Patent Publication Number: US-2022235607-A1

Title: Rail clips for stowing a tilt wand and related headrail assemblies and coverings

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is based upon and claims the right of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/141,561, filed Jan. 26, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present subject matter relates generally to coverings for architectural structures and, more particularly, to rail clips for retaining a tilt wand of a covering at a stowed position relative to a headrail of the covering. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Coverings with tiltable elements are well known in the industry. For example, a Venetian blind typically includes a headrail, a bottom rail, and a plurality of horizontally oriented slats supported between the headrail and the bottom rail via cord ladders. A tilt system is also provided in association with the blind for tilting the slats about their longitudinal axes between a horizontal or open position for permitting light to pass between the slats and a closed position, wherein the slats are substantially vertically oriented in an overlapping manner to occlude or block the passage of light through the covering. In many instances, the tilt system will include a tilt wand that hangs downwardly from the headrail to allow the user to adjust the tilt angle of the slats by rotating the tilt wand, which in turn rotationally drives a tilt rod coupled to the cord ladders. 
     With conventional Venetian blind arrangements, the tilt wand always remains suspended from the headrail in a vertical orientation. As a result, the tilt wand tends to block a portion of the view through the blind when the slats are tilted to their open positions. Additionally, with the blind raised to its fully retracted position to expose the adjacent window relative to which the blind is installed, the tilt wand blocks a portion of the view through the window. Such blocking of the view through the blind and/or the adjacent window is typically considered a disadvantage by consumers when contemplating the purchase of a wand-operated blind. 
     Accordingly, rail clips that allow a tilt wand to be retained at a stowed position relative to a headrail of an associated covering would be welcomed in the technology. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Aspects and advantages of the present subject matter will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the present subject matter. 
     In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a headrail assembly for a covering for an architectural structure. The headrail assembly includes a headrail and a tilt wand coupled to the headrail. The tilt wand includes a proximal end and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end. The tilt wand is movable relative to the headrail between an operating position at which the tilt wand is suspended relative to the headrail at the proximal end of the tilt wand and a stowed position at which a portion of the tilt wand extending between the proximal and distal ends of the tilt wand is supported relative to the headrail. In addition, the headrail assembly includes a rail clip configured to couple the tilt wand to the headrail when the tilt wand is at the stowed position. The rail clip includes retention structure configured to retain the portion of the tilt wand relative to the headrail. 
     In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a covering for an architectural structure. The covering includes a headrail, a bottom rail spaced apart from the headrail, and a plurality of slats supported between the headrail and the bottom rail. The covering also includes a tilt system configured to adjust a tilt angle of the plurality of slats. The tilt system includes a tilt wand coupled to the headrail. The tilt wand including a proximal end and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end. The tilt wand is movable relative to the headrail between an operating position at which the tilt wand is suspended relative to the headrail at the proximal end of the tilt wand and a stowed position at which a portion of the tilt wand extending between the proximal and distal ends of the tilt wand is supported relative to the headrail. In addition, the covering includes a rail clip configured to couple the tilt wand to the headrail when the tilt wand is at the stowed position. The rail clip includes retention structure configured to retain the portion of the tilt wand relative to the headrail. 
     In a further aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a rail clip for retaining a tilt wand of a covering in a stowed position, with the rail clip being configured in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood with reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present subject matter and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present subject matter. 
     This Brief Description is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Brief Description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a covering for an architectural structure in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating a tilt wand of the covering at both an operating position (indicated by the solid lines) and a stowed position (indicated by the dashed lines) relative to a headrail assembly of the covering; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the headrail assembly of the covering shown in  FIG. 1 , particularly illustrating the tilt wand disposed at the stowed position relative to a headrail of the headrail assembly; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates another perspective view of the headrail assembly shown in  FIG. 2  with a valance of the headrail assembly exploded away from the remainder of the headrail assembly; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of headrail assembly shown in  FIG. 2  taken about line  4 - 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a rail clip for retaining a tilt wand at a stowed position relative to a headrail in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a left side view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a right side view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a bottom view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a rear view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a headrail assembly suitable for use with a covering in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, particularly illustrating a tilt wand disposed at the stowed position relative to a headrail of the headrail assembly; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a rail clip for retaining a tilt wand at a stowed position relative to a headrail in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a left side view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a right side view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a top view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a bottom view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a front view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 13 ; and 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a rear view of the rail clip shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In general, the present subject matter is directed to rails clips for retaining a tilt wand of a covering for an architectural feature or structure (referred to herein simply as an architectural “structure” for the sake of convenience and without intent to limit) at a stowed or storage position relative to a headrail. For instance, as will be described below, the tilt wand may, in several embodiments, be pivotable or movable relative to the headrail between an operating position (e.g., at which the tilt wand is suspended relative to the headrail in a substantially vertical orientation) and a stowed position (e.g., at which the tilt wand is supported relative to the headrail in a substantially horizontal orientation). In such embodiments, suitable retention structure of the rail clip may be configured to engage a portion of the tilt wand when it is pivoted upwardly toward the stowed position, thereby allowing the rail clip to support the tilt wand relative to the headrail at the stowed position. As a result, the tilt wand may be stowed away, for example, at a location adjacent to the headrail to provide a user of the covering a view through the covering and/or the adjacent architectural that is not partially blocked or occluded by the wand. 
     Additionally, in several embodiments, the disclosed rail clip may also be configured to support an adjacent valance of a headrail assembly relative to the headrail. For instance, in one embodiment, the rail clip may include suitable support structure for coupling the valance to the headrail. In such an embodiment, the rail clip may be configured to perform a dual function, namely supporting both the valance and the tilt wand (when at the stowed position) relative to the headrail. 
     It should be understood that, as described herein, an “embodiment” (such as illustrated in the accompanying Figures) may refer to an illustrative representation of an environment or article or component in which a disclosed concept or feature may be provided or embodied, or to the representation of a manner in which just the concept or feature may be provided or embodied. However, such illustrated embodiments are to be understood as examples (unless otherwise stated), and other manners of embodying the described concepts or features, such as may be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon learning the concepts or features from the present disclosure, are within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, it will be appreciated that while the Figures may show one or more embodiments of concepts or features together in a single embodiment of an environment, article, or component incorporating such concepts or features, such concepts or features are to be understood (unless otherwise specified) as independent of and separate from one another and are shown together for the sake of convenience and without intent to limit to being present or used together. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used separately, or with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a covering  20  for an architectural structure (not shown) in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the covering  20  is configured to be installed relative to a window, door, or any other suitable architectural structure as may be desired. In one embodiment, the covering  20  may be configured to be mounted relative to an architectural structure to allow the covering  20  to be suspended or supported relative to the architectural structure. It should be understood that the covering  20  is not limited in its particular use as a window or door shade, and may be used in any application as a covering, partition, shade, and/or the like, relative to and/or within any type of architectural structure. 
     In several embodiments, the covering  20  may be configured as a slatted blind, such as a “privacy” Venetian-blind-type extendable/retractable covering. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the covering  20  includes a headrail assembly  22  and a bottom rail  28  supported relative to the headrail assembly  22 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the headrail assembly  22  includes a headrail  24  extending lengthwise in a lateral direction of the covering  20  (indicated by arrow L in  FIG. 1 ) and a valance  26  configured to be installed relative to the headrail  24  so that the valance  26  generally extends laterally along the front of the headrail  24 , thereby allowing the valance  26  to provide an aesthetically appealing façade or appearance to the headrail assembly  22 . Additionally, the covering  20  includes a plurality of horizontally disposed, parallel slats  30  configured to be supported between the headrail  24  and the bottom rail  28  via one or more ladder tape assemblies  32  (e.g., a pair of ladder tape assemblies  32 ). In several embodiments, the slats  30  are rotatable or tiltable about their longitudinal axes by manipulating the ladder tape assemblies  32  to allow the slats  30  to be tilted between a horizontal or open position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 ) for permitting light to pass between the slats  30  and a closed position (not shown), wherein the slats  30  are substantially vertically oriented in an overlapping manner to occlude or block the passage of light through the covering  20 . 
     Additionally, the covering  20  may also include a lift system  34  for moving the covering  20  in a vertical direction (indicated by arrow V in  FIG. 1 ) between a lowered or extended position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and a raised or retracted position (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the lift system  34  may include two or more pairs of lift cords (e.g., first and second pairs  36 ,  38  of front and rear cords), with each pair  36 ,  38  of lift cords being configured to extend to a corresponding lift station  40  to control the vertical positioning of the bottom rail  28  relative to the headrail  24 . For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, each pair  36 ,  38  of lift cords is operatively coupled to a respective lift station  40  housed within the bottom rail  28 . In such an embodiment, a bottom end (not shown) of each lift cord is configured to be coupled to its associated lift station  40  while an opposed end (not shown) of each lift cord is configured to be coupled to the headrail  24 . For example, each lift station  40  may include one or more lift spools (e.g., a pair of lift spools) for winding and unwinding the respective lift cords. Thus, as the bottom rail  28  is raised relative to the headrail  24 , each lift cord is wound around its respective lift spool. Similarly, as the bottom rail  28  is lowered relative to the headrail  24 , each lift cord is unwound from its respective lift spool. Additionally, the lift system  34  of the covering  20  may also include a lift rod  42  operatively coupled to the lift stations  40  and a spring motor  44  operatively coupled to the lift rod  42 . In such an embodiment, as is generally understood, the spring motor  44  may be configured to store energy as the bottom rail  28  is lowered relative to the headrail  24  and release such energy when the bottom rail  28  is being raised relative to the headrail  24  to assist in moving the covering  20  to its retracted position. 
     It should be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the spring motor  44  may be overpowered. In such an embodiment, to prevent unintended motion of the bottom rail  28  relative to the headrail  24 , a brake assembly  46  may be provided within the bottom rail  28  and may be operatively coupled to the lift rod  42  to stop rotation of the lift rod  42 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 1 , to actuate the brake assembly  46 , an actuator button  48  is coupled to the bottom rail  28  that can be depressed to release or disengage the brake assembly  46  from the lift rod  42 , thereby allowing the lift rod  42  to be rotated in a manner that permits the lift cords to be wound around or unwound from their respective lift spools as the bottom rail  28  is lowered or raised, respectively, relative to the headrail  24 . In other embodiments, the spring motor  44  may not be overpowered, thereby eliminating the need for the brake assembly  46 . For example, in one embodiment, the spring motor  44  may be adapted to provide a variable torque, thereby allowing the lift system  34  to be configured as a balanced operating system. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 1 , in several embodiments, the ladder tape assemblies  32  of the covering  20  may be manipulated to allow for the slats  30  to be tilted between their open and closed positions using a tilt wand  50  of an associated tilt system  52  incorporated into or otherwise forming part of the headrail assembly  22 ′. For example, as shown in dashed boxes in  FIG. 1 , the covering  20  includes one or more components of the tilt system  52  within the headrail  24 , such as a tilt station  54  provided in operative association with each ladder tape assembly  32  and a tilt rod  56  coupled between the tilt wand  50  and the tilt stations  54 . In such an embodiment, as the tilt wand  50  is manipulated by the user (e.g., by rotating the tilt wand  50  relative to the headrail  24 ), the tilt rod  56  may be rotated to rotationally drive one or more tilt drums (not shown) of the tilt stations  54 , thereby allowing front and rear ladder rails (not shown) of each ladder tape assembly  32  to be raised or lowered relative to each other to adjust the tilt angle of the slats  30 . 
     In several embodiments, the tilt wand  50  may be configured to be movable or pivotable relative to the headrail  24  between an operating position (indicated by the solid lines) and a stowed position (indicated by the dashed lines). As particularly shown in  FIG. 1 , in the operating position, the tilt wand  50  is generally oriented up-and-down in the vertical direction V, with the wand  50  extending vertically from a proximal end  58  coupled to the headrail  24  to a distal or free end  60  spaced apart from the headrail  24 . In other words, the tilt wand  50  is generally suspended relative to the headrail  24  from the proximal end  58  of the wand  50 . As such, the tilt wand  50  generally extends vertically downwardly from the headrail  24  when in the operating position and blocks a portion of the view through the covering  20  when the slats  30  are tilted to their open positions. Additionally, with the covering  20  moved to its fully retracted position, the tilt wand  50  still extends downwardly from the headrail  24  when in the operating position and, thus, blocks a portion of the view through the adjacent architectural structure (e.g., the adjacent window relative to which the covering  20  is installed). In contrast, as shown in  FIG. 1 , in the stowed position, the tilt wand  50  is generally oriented horizontally (e.g., in the lateral direction L), with the wand  50  extending horizontally between its proximal and distal ends  58 ,  60  adjacent to the headrail  24 . For instance, in one embodiment, the tilt wand  50  may be configured to be positioned behind a portion of the valance  26  when at the stowed position, thereby allowing the tilt wand  50  to be concealed or substantially concealed from view. Accordingly, the tilt wand  50  is generally positioned out of the field-of-view when at the stowed position, which provides an uninhibited view through the covering and/or the adjacent architectural structure. As will be described below, in several embodiments, one or more rail brackets or clips may be used to retain the tilt wand  50  at the stowed position. For example, the rail clip(s) may be configured to be coupled to the headrail  24  and may include suitable retention structure for retaining the tilt wand  50  at the desired position relative to the headrail  24  and/or the valance  26 . For instance, the rail clip(s) may be configured to support the tilt wand  50  relative to the headrail  24  at one or more locations defined between the proximal and distal ends  58 ,  60  of the wand  50 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the rail clip(s) may serve a dual function by being further configured to support or retain the valance  26  relative to the headrail  24 . 
     It should be appreciated that the configuration of the covering  20  described above and shown in  FIG. 1  is provided only to place the present subject matter in an exemplary field of use. Thus, it should be apparent that the present subject matter may be readily adaptable to any suitable manner of covering configuration. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , several views of one embodiment of the headrail assembly  22  described above are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,  FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the headrail assembly  22  with the tilt wand  50  disposed at the stowed position relative to the headrail  24 , while  FIG. 3  illustrates a similar perspective view as that shown  FIG. 2  but with the valance  26  of the headrail assembly  22  exploded away from the headrail  24 . Additionally,  FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the headrail assembly  22  shown in  FIG. 2  taken about line  4 - 4 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , in addition to the headrail  24 , valance  26 , and tilt system components (e.g., tilt wand  50 ) described above, the headrail assembly  22  also includes one or more rail clips  100  configured to be coupled to the headrail  24 . For example, as particularly shown in  FIG. 3 , the headrail assembly  22  includes a pair of rail clips  100  configured to be coupled to the headrail  24  such that the rail clips  100  extend across or are otherwise positioned adjacent to a front wall  70  of the headrail  24  (i.e., the wall of the headrail  24  that is configured to face the interior of the room). As will be described below, each rail clip  100  may include suitable support structure for supporting the valance  26  relative to the headrail  24 . For instance, in one embodiment, the rail clips  100  may be configured to be coupled to the valance  26  via a suitable male-female connection. In such an embodiment, one of the rail clips  100  or the valance  26  may include a male connection feature (e.g., a projection or protrusion) configured to be received within a corresponding female connection feature (e.g., a slot or opening) of the other component to allow the valance  26  to be coupled to the rail clips  100 . 
     Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, one or both of the rail clips  100  may also include suitable retention structure for retaining the tilt wand  50  in the stowed position relative to the headrail  24 . For instance, as will be described below, the rail clip(s)  100  may, in one embodiment, define a retention feature configured to receive a portion of the tilt wand  50  when the wand  50  is moved to the stowed position. In such an embodiment, to stow away the tilt wand  50 , the wand  50  may simply be pivoted upwardly about its proximal end  58  from the operating position towards the stowed position to allow a portion of the wand  50  defined between the proximal and distal ends  58 ,  60  of the wand  50  to be received within the retention feature of the rail clip  100 . In this regard, with the tilt wand  50  received within the retention feature, the rail clip  100  may be configured to retain the tilt wand  50  at the stowed position relative to headrail  24 . 
     It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the rail clips  100  may be configured to perform a dual-function by supporting/retaining both the valance  26  and the tilt wand  50  relative to the headrail  24 . Specifically, the rail clips  100  may function to continuously support the valance  26  relative to the headrail  24 . Additionally, when it is desired to stow away the tilt wand  50 , the clips  100  may also function to retain the tilt wand  50  at the stowed position. It should also be appreciated that, although the headrail assembly  22  is shown in the illustrated embodiment as including two rail clips  100 , the headrail assembly  22  may generally include any number of rail clips  100  configured to support the valance  26  and/or retain the tilt wand  50  relative to the headrail  24 , such as a single rail clip or three or more rail clips. 
     As particularly shown in  FIG. 3 , when the tilt wand  50  is retained at the stowed position relative to the headrail  24  via the rail clips  100 , the tilt wand  50  generally defines a substantially horizontal orientation between its proximal and distal ends  58 ,  60  (e.g., as opposed to the substantially vertical orientation of the tilt wand  50  when at the operating position). Additionally, in one embodiment, the tilt wand  50  may generally be configured to extend parallel to the headrail  24  when supported at the stowed position by the rail clips  100 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 4 , when at the stowed position, the tilt wand  50  is oriented between its proximal and distal ends  58 ,  60  substantially parallel to the headrail  24 , such as by orienting the tilt wand  50  in the same longitudinal direction as the headrail  24  (e.g., the lateral direction L). 
     It should also be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the proximal end  58  of the tilt wand  50  may be configured to be coupled to be pivotably coupled to the headrail  24  via a wand connector assembly  88  of the associated tilt system  52  ( FIG. 1 ). For instance, the wand connector assembly  88  may include suitable components for suspending the tilt wand  50  relative to the headrail  24  at the proximal end  58  of the wand  50 . For instance, in one embodiment, the proximal end  58  of the wand  50  may be hooked to allow the wand  50  to be coupled to corresponding wand connector ring (not shown) of the wand connector assembly  88 . In addition, the wand connector assembly  88  may include suitable components for coupling the tilt wand  50  to the tilt rod  56  ( FIG. 1 ) of the tilt system  52 . For instance, a worm gear drive and/or the like may be incorporated into the wand connector assembly  88  to allow rotation of the tilt wand  50  to be converted into corresponding rotation of the tilt rod  56 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-11 , several views of one embodiment of one of the rail clips  100  described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-4  are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,  FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the rail clip  100  and  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate left and right side views, respectively, of the rail clip  100 . Additionally,  FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11  illustrate respective top, bottom, front, and rear views of the rail clip  100 . It should be appreciated that, for purposes of discussion, the rail clip  100  will generally be described with reference to the headrail assembly  22  shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . However, in other embodiments, the rail clip  100  may be configured for use with any other suitable headrail assembly, including any other suitable headrail, valance, and/or tilt wand. 
     As particularly shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the rail clip  100  generally includes a clip body  102  extending in the vertical direction (indicated by arrow V in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) between a top end  104  and a bottom end  106  of the body  102  and in a crosswise direction (indicated by arrow CW in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) between a front side  108  and a rear side  110  of the body  102 . Additionally, the rail clip  100  includes a pair of connection flanges for coupling the rail clip  100  to a corresponding headrail (e.g., the headrail  24  shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . Specifically, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rail clip  100  includes upper and lower connection flanges  112 ,  114  positioned at the top and bottom ends  104 ,  106 , respectively, of the clip body  102  that extend outwardly from the rear side  110  of the body  102 . In such an embodiment, the connection flanges  112 ,  114  may be configured to wrap around or otherwise engage corresponding features of the headrail  24  to allow the rail clip  100  to be coupled thereto. 
     For instance, referring briefly back to the embodiment of the headrail assembly  22  shown in  FIG. 4 , the upper connection flange  112  may, in one embodiment, be configured to wrap around or otherwise engage a top edge  72  of the front wall  70  of the headrail  24 , while the lower connection flange  114  may be configured to wrap around or otherwise engage a bottom edge  74  of the front wall  70  of the headrail  24 . In such an embodiment, the rail clip  100  may, for example, be configured to be snapped onto the headrail  24  by pressing the clip  100  into the headrail  24  such that the upper and lower connection flanges  112 ,  114  snap over the top and bottom edges  72 ,  74 , respectively, of the front wall  70  of the headrail  24 . In this regard, the connection flanges  112 ,  114  may be configured to be flexible or resilient to allow for the snap-fit connection between the rail clip  100  and the headrail  24 . Alternatively, the rail clip  100  may be configured to be installed at one of the lateral ends of the headrail  24  and subsequently slid along the length of the headrail  24  to the desired lateral position. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the rail clip  100  also includes support structure for supporting a valance (e.g., the valance  26  shown in  FIGS. 2-4 ) relative to the clip  100  (and, thus, the headrail  24  to which the clip  100  is coupled). As indicated above, in several embodiments, the rail clip  100  may be configured to be coupled to the valance  26  via a suitable male-female connection. For example, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the rail clip  100  includes a male connection feature (e.g., a clip projection  116 , such as a dovetail-shaped projection) extending outwardly from the front side  108  of the clip body  102 . In such an embodiment, the clip projection  116  may be configured to be received within a corresponding female connection feature of the valance  26  to allow the components to be coupled to each other. 
     For instance, referring briefly back to the embodiment of the headrail assembly  22  shown in  FIG. 4 , the clip projection  116  may be configured to be received within a corresponding channel or slot  80  (e.g., a dovetail-shaped slot) defined between angled wall projections  82 ,  84  extending outwardly from a rear face or side  86  of the valance  26  (e.g., the side of the valance  26  that faces towards the front wall  70  of the headrail  24 ). In such an embodiment, the rail clip  100  may, for example, be configured to be installed relative to the valance  26  by inserting the clip projection  116  into the valance slot  80  at one of the lateral ends of the valance  26  and by subsequently sliding the rail clip  100  relative to the valance  26  (or the valance  26  relative to the rail clip  100 ) to position the rail clip  100  at a desired location along the length of the valance slot  80 . Alternatively, a snap-fit connection may be achieved by pressing the rail clip  100  against the valance  26  (or vice versa) such that clip projection  116  snaps into the valance slot  80 . In this regard, the angled wall projections  82 ,  84  defining the valance slot  80  may, for example, be configured to be flexible or resilient to allow for the snap-fit connection between the rail clip  100  and the valance  26 . It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the male-female connection arrangement may be reversed such that the valance  26  includes a male connection feature configured to be received within a corresponding female connection feature of the rail clip  100 . 
     It should also be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the connection interface defined between the rail clip  100  and the valance  26  may be skewed or angled relative to the vertical direction V. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the clip projection  116  extends outwardly from a skewed face  118  defined along the front side  108  of the clip body  102  that is angled relative to the vertical direction V (e.g., at skew angle  120 ). Such a skewed connection interface may allow the valance  26  to be supported relative to the rail clip  100  (and, thus, relative to the headrail  24 ) at a corresponding non-vertical or skewed orientation, which may be desirable for aesthetic purposes. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the rail clip  100  also includes suitable retention structure for retaining a tilt wand (e.g., the tilt wand  50  shown in  FIGS. 2-4 ) relative to the clip  100  (and, thus, the headrail  24  to which the clip  100  is coupled) when the tilt wand  50  is moved to the stowed position. Specifically, in several embodiments, the rail clip  100  includes first and second retention arms  122 ,  124  extending outwardly from the bottom end  106  of the clip body  102 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the retention arms  122 ,  124  are spaced apart from one another in the crosswise direction CW such that a retention channel  126  is defined between the arms  122 ,  124  for receiving the tilt wand  50 . In such an embodiment, the retention channel  126  may be configured to have any suitable shape and/or configuration that allows for the tilt wand  50  to be received therein. For instance, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each retention arm  122 ,  124  has a slightly arcuate or curved profile as it extends outwardly from the bottom end  106  of the clip body  102  to a free end  122 A,  124 A thereof such that the retention channel  126  defines a semi-circular or “U-shaped” cross-sectional profile. As such, when the tilt wand  50  is inserted into the retention channel  126 , the retention arms  122 ,  124  may be configured to wrap or extend around at least a portion of the outer circumference or perimeter of the tilt wand  50  to facilitate retaining the tilt wand  50  relative to the rail clip  100 . 
     For instance, referring briefly back to the embodiment of the headrail assembly  22  shown in  FIG. 4 , the tilt wand  50  may be configured to be vertically inserted into the retention channel  126  as the tilt wand  50  is pivoted upwardly from its operating position towards its stowed position. In such an embodiment, with the tilt wand  50  fully inserted into the retention channel  126 , the retention arms  122 ,  124  may engage around the outer circumference or perimeter of the tilt wand  50 . For example, the retention channel  126  may be sized such that the free ends  122 A,  124 A of the retention arms  122 ,  124  flex outwardly as the tilt wand  50  is initially being inserted into the channel  126  and subsequently move back inwardly (e.g., towards each other) to wrap around the outer circumference or perimeter of the tilt wand  50  as the wand  50  is pushed further into the retention channel  126 . As such, the retention arms  122 ,  124  may frictionally engage the tilt wand  50  so as to retain the wand  50  within the retention channel  126 . 
     It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the retention structure of the rail clip  100  may correspond to any other suitable retention means for retaining the tilt wand  50  relative to the clip  100 . In one alternative embodiment, the retention structure may comprise a hook-shaped member configured to retain or support the tilt wand  50  relative to the rail clip  100 . For instance, as opposed to the retention arms  122 ,  124  described above, a single hooked-member or arm may extend outwardly from the bottom end  106  of the clip body  102  for supporting the tilt wand  50 . In another alternative embodiment, a magnet-based connection may be provided between the tilt wand  50  and the rail clip  100 . In such an embodiment, the retention structure of the rail clip  100  may, for example, correspond to a magnet configured to engage an associated ferrous element of the tilt wand  50  or a ferrous element configured to engage an associated magnet of the tilt wand  50 . In yet another alternative embodiment, the retention structure of the rail clip  100  may correspond to a hook and loop fastener configured to engage a corresponding hook and loop fastener provided on the tilt wand  50 . In a further alternative embodiment, a prong-type snap-fit connection may be provided between the tilt wand  50  and the rail clip  100 . In such an embodiment, the retention structure of the rail clip  100  may, for example, correspond to a prong element configured to be received through a corresponding opening defined through the tilt wand  50  or vice versa. In yet another alternative embodiment, a belt or strap may be used to couple the tilt wand  50  to the rail clip  100 . For instance, a flexible strap or belt may be attached to one of the rail clip  100  or the tilt wand  50  that is configured to wrap around and/or engage a portion of the other component to allow the tilt wand  50  to be supported relative to the rail clip  100 . In other alternative embodiments, the rail clip  100  may be configured to have any other suitable engagement feature configured to engage a corresponding portion or feature of the tilt wand  50  to allow the wand  50  to be coupled or otherwise retained relative to the rail clip  100 . 
     Referring briefly back to  FIG. 3 , it should be appreciated that, since the proximal end  58  of the tilt wand  50  is coupled to the headrail (e.g., via the wand connector assembly  88  of the tilt system  52 ), the headrail assembly  22  may only require a single rail clip  100  to properly retain the tilt wand  50  relative to the headrail  24  in the stowed position. For instance, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the right-side rail clip  100  (i.e., the clip  100  positioned closest to the distal end  60  of the wand  50 ) may be sufficient to retain the tilt wand  50  relative to the headrail  24  in the stowed position. In such embodiments, when it is desirable to install two or more rail clips  100  on the headrail to provide suitable support for the valance  26  along its length, such additional rail clips  100  need not also be configured to retain the tilt wand  50 . For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the left-side rail clip  100  (i.e., the clip  100  positioned closest to the proximal end  58  of the wand  50 ) may alternatively be configured to only support the valance  26 . Specifically, in one embodiment, such clip may not include the retention structure configured to retain the tilt wand  50  (e.g., the retention arms  122 ,  124  and associated retention channel  126 ). 
     Additionally, it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the rail clips described herein may also be utilized with headrail assemblies that do not include a valance. In such embodiments, the rail clips may be configured the same as or similar to that described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-11 . Alternatively, the configuration of each rail clip may, for example, be modified to remove the support structure used to support the valance relative to the clip. For instance,  FIGS. 12-19  illustrate different views of an alternative embodiment of a rail clip  100 ′ configured for use with a valance-less headrail assembly  22 ′ in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically,  FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the rail clip  100 ′ coupled to a headrail  24 ′ of the headrail assembly  22 ′ while supporting a corresponding tilt wand  50 ′ of the assembly  22 ′ in a stowed position relative to the headrail  24 ′.  FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of the rail clip  100 ′ and  FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate left and right side views, respectively, of the rail clip  100 ′. Additionally,  FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19  illustrate respective top, bottom, front, and rear views of the rail clip  100 ′. 
     As particularly shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the rail clip  100 ′ is generally configured similar to the rail clip  100  described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-11 . For instance, the rail clip  100  includes a clip body  102 ′ extending in the vertical direction (indicated by arrow V in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) between a top end  104 ′ and a bottom end  106 ′ of the body  102 ′ and in the crosswise direction (indicated by arrow CW in  FIGS. 13 and 14 ) between a front side  108 ′ and a rear side  110 ′ of the body  102 ′. Additionally, the rail clip  100 ′ includes a pair of connection flanges for coupling the rail clip  100 ′ to a corresponding headrail (e.g., the headrail  24 ′ shown in  FIG. 12 . Specifically, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rail clip  100 ′ includes upper and lower connection flanges  112 ′,  114 ′ positioned at the top and bottom ends  104 ′,  106 ′, respectively, of the clip body  102 ′ that extend outwardly from the rear side  110 ′ of the body  102 ′. In such an embodiment, similar to the embodiment described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-11  the upper connection flange  112 ′ may be configured to wrap around or otherwise engage the top edge  72 ′ ( FIG. 12 ) of the front wall  70 ′ of the headrail  24 ′, while the lower connection flange  114 ′ may be configured to wrap around or otherwise engage the bottom edge  74 ′ ( FIG. 12 ) of the front wall  70 ′ of the headrail  24 ′. 
     Additionally, the rail clip  100 ′ also includes suitable retention structure for retaining a tilt wand (e.g., the tilt wand  50 ′ shown in  FIG. 12 ) relative to the clip  100 ′ (and, thus, the headrail  24 ′ to which the clip  100 ′ is coupled) when the tilt wand  50 ′ is moved to the stowed position. For instance, similar to the embodiment described above, the rail clip  100 ′ includes first and second retention arms  122 ′,  124 ′ extending outwardly from the bottom end  106 ′ of the clip body  102 ′ that are spaced apart from one another in the crosswise direction CW such that a retention channel  126 ′ is defined between the arms  122 ′,  124 ′ for receiving the tilt wand  50 . In such an embodiment, the tilt wand  50 ′ may be configured to be vertically inserted into the retention channel  126 ′ as the tilt wand  50 ′ is pivoted upwardly from its operating position towards its stowed position. For example, the retention channel  126 ′ may be sized such that free ends  122 A′,  124 A′ ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ) of the retention arms  122 ′,  124 ′ flex outwardly as the tilt wand  50 ′ is initially being inserted into the channel  126 ′ and subsequently move back inwardly (e.g., towards each other) to wrap around the outer circumference or perimeter of the tilt wand  50 ′ as the wand  50 ′ is pushed further into the retention channel  126 ′. As such, the retention arms  122 ′,  124 ′ may frictionally engage the tilt wand  50 ′ so as to retain the wand  50 ′ within the retention channel  126 ′. It should be appreciated that, similar to the embodiment of the rail clip  100  described above, the retention structure of the rail clip  100 ′ may correspond to any other suitable retention means for retaining the tilt wand  50  relative to the clip  100 , such as a hook-shaped member or other engagement feature, and/or the like. 
     While the foregoing Detailed Description and drawings represent various embodiments, it will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter. Each example is provided by way of explanation without intent to limit the broad concepts of the present subject matter. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, the size or dimensions of the elements may be varied. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the present subject matter being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description. 
     In the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be appreciated that the phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The term “a” or “an” element, as used herein, refers to one or more of that element. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, cross-wise, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, and/or the like) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present subject matter, and/or serve to distinguish regions of the associated elements from one another, and do not limit the associated element, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the present subject matter. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, secured, mounted and/or the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. 
     All apparatuses and methods disclosed herein are examples of apparatuses and/or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present subject matter. These examples are not the only way to implement these principles but are merely examples. Thus, references to elements or structures or features in the drawings must be appreciated as references to examples of embodiments of the present subject matter, and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the specific elements, structures, or features illustrated. Other examples of manners of implementing the disclosed principles will occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the present subject matter, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 
     The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term “comprises/comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by, e.g., a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc., do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.