  362  engage an interior surface of the roller  242  to operably connect the adapter  360  and counter-balancing spring motor  302  to the roller  242 . In some instances, two or more of the engaging fins  362  may together define a keying groove  366  to receive the keying structure  258  of the roller  242 . The engagement between the keying groove  366  and the keying structure  258  of the roller  242  provides an a structural engagement that causes the adapter and roller to rotate together. The adapter  360  may also include an interfacing key extension  364  extending inwards from an interior surface of the adapter  360 . The interfacing extension  364  may be a generally rectangular shaped protrusion that is sized and shaped to be received in the engagement groove  314  of the housing  306 . With the extension  364  received in the engagement groove  314  of the housing  306 , the housing  306  and the adapter rotate together. Generally, the engagement groove  314  of the counter-balancing spring motor  302  operably connects the counter-balancing spring motor  302  to the roller, and so in instances where the adapter  360  is used, the engagement groove  314  may be received around the interfacing extension  364  to operably connect the counter-balancing spring motor to the adapter  360 . In other words, the interfacing extension  364  engages with the engagement groove  314  to key the two structures together. 
     The adapter  360  may be used with the larger diameter roller  642 , shown in  FIG.  50   .  FIG.  50    is an exploded view that includes another example of the operating system for a covering for architectural openings. The operating or control system  500  may be substantially similar the operating system  200  shown in  FIG.  31   ; however, in this example, a roller  642  for supporting the shade  236  may have an increased diameter, as well as a second shade securing groove. 
     Specifically, referring to  FIG.  53   , the roller  642  may include a first shade securing groove  556 A and a second shade securing groove  556 B. The two shade securing grooves  556 A,  556 B may both be positioned on a top half of the roller  242  as viewed in  FIG.  55   . As with the roller  242 , the shade securing grooves  556 A,  556 B may be used to operably connect the shade  236  to the roller  642 . However, because the roller  642  includes two grooves  556 A,  556 B, and the top edge of the front sheet  244  may be operably connected to one groove and the top edge of the rear sheet  245  may be operably connected to the other groove. In this manner, the front sheet and the rear sheet may be spaced apart from each other by the roller  642 . 
     Each shade securing groove  556 A,  556 B may include a keying structure  558 A,  558 B that operably connects the housing  306  of the counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  to the roller  642 . However, in some instances, the roller  642  may have a larger diameter than the housing  306  of the counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304 , and in these embodiments, the adapter  360  as shown in  FIG.  54   , may be operably connected to the housing  306 . Thus, the keying structures  558 A,  558 B may be configured to key to the exterior of the adapter  360  rather than the housing  306  of the counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304 . For example, the cavity  570  in the roller  544  may have a sufficiently larger diameter to accommodate the adapter  360 , as well as the counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304 . 
     The keying structures  558 A,  558 B may each include a first sidewall  572 A,  572 B and a second sidewall  574 A,  574 B that may each be connected to a bottom surface  576 A,  576 B. As with the keying structure  258 , the sidewalls  572 A,  572 B,  574 A,  574 B may help to retain the counter-balancing spring motor  302 ,  304  in engagement with the roller  642  as the roller  642  rotates. 
     Each shade securing groove  556 A,  556 B may include two retaining lips  566 A,  566 B,  568 A,  568 B positioned on opposing edges of the respective groove  556 A,  556 B. As with the roller  242 , the retaining lips  566 A,  566 B,  568 A,  568 B may secure the anchor strips  514 ,  516  within the respective groove  556 A,  556 B, which may secure the front sheet and rear sheet of the shade  236  to the roller  642 . 
     Operation of the counter-balancing spring motor  204  will now be discussed in more detail. With reference generally to  FIGS.  29  to  44   , in the retracted position, the spring  308  within each of the counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  may be in a first biasing force position. In other words, the spring  308  may have a predetermined number of windings  358  that may, along with inherent friction within the system, counterbalance the shade  236  to hold the shade  236  in the retracted position. In some instances, the spring or biasing force exerted by the spring  308  in the retracted position may be the normal or un-tensioned spring value. This may be selected to be the minimum (plus some error value, if desired), to balance the weight of the shade  236 . 
     The roller  242  rotates as the user extends the shade from the retracted position to an extended position, or somewhere in between the retracted and fully extended positions. For example, referring to  FIG.  29   , the user may pull a handle on the bottom rail  234  to exert a downward force on the shade  236 , which may cause the roller  242  to rotate within the head rail  232 . As the roller  242  rotates, the keying structure  258  may engage the engagement groove  314  defined within the housing  306 , or in instances where the adapter  360  is used, may engage the adapter  360 . With the engagement between the roller  242  and the housing  306  of the counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  (either directly or indirectly through the adapter), the housing  306  rotate correspondingly with the roller  242 . 
     As the outer tab  354  of the spring  308  is secured within the tab pocket  316 , and the inner tab  352  is secured to the anchor  310  and prevented from rotating, the outer end of the spring  308  may be wrapped around the remaining portions of the spring  308 . In other words, one end of the spring  308  rotates around the remaining portions of the spring, to increase the number of windings  358 , and wrap the spring  308  more tightly around the anchor shaft or arbor  310 . As the outer tab  354  rotates around the body of the spring  308 , the biasing force exerted by the spring  308  may increase as the tension force may be building up within the spring  308 . 
     If the user stops exerting a force downward on the shade  236 , such as to stop the shade  236  at the extended position or a position between the retracted and extended positions, the increased tension on the spring  308  may be sufficient to counterbalance the shade  236 , although the overall weight of the shade  236  may have been increased from the retracted position. That is, as the shade  236  extends from the roller  242 , the effective weight of the shade may increase due to the additional material hanging from the roller  242 . 
     Since the roller  242  is keyed to the counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  though either the housing  306  of reach respective counter-balancing spring motors  302 ,  304  or through the adapter  360  operably connected to each, the number of windings  358  may be increased or decreased correspondingly with the number of rotations of the roller  242 . In other words, the spring  308  may be rotated around itself as many times as the roller  242  completes a full rotation within the head rail  232 . It should be noted that the rotation of the spring might not be a direct one to one relationship with the rotation of the roller  242 . For example, the counter-balancing spring motors may be geared or otherwise movably connected to the roller  242 , such as indirectly through a gear train, so that each roller rotation may result in a partial rotation of the spring  308  around itself. In this manner, the roller  242  may have to be rotated fewer or more times in order for the spring  308  to increase its windings by one. 
     Generally, as the roller  242  rotates in a particular direction, such as to either wrap or unwrap the shade  236 , the weight of the shade  236  may correspondingly increase or decrease. In other words, the more the shade  236  is unwrapped from the roller  242 , the heavier the effective weight of the shade  236 . Because the spring  308  windings  358  also correspond to the rotation of the roller  242 , the more the shade  236  is unwrapped from the roller  242 , the more the biasing force in increased by the spring  308 . The same effect is seen as the shade  236  is wrapped onto the roller  242 . As the roller  242  rotates in a second direction to wrap the shade  236  around the roller  242 , the spring  308  may be rotated with the roller  242  to decrease the number of windings  358 , and thus reduce the biasing force. It should be noted that in some instances, as the roller rotates to wrap the shade around the outer surface, the spring  308  may exert a biasing force in the direction of rotation, to assist the roller in rotating. 
     As the effective weight of the shade  236  decreases as it is retracted, the biasing force of the spring  308  also decreases. Thus, the counter-balancing spring motor  204  may generally balance the load or force exerted by the shade  236  to hold the shade in a desired position, and as the load due to the shade varies, so does the biasing force exerted by the counter-balancing spring motor  204 . Accordingly, at substantially any position of the shade  236 , the shade may be balanced to remain in a desired position, without requiring an operating cord, or an operating cord lock. 
     As discussed above, the counter-balancing spring motor  204  may be modified based on the weight of the shade  236 , which may depend on the weight of the fabric, as well as the dimensions of the shade  236  (a larger shade may weigh more than a smaller shade of similar fabric). In some instances, the counter-balancing spring motor  204  may include three or more counter-balancing spring motors, each counter-balancing spring motor including one or more springs. Conversely, in instances where the weight of the shade  236  may be lighter, the counter-balancing spring motor  204  may be a single counter-balancing spring motor. 
     When the shade is in its fully extended position, such as in  FIG.  30    (and as explained above with respect to  FIGS.  16 - 19    above, the vane orientation stop structure and mechanism allows the vanes to be oriented in a closed position, fully opened position, or some orientation in between. The vane orientation stop mechanism is actuated by moving the rear edge of the bottom rail in a downward direction to pull the rear sheet downwardly. This motion of the bottom rail actuates the vane orientation stop mechanism to resist the biasing force urging applied by the counter balance motor to the roller, and shifts the front and rear sheets relative to one another in a vertical direction, which in turn controls the orientation angle of the vanes. The vane orientation stop mechanism is deactuated by pulling the front edge of the bottom rail downwardly, which rotates the roller in a direction to disconnect the orientation mechanism and shift the front and rear sheets relative to one another in an opposite direction, which closes the vanes. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  31 ,  32 , and  33    the orientation stop mechanism  206  includes a screw limit nut  205  that is in operative engagement with the roller  242  such that the screw limit nut  205  is reversibly translated along a threaded portion of the post  208  as the roller  242  rotates. The extent to which the screw limit nut  205  may travel along the threaded portion of the post  208  is limited such that the screw limit nut  205  reaches a stop structure or other end point that substantially corresponds to the shade  236  being fully extended. The screw limit nut  205  may move into an over-travel region that is past the point where the screw limit nut  205  makes initial contact with the stop. In the over-travel region, friction or other mechanical forces between the screw limit nut  205  and the stop may inhibit movement of the screw limit nut in the inward direction. In this way, the screw limit nut  205 , and thus the roller  242 , may be selectively locked or otherwise held in place despite the bias force of the counter-balancing spring motor  204  which might otherwise rotate the roller  242  to retract the shade. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  34   , the protrusion  430  disposed on the exterior surface  406  of the post  208  may provide a stopping location for the screw limit nut  205 . The post  208  may have a threaded portion  502  that includes any number of external screw threads  504  on the exterior surface  406  of the post  208 . The external screw threads  504  may extend form the innermost end  414  of the post  208  to the protrusion  430 . The external screw threads  504  on the post  208  are adapted to mate with the internal screw threads  506  of the screw limit nut  205 . The screw limit nut  205  can be seen in greater detail in the enlarged perspective view of  FIG.  45   . As shown in  FIG.  45   , the internal screw threads  506  are disposed on the interior of a ring  508  portion of the screw limit nut  205 . The internal screw threads  506  are adapted to allow the screw limit nut  205  to be movably attached to the threaded portion  502  of the post  208 . In  FIG.  33   , the screw limit nut  205  is in contact with the protrusion  430  and thus is disposed at its outermost point of travel along the threaded portion of the post  208 . 
     Continuing with  FIG.  45   , the screw limit nut  205  is adapted to engage the roller  242  such that the screw limit nut  205  rotates around the post  208  as the roller  242  rotates to extend or retract the shade  236 . In order for the screw limit nut  205  to rotate with the roller  242 , the screw limit nut  205  may contain an engagement groove  510  that is adapted to engage the internal keying structure  258  of the roller  242 . The engagement groove  510  may be formed as a recess in a tab  512  portion of the screw limit nut  205 . The tab  512  may be integrally formed with the ring  508  and may extend radially outward therefrom. The engagement groove  510  may be formed in the tab  512  such that the tab  512  includes two fingers  514 ,  516  that extend away from an inner engagement surface  518  of the engagement groove  510 . Each finger  514 ,  516  may contain an inner surface  520 ,  522 , each of which connects on opposite ends to the inner engagement surface  518  to form a continuous U-shaped curved surface of the engagement groove  510 . 
     The engagement groove  510  may engage the internal keying structure  258  of the roller  242 , as shown in  FIG.  44   .  FIG.  44    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  44  shown in the  FIG.  33   . In the assembled configuration shown in  FIG.  44   , the screw limit nut  205  is movably connected to the threaded portion  502  of the post  208 . The post  208  and the screw limit nut  205  are received within the inner cavity  270  of the roller  242 . The screw limit nut  205  is positioned within the inner cavity  270  of the roller  242  such that internal keying structure  258  of the roller  242  is received in the engagement groove  510  of the screw limit nut  205 . In this position, the internal keying structure  258  may contact the tab  512  portion of the screw limit nut  205  to rotate the screw limit nut  205  with the roller  242 . Specifically, when the roller  242  rotates in a first (clockwise from the perspective of  FIG.  44   ) rotational direction D 1 , the sidewall  274  of the keying structure  258  may contact the inner surface  522  of the finger  516  to also rotate the screw limit nut  205  in the first rotational direction D 1 . Similarly, when the roller  242  rotates in a second (counter clockwise from the perspective of  FIG.  44   ) rotational direction D 2 , the sidewall  272  of the keying structure  258  may contact the inner surface  520  of the finger  516  to also rotate the screw limit nut  205  in the second rotational direction D 2 . 
     As the roller  242  rotates the screw limit nut  205  around the threaded portion of the post  208 , the external screw threads  504  on the post  208  acts on the internal screw threads  506  of the screw limit nut  205  to translate the nut  205  along the threaded portion  502  of the post  208 . Specifically, when the roller  242  rotates in the first rotational direction D 1  (retraction of shade), the external screw threads  504  move the screw limit nut  205  in an inward direction, away from the end cap  262 . Similarly, when the roller  242  rotates in the second rotational direction D 2  (extension of shade) the external screw threads  504  move the screw limit nut  205  in an outward direction, toward the end cap  262 . 
     Movement of the roller  242  in the second direction occurs when a user pulls down on the end rail  234  to extend the shade. Here, the roller  242  rotates in the second direction, feeding out shade material from the roller  242  to thereby extend the shade  236 . Movement of the roller  242  in the first direction occurs when the counter balancing spring motor  204  turns the roller  242  to retract the shade  236 . Here, the user lifts end rail  234  to lighten the load on the counter balancing spring motor  204  such that the counter balancing spring motor  204  is able to rotate the roller  242  to thereby retract the shade  236  material back onto the roller  242 . 
     Thus, when a user pulls down on the end rail  234  to extend the shade  236 , the accompanying movement of the roller  242  in the second rotational direction D 2  moves the screw limit nut  205  in an outward direction along the threaded portion  502  of the post  208  (extension of shade). If the user continues to pull the bottom rail downwardly to extend the shade, eventually after a number of rotations, the screw limit nut will engage the protrusion  430 . Similarly, when the counter balancing spring motor  204  turns the roller  242  to retract the shade  236 , the accompanying movement of the roller  242  in the first rotational direction D 1  moves the screw limit nut  205  in an inward direction along the threaded portion  502  of the post  208  (retraction of shade). This movement of the screw limit nut  205  along the threaded portion  502  of the post  208  is illustrated in  FIG.  32    and  FIG.  33   . In  FIG.  32   , which is a cross-sectional view taken along line  32  in  FIG.  29   , the shade  236  is partially extended and so a certain amount of shade  236  material is present on the roller  242 . Here, the screw limit nut  205  is in an intermediate position between the innermost end  414  of the post  208  and the protrusion  430 . In  FIG.  33   , which is a cross-sectional view taken along line  33  in  FIG.  30   , the shade  236  is fully extended and so the shade  236  material is fully fed out from the roller  242 . Here, the screw limit nut  205  is at its outermost point of travel along the threaded portion  502  of the post  208 , and the screw limit nut  205  is in contact with the protrusion  420 . 
     Note that a shade such as that shown in  FIGS.  9  and  44    extend off the back of the roller when being moved from a retracted to a fully extended position. Regarding the rotation of a roller to extend and retract a shade, in  FIG.  9    the front of the head rail  32  is to the left, and to extend the shade the roller would be rotated clockwise, which would cause the shade to extend off the back-side of the roller. In contrast,  FIG.  44    shows the front of the head rail  32  to the right, which means that to extend the shade from the roller, the roller must be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction (D 2 ) to extend the shade off the back of the roller  242 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  45   , the screw limit nut  205  contains a knuckle  524  (also referred to as an apex) that is disposed on an outward-facing surface  526  of the ring  508 . The knuckle may be, for example, a bump, protrusion, extension, surface irregularity, surface portion with increased frictional properties, or the like. Functionally, the knuckle physically engages the protrusion  30  and holds (for instance under a compressive force if the knuckle is a bump, or frictional force if the knuckle is a surface portion with increased surface friction) the screw limit nut from rotating under the bias force of the counter-balancing unit(s) (i.e. motor(s)). As the screw limit nut  205  reaches its outermost point of travel along the threaded portion  502  of the post  208 , the knuckle  524  on the screw limit nut  205  makes contact with the protrusion  430 . Once the knuckle  524  and the protrusion  430  make contact, the screw limit nut  205  may move into an over-travel region where friction or other mechanical forces between the knuckle  524  and the protrusion  430  may inhibit the rotation of the screw limit nut in the inward direction (retraction of shade) without being physically urged by a user to disengage the knuckle  524  from the protrusion  430 . Movement of the screw limit nut  205  into the over-travel region may correspond to the user rotating the end rail  234  in order to cause the vanes to move to a generally horizontal position, and thus open the shade  236 . This engagement between the knuckle  524  and the protrusion  430  is illustrated in greater detail in  FIGS.  46 - 49 D , where the knuckle is in the form of a bump or protrusion. 
       FIGS.  49 A- 49 D  are schematic illustrations of the engagement between the screw limit nut  205  and the protrusion  430  disposed on the surface of the post  208 .  FIGS.  49 A through  49 D  illustrate the movement of the screw limit nut  205  as the screw limit nut  205  is rotated by the rotation of the roller in the second rotational direction D 2  (extension of shade). The shade, with reference to  FIG.  49 A , at this point is in its fully extended position, and the vanes are closed, such as in  FIG.  9   . To actuate the vanes to open either partially or fully, the roller  242  must be further rotated to cause the front and rear sheets to separate and extend the vanes. To make this happen, the bottom rail may be rotated to pull the rear edge of the bottom rail  34  downwardly (in  FIG.  9   , the rear edge is oriented upwardly), which rotates the roller  242  further in the D 2  direction (to extend the shade off the back of the roller). As the screw limit nut  205  is further rotated in the rotational direction D 2  by pulling down on the rear edge of the bottom rail, the knuckle  524  comes into operative contact with the protrusion  430 , which indicates that the shade is at or near the fully extended position. As can be seen in  FIG.  49 A , the knuckle  524  includes a sloped engagement surface  526  that is disposed in a location such that the engagement surface  526  makes initial contact with the protrusion  430 . The engagement surface  526  slopes outwardly from a surface of the screw limit nut  205  to a point  530 . The knuckle additionally includes a more steeply sloped rear surface  528 . As can be seen in  FIG.  49 A , the rear surface  528  and the engagement surface  526  meet at the point  530 , which is set off a distance from the surface of the screw limit nut  205 . 
     In  FIG.  49 B , the screw limit nut  205  is rotated along the rotational direction D 2  such that the engagement surface  526  comes into an initial contact with the protrusion  430 . The orientation of the knuckle  524  and the protrusion  430  shown in  FIG.  49 B  may correspond to the shade being fully extended as shown in  FIG.  30   . 
     From the position shown in  49 B, the user may rotate the end rail  324  such that the screw limit nut  205  moves into an over-travel region, which is shown in  FIGS.  49 C  and D. In so doing, the user may open the veins  246  of the shade  236 . As can be seen in  FIG.  49 C , when the user rotates the lower rail  234  the knuckle  524  moves over the top of the protrusion  430 . In this position, the friction or other mechanical forces between the knuckle  524  and the protrusion  430  may inhibit the screw limit nut  205  from moving off of the protrusion  430  by a rotation in the first rotational direction D 1  under the bias of the counter-balancing spring motor. Accordingly, the friction or other mechanical forces hold the screw limit nut  205  in place against the force exerted by the counter-balancing spring motor  204  which might otherwise move the roller  242  and thus screw limit nut  205 . This position of the knuckle  524  relative to the protrusion  430 , held in place by the friction or compression force or both between the two, may orient the vanes in a position where they are partially open, meaning the vanes are angled between generally vertical (closed) and generally horizontal (fully open), such as in  FIG.  7 C . In this position, the protrusion  430  may deflect, or the screw limit nut  205  may deflect, or the knuckle may compress, or a combination of one or more of these mechanisms may occur, to allow the knuckle to rest on top of the protrusion  430  and be under a compressive or frictional load. 
     In  FIG.  49 D , the screw limit nut  205  is moved further along in the over-travel region such that the point  530  of the knuckle  524  passes over the protrusion  430  such that the rear surface  528  of the knuckle  524  comes to rest on the opposite side of the protrusion  430 . Again, to allow the knuckle to pass over the protrusion  430 , the protrusion  430  may deflect, or the screw limit nut  205  may deflect, or the knuckle may compress, or a combination of one or more of these mechanisms may occur, to allow the knuckle to pass over the protrusion  430 . In this position, the vanes are more open they would be in  FIGS.  49 C , and may be open to a full extent where the vanes are approximately horizontal (such as in  FIG.  7 B ). 
       FIG.  50    illustrates an alternative example for the orientation stop mechanism  650 . As can be seen in  FIG.  50   , an orientation stop mechanism  650  may include a screw limit nut  654  provided in association with a collar  652 . Both the collar  652  and the screw limit nut  654  are adapted to be received on the threaded portion of the post  208  as shown in  FIGS.  51  and  52   .  FIG.  51    is a cross-sectional view that substantially corresponds to a cross section taken along the line  32  shown in  FIG.  29   .  FIG.  52    is a cross-sectional view that substantially corresponds to a cross section taken along the line  33  shown in  FIG.  30   . In accordance with embodiments discussed herein, the screw limit nut  654  and the collar  652  employ a detent structure that holds the screw limit nut  654  in place at or near its furthest most point of travel along the threaded portion of the post  208 , which is generally where the shade is fully extended. In one embodiment, such as that shown in  FIG.  51   , the detent structure includes a pin  656  mounted on the screw limit nut  654 . The pin  656  is adapted to be received in the groove  658 , which is disposed on the inward facing surface of the collar  652 . The collar  652  is positioned on the post  208  such that the pin  656  reaches the groove  658  when the screw limit nut is at a position corresponding to the shade  236  being fully extended. This position of the screw limit nut  654  can be seen in  FIG.  52   . In  FIG.  52   , the pin  656  is received within the groove  658  and the end of the pin  656  engages the bottom of the groove  658 , such that a frictional force, or compressive force, or both, is created. In this position the screw limit nut  654  is inhibited by the friction or compressive force from rotating in the rotational direction D 1  under the bias of the counter-balancing units, such that the screw limit nut  654  would move in the inward direction away from the end cap  262 . Here, the screw limit nut  654  is held in place against the force of the spring motors  604  which might otherwise move the screw limit nut  654  by rotating the roller  642 . To move the pin into the position shown in  FIG.  52   , the rear edge of the bottom rail is moved downwardly, as described above, to further rotate the roller in the extension direction, and cause the vanes to at least partially open (depending on how much further the roller is rotated by the actuation of the rear edge of the vane). 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  58  and  59   , which are close ups of the pin  656  and groove  658 , and schematically illustrate the entry and exit wall angles of the groove  658 . The schematic sections  58  and  59  are representative of sections taken along a circumferential line passing through the groove  658  and extending orthogonally with the plane of  FIG.  52   . As shown in  FIG.  58   , the groove  658  includes a bottom surface  664 , which is bounded on each side by sloped walls of the groove  658 . As shown in  FIG.  58   , the groove  658  includes an entry wall  662  which the pin  656  passes and may contact when it first enters the groove  658 . The groove  658  additionally includes an exit wall  660  opposite from the entry wall  662 . The pin  656  passes along, and possibly engages, the exit wall  660  when the pin moves into the groove  658  as the screw limit nut  654  further rotates. In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  58    the exit wall  660  and the entry wall  662  have substantially the same slope. In this embodiment, the groove  658  is configured to have a similar feel when the screw limit nut  654  is rotated such that the pin  656  either enters or exits the groove  658 . As the screw limit nut  654  is rotated and moves both axially closer to the collar  652  and rotates relative to the collar, the pin  656  moves further towards the collar  652  and engages the collar on the leading side of the groove, or may be received in the groove to contact its side or bottom walls to inhibit the rotation of the nut  654  under the force of the counter-balance units. 
     In an alternative embodiment show in  FIG.  59   , the groove  658  includes an exit wall  660  having a differing slope from the entry wall  664 . In this configuration the groove  658  produces a different tactile feel when the pin  656  enters the groove  658  in comparison to when the pin  656  exits the groove  658 . 
     In accordance with additional examples shown in  FIGS.  60 - 64   , the detent structure may include a number of grooves disposed on a sloped surface such that the pin  656  may engage one or a number of grooves as it rotates and moves along the threaded portion of the post  208  closer to the collar  652  while rotating relative to the collar  652 . As can be seen in  FIG.  62   , the collar  652  may include a sloped surface  712  having a first groove  714 , second groove  716 , third groove  718  and a fourth groove  719 . The surface  712  circumferentially slopes gradually away from the nut  654  in the clock-wise direction, as represented in  FIG.  64   . Note the diminishing distance between the dashed line  721  and the base of each successive groove  714 ,  716 ,  718 , and  719 . This results in the actuator pin  656  entering and exiting each successive groove  714 ,  716 ,  718 ,  719  with the same force and tactile feel compared to a face  712  that was perpendicular to the threaded post  208 . This is because as the nut  654  turns around the threaded post  208 , it moves close to the nut  654 , and the engagement with each successive groove and related entry and exit walls would be more forceful. Alternatively, with a little less modulation of the tactile feel, if each successive groove was deeper than the previous one, or the localized area around each successive groove was removed to move it slightly away from the nut  654  as the nut moved axially toward the collar, a similar effect can be created to modulate or even-out the tactile feel of the pin entering and exiting the successive grooves. 
     Continuing with  FIG.  62   , as the screw limit nut  654  is rotated in the second rotational direction D 2  (to extend the shade) and reaches the point of fullest extension, the pin  656  disposed on the screw limit nut  654  engages the grooves  714 ,  716 ,  718 ,  719  successively as the screw limit nut rotates relative to the collar  652  (such as by moving the rear edge of the bottom rail downwardly). The different grooves provide individual stopping points for the screw limit nut  654  such that the vanes of the shade  236  are held in various degrees of openness and the veins  246  let through variable amounts of light. For instance, if the pin were positioned in groove  714 , the vanes would be slightly opened (i.e. between the positions shown in  FIG.  9    and  FIG.  7   c   , more vertical than horizontal). If the pin was positioned in groove  716 , the vanes would be opened more than if the pin was in groove  714  (such as in  FIG.  7   c   ). If the pin were positioned in groove  718 , the vanes would be more opened (closer to horizontal, such as between  FIGS.  7   c  and  7   b   ) than if the pin were in groove  716 . If the pin were positioned in groove  719 , the vanes would be more opened than if the pin were positioned in groove  718  (substantially horizontal, such as in  FIG.  7   b   ). Note that the pin in this example may be spring loaded to resiliently move axially into or toward the nut  654 , which resilient axial motion would make the movement of the pin into and out of the groove less vigorous feeling than if the pin was solid and not axially movable. Additionally, the pin in  FIGS.  60 - 64    may include a spherical tip  657  which is spring loaded relative to the pin  656 . The spherical outer shape of the ball  657  would smooth out the tactile feel of the pin entering and exiting each groove  714 ,  716 ,  718 , and  719 . The spring-loaded ball  657  would even further reduce and control the abruptness of the tactile feel. The spring-loaded engagement of the ball  657  within any of the grooves would still, however, resist the rotation of the nut relative to the collar under the bias force of the counter-balance unit. The spring loaded tip is not required to be spherical, but instead may be square, cylindrical, oval, or some other shape that would ride into and out of a groove as described herein and maintain sufficient engagement to resist the retraction force created by the counter-balance units. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  60 - 64   , the detent structure includes a pin  656  disposed on the screw limit nut  654  and grooves  714 ,  716 ,  718 , and  719  disposed on the collar  652 .  FIGS.  65   ¬ 67  illustrate an alternative embodiment for the detent structure that includes a pin  656 , which is mounted on the collar  652 . Specifically, the pin  656  is disposed through a pinhole, which extends from the outward facing side of the collar to the inward facing side of the collar  652 . The pin  656  is secured in place with a nut  702 , which is fastened to the first side of the collar  652 . The pin  656  disposed on the collar  652  is provided in association with grooves  714 ,  716 ,  718 , and  719 , which are disposed on the screw limit nut  654 . The pin  656  in this example may include a spring-loaded ball  657  as noted above. As shown in  FIGS.  65 - 67   , the collar  652  and the screw limit nut  654  are attached to the post  208 . The collar  652  is fixed to the post  208  such that the collar  652  does not move along the length of the post  208 . The screw limit nut  654 , however, is movable along the threaded portion of the post  208  through engagement between the internal keying structures of the roller  242  and the engagement grooves or threads of the screw limit nut  654 . 
       FIGS.  68 - 69    are an alternative embodiment for the detent structure. As can be seen in  FIGS.  68 - 69    the detent may include a molded spring  706  which is disposed on, integrally formed with, or mounted on the second surface of the screw limit nut  654 . The molded spring may be plastic, or may be made of another material such as metal (in which case it would likely be mounted on the nut  654 ). The molded spring  706  includes a cantilever arm positioned in a recess formed in the screw limit nut. The arm of the molded spring  706  is in the plane of the facial surface of the screw limit nut nearest the collar. The arm terminates in a protruding peak or other engaging shape (which may be rounded) that extends above the plane of the screw limit nut. As the screw limit nut and the collar come into proximity with one another, the peak engages the facial surface of the collar and the arm flexes to bias the peak against the collar. The peak or other rounded structure is adapted to move into and out of the grooves  714 ,  716 ,  718 , and  719  under the urging of the flexed arm as the screw limit nut and the collar move relative to one another. 
     In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the detent structure may include a leaf spring  708  mounted to the screw limit nut  654 , as shown in  FIG.  70 - 71   . As can be seen in  FIGS.  70 - 71   , the leaf spring  708  is connected at one end, such as in a cantilever fashion, to the screw limit nut  654  so as to flex and resiliently return to its position. The leaf spring is attached to the to the screw limit nut  654  by a screw  710 , or by welding, adhesive, epoxy, adhesive, or otherwise attached to the screw limit nut. A recess is formed in the nut  654  below the free end of the leaf spring, and is of sufficient depth to allow the leaf spring to deflect into the recess without having interfering contact with the nut  652 . The leaf spring  708  terminates in an end having a pimple  725  or other rounded structure adapted to resiliently engage the grooves  714 ,  716 ,  718 , and  719  disposed on the collar  652  and resist the bias to retract caused by the counter balancing unit. 
     A method of using the operating system aspect of the disclosure includes a method for counterbalancing the load of a shade element extending from a roller shade structure comprising the steps of unrolling the shade element to a desired extended position by rotating the roller in a first direction, creating an amount of biasing force in an operating system by rotation of the roller in a first direction, applying the amount of biasing force to the roller in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the amount biasing force sufficient to counterbalance the load of the shade element. 
     The amount of biasing force may be sufficient to maintain the shade in the selected extended position, or it may be less or more than the amount needed to maintain the shade in the selected extended position. Additionally, a predetermined level of friction may be created between components of the operating system, wherein the amount of biasing force in addition to the friction is sufficient to maintain the shade in the selected extended position. The biasing force may be a spring motor, which in turn may be a coil spring or a clock spring. 
     Further, the shade element may include a shade element extending from a roller shade structure, where the shade element includes a front sheet, a rear sheet, and at least one vane connected along a front edge to the front sheet and along a back edge to a back sheet, where the relative motion of the front and rear sheets move the at least one vane between open and closed orientations. In this case, the method comprises the steps of unrolling the shade element to a fully extended position, with at least one vane in a closed orientation; further rotating the roller in a first direction to cause the front sheet and back sheet to move relatively to orient the at least one vane in an open position; and engaging a vane orientation stop mechanism to overcome the biasing force and hold the roller in position to maintain the open orientation of the at least one vane. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood the disclosure has been made by way of example, and changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. 
     The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on the particular operating elements and particular spring types and arrangements, vane orientation stop mechanism structures, etc. it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to other structures that have the same or similar capability to perform the same or similar functions as described herein. Similarly, the discussion of any embodiment or example is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples. 
     All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.