Patent Publication Number: US-11021908-B2

Title: Dual cord operating system for an architectural covering

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/423,639, filed on Feb. 3, 2017, entitled “Dual Cord Operating System for an Architectural Covering”, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 119(e) of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/297,770 filed 19 Feb. 2016 and entitled “Dual Cord Operating System for Controlling a Covering for an Architectural Opening,” which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to architectural coverings, and more specifically to a dual cord operating system for controlling an architectural covering. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Some architectural coverings utilize a cord to extend and to retract the covering material in a horizontal direction, and are generally referenced as vertical coverings, or vertical window coverings, or vertical blinds (referenced herein by any such term without intent to limit). Some vertical window coverings utilize two cord loops for operation: one control cord loop for actuation by the user and a second control cord loop, connected to the first for extending and retracting the vanes in response to the user&#39;s pulling on the first control cord loop. Often the first cord loop is pre-tensioned, which in turn increases the amount of pull force needed to move the covering. A two cord configuration reduces the length of cord that must be under tension, and allows for better control of the tension of the cord that is actuated by the user. Additionally, a hand wand often is used to further control the amount of light passing through the covering material, such as, in the case of vertical blinds, by rotating the position of the vanes. Such hand wand may also provide a guide for the first cord. However, the integration of the wand into the housing and the tension of the cords often cause the wand to pull or “kick” away from vertical alignment. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides an operating system for vertical coverings, such as vertical blinds, that addresses the issues identified above as well as other issues presented by present designs. The present disclosure generally provides a dual cord operating system for an architectural covering, such as coverings for an architectural structures or features, such as windows, doorways, archways, and the like. As provided below, the operating system improves control of a covering by operably coupling a head rail cord loop with a separately configured control cord loop. The two cord loops may be coupled to provide mechanical advantage and reduced pull force for a user compared to systems in which the head rail cord and the control cord are coupled without a mechanical advantage. The operating system maintains the control cord loop in a configuration which reduces the possibility of entanglements (such as in a position adjacent an operation touch point, such as an operating wand) while maintaining an acceptable pull force needed to drive the head rail cord loop. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and drawings. 
     The present disclosure is given to aid understanding, and one of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Accordingly, while the disclosure is presented in terms of embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of any embodiment can have individual utility or be incorporated into other embodiments and further can be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that embodiment or any other embodiment. 
     The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in this application and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this summary. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments or arrangements illustrated herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate examples of the disclosure and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description give below, serve to explain the principles of these examples. 
         FIG. 1  is a fragmentary isometric view of a retractable covering incorporating a dual cord operating system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The covering is shown in an extended and open configuration in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary isometric view of the covering of  FIG. 1  with the covering removed for clarity in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged fragmentary elevation view of the dual cord operating system for the covering of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Half of the housing has been removed for illustration purposes. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric view of the dual cord operating system for the covering of  FIG. 1  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is an elevation view of a gear reduction assembly of a first drive assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded top front isometric view of the gear reduction assembly of  FIG. 5  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded bottom rear isometric view of the gear reduction assembly of  FIG. 5  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a rear housing half in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a front isometric view of a housing connection member in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear isometric view of the housing connection member of  FIG. 9  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the covering of  FIG. 1  taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 3  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the covering of  FIG. 1  taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 3  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the covering of  FIG. 1  taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 3  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded front isometric view of the second drive assembly shown in  FIG. 4  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded rear isometric view of the second drive assembly shown in  FIG. 4  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded top front isometric view of a pulley assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded top rear isometric view of the pulley assembly of  FIG. 16  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view of the pulley assembly of  FIG. 16  in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  is a front isometric view of components of a dual cord operating system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure with a front portion of a housing cover removed. 
         FIG. 20  is a rear isometric view of components of a dual cord operating system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure of  FIG. 19  with a rear portion of a housing cover and other elements removed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure generally provides an operating system for an architectural covering, such as coverings for an architectural structure or feature, such as windows, doorways, archways, or the like (hereinafter “architectural structure/feature” for the sake of simplicity and without intent to limit). The operating system may include a first drive assembly operable to move the architectural covering in a first manner, such as between an extended configuration in which the covering is at least partially extended across the architectural structure/feature, and a retracted configuration in which the covering is at least partially retracted across the architectural structure/feature. The first drive assembly may be rotatably mounted within a housing. Optionally, the housing is compact and positioned or mounted adjacent to, and optionally coupled to, a head rail so as not to be in the path of the covering material. The first drive assembly may provide a transmission or transmission system between (e.g., coupling) a first cord loop operated by a user and a second cord loop operable to move the covering in a first manner, such as between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. 
     The operating system may also include a second drive assembly operable to move the covering in a second manner, such as between a closed configuration and an open configuration to vary the amount of light passing through the covering material. The second drive assembly may include a separate touch point or control element, such as a rotatable operating shaft or wand (hereinafter referred to as an operating wand without intent to limit), arranged to move the architectural covering between the closed and open configurations. The second drive assembly may be separate from but operationally engaged with the first drive assembly. The second drive assembly may be proximate the first drive assembly. The first drive assembly may include a cord loop aligned with an operating element of the second drive assembly. For example, the first cord loop may be maintained in proximity to, such as in an overlapping relationship with, the operating wand of the second drive assembly. As such, tension on the first cord loop has a minimal effect on the position of the operating wand (e.g., the hang of the wand) associated with the second drive assembly. The use of two cord loops in the first drive assembly may serve to shorten the overall length of cord used to operate extension and retraction of the covering (i.e., by having two loops, each shorter than prior cord loops). The first drive assembly may be configured to decouple effects of tension of the second cord loop from the operating wand of the second drive assembly via the first cord loop (e.g., so that tension on the second cord loop is not translated to the operating wand of the second drive assembly and thereby does not interfere with or alter the position of the operating wand of the second drive assembly). 
     The first cord loop may be coupled to an input side of the first drive assembly and the second operating cord may be coupled to an output side of the first drive assembly. For example, the first cord loop may be routed around a first pulley of the first drive assembly, and the cord loop may be routed around a second pulley of the first drive assembly. In such embodiments, the first and second pulleys may be operatively coupled such that the first drive assembly operatively couples the first cord loop with the second cord loop. In this manner, a user may move the covering between extended and retracted configurations by manipulating the first cord loop, which in turn will actuate the first drive assembly and manipulate the second cord loop to move the covering between extended and retracted configurations. The drive assembly may be configured to provide mechanical advantage to the user so that less force is required to cause the covering to move between extended and retracted positions than required by prior systems. 
     The operating wand may be coupled with a first operating element of the second drive assembly, the first operating element in turn coupled to (e.g., engaged with) a second operating element of the second drive assembly, such as via a transmission (e.g., a gear assembly or mesh therebetween). In such embodiments, the engagement between the first and second operating elements may provide a gear reduction or mechanical advantage to facilitate moving the covering between the closed and open configurations. The second operating element may be coupled with a shaft in the head rail that moves the covering (e.g., vanes or other types of blind panels) between open and closed configurations (e.g., by rotating the vanes). For example, movement, such as rotation, of the first operating element in a first direction (e.g., rotation counterclockwise) translates through the coupling mechanism between the first and second operating elements to move the second operating element and, correspondingly, the shaft fixed to the second operating element in a first manner, such as causing the second operating element and shaft to rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise). Movement of the second operating element (and shaft) in the first manner may move (e.g., rotate) the covering to the open or closed position, such as causing the front of the vanes of the covering to pivot either toward or away from the second drive assembly. Similarly, movement, such as rotation, of the first operating element in a second direction (e.g., rotation clockwise) translates through the coupling mechanism between the first and second operating elements to move the second operating element and the shaft in a second manner, such as causing the second operating element and shaft to rotate in a second rotational direction (e.g., counter-clockwise). Movement of the second operating element (and shaft) in the second manner may move (e.g., rotate) the covering to the open or closed position, such as causing the front of the vanes of the covering to pivot in the opposite direction. 
     An embodiment of a housing and drive assembly providing various of the aforementioned benefits is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4, 8, and 11-13 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , an example of a retractable covering  110  having a covering material mounted on a head rail  112  extends across an architectural structure/feature. The retractable covering  110  may be mounted to a wall  119  (such as via the head rail  112 ) defining the architectural structure/feature (e.g., along a top of the structure/feature). In some embodiments, the covering material may include one or more covering panels or vanes  114  suspended from the head rail  112 , the vanes  114  including vertically extending longitudinal axes. A first drive assembly  132  for the covering  110  may be used to reversibly translate the covering  110  between extended and retracted configurations such as by moving the vanes  114  along a length of the head rail  112 . In an extended configuration, the vanes  114  of the covering are extended at least partially across the architectural structure/feature. In a retracted configuration, the vanes  114  may be retracted adjacent to one side of the architectural structure/feature in a stacked relationship with one another so as to cover none or only a portion of the architectural structure/feature. In some embodiments, the operating system may include a first touch point to operate the first drive assembly  132 . For instance, a first operating cord loop  116  may be controlled by a user to actuate the first drive assembly  132  to operate the retractable covering  110 , such as by transferring the force of the first operating cord  116  to a second operating cord  146  that loops along the head rail  112 . As explained below, the second operating cord  146  may be coupled with the covering  110  (e.g., with the vanes  114 ) such that movement of the second operating cord  146  moves the covering  110  between extended and retracted configurations. 
     A second drive assembly  134  for the covering  110  may be used to alter the retractable covering  110  in another manner. For example, the second drive assembly  134  may be used to adjust, such as increasing and/or reducing/eliminating, viewing through the covering  110 . In one non-exclusive embodiment, the second drive assembly  134  may pivot the vanes  114  about their longitudinal axes to move the covering  110  between open and closed configurations varying light transmission and view through the covering  110 . In an open configuration, the vanes  114  may extend substantially parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to the architectural structure/feature in which the covering  110  is mounted such as to define a space therebetween to allow viewing therethrough. In a closed configuration, the vanes  114  are in a parallel overlapping relationship with one another and substantially parallel with the architectural structure/feature so as to reduce viewing through the covering  110 . While the vanes  114  are illustrated as extending vertically, the vanes  114  could also be suspended horizontally as in a Venetian-type blind whereby ends of the vanes  114  opposite the rail  112  would be pivotably attached to a support element. In the embodiments described herein, the vanes  114  may form a shade or blind. In some embodiments, the operating system may include a second touch point to operate the second drive assembly  134 . For example, in one embodiment, an operating wand  115  may be rotated by a user about its longitudinal axis to actuate the second drive assembly  134 , which may move the vanes  114  and hence the covering  110  between open and closed configurations, as described more fully below. 
     According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the first drive assembly  132  is positioned relative to the second drive assembly  134  to provide a desired aesthetic and/or functional characteristic. For example, the first drive assembly  132  may be proximate the second drive assembly  134 . In one embodiment, the first drive assembly  132  may include an operating element aligned with an operating element of the second drive assembly  134 . For instance, the first operating cord  116  may be aligned with, such as overlapping, an operating element of the second drive assembly  134 . In further example, the first operating cord  116  may extend around the operating wand  115  for operational movement about the operating wand  115 . As described below, the first operating cord  116  may be held in place and movable with respect to the operating wand  115 , such as via a tether that is rotatably mounted to the operating wand  115 . 
     A housing  122  may be coupled to, such as mounted on, one end of the head rail  112  for mounting and optional enclosure of the operating system, particularly for optional enclosure of the first drive assembly  132  and the second drive assembly  134 . In an embodiment in which the housing  122  is mounted on an end of the head rail  112 , the housing  122  may be mounted such that at least the first drive assembly  132  is sufficiently above the covering material so as not to interfere with extension and retraction of the covering  110 . Such a configuration may advantageously be used to provide a desired aesthetic and/or functional characteristic, such as reducing or eliminating the need to cut out portions of the vanes  114  to accommodate the housing  122 . 
     The first operating cord  116 , which may be referred to as a cord loop or a control cord, and may be considered the first cord loop, extends downward from at least a portion of the first drive assembly  132 , such as from within the housing  122 , and adjacent the operating wand  115 . The first operating cord  116  may be coupled to the first drive assembly  132  to allow the user to manually operate the first drive assembly  132 . Circulation of the first operating cord  116  actuates the first drive assembly  132  and causes the second operating cord  146  to translate the vanes  114  along a length of the head rail  112  and across the architectural structure/feature so as to move the covering  110  between extended and retracted configurations. Optionally, a lower end of the first operating cord  116  may pass around a cord anchor  118 , which may, in turn, be secured to a frame or wall  119  defining the architectural structure/feature. In some embodiments, the first operating cord  116  may descend from the head rail  112  in a closed loop, and may be pre-tensioned, for example, against the operating wand  115 , in order to achieve compliance with child safety standards. In certain embodiments, the first operating cord  116  may extend along the operating wand  115  for operational movement about the operating wand  115  and may be held in place and rotatable with respect to the operating wand  115 . For example, the first operating cord  116  may pass through a curved channel defined within a handle (not shown) of the operating wand  115 , or around a pulley housed within a handle (not shown) of the operating wand  115 , or through any other sort of tether attached to the operating wand  115  rather than a fixed anchor on the wall  119 . In each exemplary embodiment, the cord anchor  118  or curved channel or pulley within a handle provides for circulation and change of direction of the closed loop of the first operating cord  116 , allowing the first operating cord  116  to follow a reversible looped path. 
     In some embodiments, one or more cord restraints  120  or guides may be coupled to the operating wand  115  and may be operable to maintain the first operating cord  116  in close adjacent relationship with the operating wand  115  and allow the first operating cord  116  to reversibly move up and down along the length of the operating wand  115  (see  FIG. 1 ). An arcuate slot  280  or other opening may be defined in the cord restraints  120  through which opposing sections of the first operating cord  116  pass. Depending on the length of the operating wand  115  and the first operating cord  116 , one or more cord restraints  120  may be coupled to the operating wand  115  in fixed configurations at regular or irregular spaced intervals. The operating wand  115  may be releasably coupled to the operating system so that each cord restraint  120  may slide over the top of the operating wand  115  and along the length of the operating wand  115  until the desired position of each cord restraint  120  is found. Each cord restraint  120  may be fastened or secured to the operating wand  115  at particular locations along the operating wand  115 . 
     In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed first drive assembly  132 , the first operating cord  116  may extend from the first drive assembly  132  to be positioned closer to an operating element (e.g., a first operating element  154 ) of the second drive assembly  134  than previously achieved in similar drive assemblies for retractable coverings. Because the first operating cord  116  is closer to the first operating element  154  of the second drive assembly  134  and the wand  115  attached to the first operating element  154 , pretension forces on the first drive cord  116  have a shorter moment arm (if any) with respect to the wand  115  and the operating element  154  of the second drive assembly  134 , and thus such forces are less likely to cause the wand  115  to be displaced from hanging vertically beneath the operating element  154  of the second drive assembly  134 . 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-7 , the first drive assembly  132  (e.g., the rotation axis of the first drive assembly  132 ) is rotatably mounted at an oblique angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the head rail  112 . The first drive assembly  132  may be rotatably mounted by, for example, first and second bearings  138 ,  140 . In one embodiment, the first and second bearings  138 ,  140  may be rotatably received within corresponding first and second bearing surfaces  142 ,  144 , respectively, of the housing  122 . The first operating cord  116  may be associated with the first drive assembly  132  and may extend away from the first drive assembly  132  at least partially along a length of the second drive assembly  134 . The second operating cord  146 , which may be referred to as a head rail cord or a head rail cord loop, and may be considered a second cord loop, may also be associated with the first drive assembly  132  and may extend away from the first drive assembly  132  at least partially along a length of the head rail  112 . 
     The operating system may be arranged to facilitate smooth operation of the first drive assembly  132  notwithstanding the angled mounting of the first drive assembly  132  relative to the head rail  112 . For example, the operating system may include structure operable to smoothly direct the first operating cord  116  and/or the second operating cord  146  through various angles to accommodate the angled mounting of the first drive assembly  132 . For example without limitation, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the covering  110  may include a connection member  124  coupling the housing  122  to the head rail  112 , such as being positioned at least partially between the housing  122  and the head rail  112 . The connection member  124  may include a pulley cradle  265  (see  FIG. 10 ) and a pair of directional pulleys  152  rotatably or non-rotatably mounted on a pulley shaft  153  retained in the pulley cradle  265  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The directional pulleys  152  are provided to change the direction of the second operating cord  146  from extension along the head rail  112  to operate with the first drive assembly  132 . For example, the directional pulleys  152  may be operable to position first and second portions of the second operating cord  146  substantially parallel to a length of the head rail  112  and substantially parallel to a plane of the first drive assembly  132 , respectively. 
     In an alternative embodiment as depicted in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , a pair of cord chutes  367 , for example, formed as part of a connection member  324 , may extend from a surface of the connection member  324  as a substitute for the directional pulleys  152  of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The cord chutes  367  may each form a smooth, concave channel as they extend from the connection member  324 . In such embodiments, the two lengths of the second operating cord  146  slide along the cord chutes  367 , which extend at an oblique angle with respect to the orientation of the head rail  112  to transition the second operating cord  146  from an orientation substantially parallel to the head rail  112  to an orientation suitable for interfacing with the first drive assembly  132 , such as substantially parallel to a plane of the first drive assembly  132 . 
     In some embodiments, the first operating cord  116  may be coupled to a first member of the first drive assembly  132 , and the second operating cord  146  may be coupled to a second member of the first drive assembly  132 . For example, the first operating cord  116  may be routed around a first pulley  148  of the first drive assembly  132 , and the second operating cord  146  may be routed around a second pulley  150  of the first drive assembly  132 . In such embodiments, the first pulley  148  and the second pulley  150  are operatively coupled so that the first drive assembly  132  operatively couples the first operating cord  116  with the second operating cord  146 . In this manner, a user may move the covering  110  between extended and retracted configurations by manipulating the first operating cord  116 , which in turn will actuate the first drive assembly  132  to manipulate the second operating cord  146  to move the covering  110  between extended and retracted configurations. 
     In some embodiments, the first drive assembly  132  may be arranged to provide a mechanical advantage to reduce the amount of force needed to operate the covering  110 , such as reducing the amount of pull force needed to move the covering between extended and retracted positions. In an illustrative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the first drive assembly  132  may include a gear reduction system such as a planetary gear train system  136  or other gear reduction system. The gear ratio(s) of the gear system may be chosen to provide a mechanical advantage to reduce the force required by the user to exert on the first operating cord  116  to cause the second operating cord  146  to move the covering  110  between extended and retracted positions. For example, the planetary gear system  136  may be configured to move the covering  110  between extended and retracted configurations with greater force than that provided by the user. For instance, the planetary gear system  136  may be configured such that the travel speed and translation distance of the second operating cord  146  will be less than the corresponding travel speed and translation distance of the first operating cord  116 , but the torque applied to the second operating cord  146  will be greater than the torque applied by the first operating cord  116 , as explained below. 
     The planetary gear system  136  may include a sun gear  194 , a ring gear  196 , and a plurality of planet gears  198  positioned between and interfacing with or interconnecting the sun gear  194  and the ring gear  196  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). A carrier  200  or carriage may support the plurality of planet gears  198  on posts  199  extending from one side of the carrier  200  within the planetary gear system  136 . The carrier  200  may include a plurality of buttresses  202  extending radially away from a main body  204  of the carrier  200 . As explained in further detail below, the carrier  200  may be a plate, and also may be held in a stationary, non-rotating manner within the housing  122  by, for example, engagement of the plurality of buttresses  202  with portions of the housing  122 . As with typical planetary gear systems, the sun gear  194  may include a plurality of gear teeth extending outwardly from a rotational axis of the sun gear  194  and operable to engage a plurality of gear teeth of each of the planet gears  198 . The ring gear  196  may include a plurality of gear teeth extending inwardly towards a rotational axis of the ring gear  196  and operable to engage the plurality of gear teeth of each of the planet gears  198 . 
     In some embodiments, the sun gear  194  may include a smaller number of gear teeth than the ring gear  196 . In such a design, a greater number of rotations of the sun gear  194  will correspond to a smaller number of rotations of the ring gear  196 . As a result, if the first operating cord  116  is coupled with the sun gear  194  and the second operating cord  146  is coupled with the ring gear  196 , the travel speed and translation distance of the second operating cord  146  will be less than the corresponding travel speed and translation distance of the first operating cord  116 , but the torque applied to the ring gear  196  will be greater than the torque applied to the sun gear  194 . Correspondingly, the pulling force exerted on the second operating cord  146  will be greater than the pulling force exerted on the first operating cord  116  by a user. 
     The rotational axis of the sun gear  194  corresponds with the rotational axis of the ring gear  196 , and defines a common rotational axis of the planetary gear system  136 . Rotation of the sun gear  194  in a first rotational direction causes the plurality of planet gears  198  to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. Rotation of the plurality of planet gears  198  in the second rotational direction causes the ring gear  196  to rotate in the second rotational direction. In a similar manner, rotation of the sun gear  194  in the second rotational direction causes the plurality of planet gears  198  and the ring gear  196  to rotate in the first rotational direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-7 , the illustrated embodiment of a first drive assembly  132  includes a first pulley  148  and a second pulley  150 . The first pulley  148 , which may be referred to as an input pulley, may be coupled to, such as non-rotatably fixed or attached to or formed as part of, the sun gear  194 . In like manner, the second pulley  150 , which may be referred to as an output pulley, may be coupled to, such as non-rotatably fixed or attached to or formed as part of, the ring gear  196 . In some embodiments, the first pulley  148  may include a first bearing  138 , and the second pulley  150  may include a second bearing  140 . In some embodiments as shown in the figures, the first pulley  148  may include both the first and second bearings  138 ,  140 . The first operating cord  116  may be operably engaged with the first pulley  148  on the sun gear  194 , and the second operating cord  146  may be operably engaged with the second pulley  150  on the ring gear  196 . In such embodiments, manipulation of the first operating cord  116  by a user rotates the sun gear  194  of the planetary gear system  136  on the first and second bearings  138 ,  140 , and translates rotation through the planet gears  198  to the ring gear  196  to rotate the ring gear  196  in an opposite direction to drive the second operating cord  146  as explained above. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , each of the illustrated embodiments of first and second pulleys  148 ,  150  includes alternating brackets  206   a/b  to define respective cord receiving grooves  208   a/b , each having a width, to facilitate engagement of the first and second operating cords  116 ,  146  with the first and second pulleys  148 ,  150 , respectively. For example, the arrangement of the brackets  206   a/b  may be such that the brackets  206   a/b  engage the first and second operating cords  116 ,  146  without slippage, as described below. The brackets  206   a/b  may oppose each other to define the grooves  208   a/b . In one embodiment, each bracket  206   a/b  may be spaced apart from adjacent brackets  206   a/b . In some embodiments, the brackets  206   a/b  may be staggered or offset such that a bracket  206   a/b  on one side of a respective groove  208   a/b  is positioned opposite a space in between two brackets  206   a/b  on an opposing side of the respective groove  208   a/b.    
     The brackets  206   a  on the first pulley  148  may include a tab  210   a  extending radially away from the rotational axis of the first pulley  148 . A ridge  212   a  may extend perpendicularly from and bisect an inner face  214   a  of each tab  210   a . The ridge  212   a  may slant or taper from a wide base adjacent the rotational axis of the first pulley  148  and narrow as it extends along the inner face  214   a  to a top edge  216   a  of the tab  210   a . The bases of the ridges  212   a  may extend across a midpoint of the groove  208   a  such that they overlap. The brackets  206   a  may be spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the groove  208   a  such that the first operating cord  116  fits within the groove  208   a  and is frictionally engaged by the ridges  212   a  to reduce or eliminate slippage in the groove  208   a . The top edges  216   b  of the tabs  210   a  and ridges  212   a  may be rounded or contoured in order to reduce abrasion of the first operating cord  116  as it passes between the brackets  206   a.    
     The brackets  206   b  on the second pulley  150  may define a tab  210   b  extending radially away from the rotational axis of the second pulley  150 . A pair of ridges  212   b  may extend perpendicularly from lateral edges of each tab  210   b . The ridges  212   b  on each tab  210   b  may define a channel between them and the inner face  214   b  of each tab  210   b . A plurality of base ridges  215  may extend along a sidewall of the second pulley  150  from the inner faces  214   b  between each pair of ridges  212   b  in a direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the second pulley  150 . The tabs  210   b  and ridges  212   b  may be rounded or contoured at a top edge  216   b  in order to reduce abrasion of the second operating cord  146  as it passes between the brackets  206   b . The brackets  206   b  may be spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the groove  208   b  such that the second operating cord  146  fits within the groove  208   b  and is frictionally engaged by the ridges  212   b  and base ridges  215  to reduce or eliminate slippage in the groove  208   b.    
     In another illustrative embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 16-20 , an alternative first drive assembly  332  has a first pulley  348  and a second pulley  350  that are operatively coupled so that the first drive assembly  332  operatively couples the first operating cord  116  with the second operating cord  146 . In one embodiment, the first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  are axially aligned and rotate together in the same direction, preferably at the same speed. For example, the first operating cord  116  may extend at least partially around the first pulley  348 , and the second operating cord  146  may extend at least partially around the second pulley  350 . The first pulley  348  is actuated by the user pulling on the first operating cord  116 . The second pulley  350  is caused to rotate in conjunction with the first pulley  348  due to the connection therebetween, which causes the second operating cord  146  to extend or to retract the covering  110 . An outer diameter of the first pulley  348  may be larger than an outer diameter of the second pulley  350  to provide a mechanical advantage that reduces the pull force required by the user to exert on the first operating cord  116 . In this manner, a user may move the covering  110  between extended and retracted configurations by manipulating the first operating cord  116 , which in turn will actuate the first drive assembly  332  to manipulate the second operating cord  146  to move the covering  110  between extended and retracted configurations. 
     The first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  of the alternative first drive assembly  332  of  FIGS. 16-20  may have features similar to features depicted in the embodiment of  FIGS. 5-7 . For example, the first pulley  348  may include a first bearing shaft  338  extending axially from a first side thereof and a second bearing shaft  340  extending axially from a second side thereof. The second bearing shaft  340  may extend through an axial bearing hole  339  defined in the second pulley  350  when the first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  are coupled together. The second bearing shaft  140  may extend axially beyond the outer face of the second pulley  350 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16-18 , the first and second pulleys  348 ,  350  may each include alternating brackets  306   a/b  which define respective cord receiving grooves  308   a/b , each having a width, to facilitate receipt of the first and second operating cords  116 ,  146  therein, respectively. The respective brackets  306   a/b  may oppose each other to define the grooves  308   a/b  and may be staggered such that a respective bracket  306   a/b  on one side of a respective groove  308   a/b  is positioned opposite a space in between two respective brackets  306   a/b  on an opposing side of the respective groove  308   a/b.    
     Each of the brackets  306   a  on the first pulley  348  may include a tab  310   a  extending radially away from the common rotational axis of the alternative first drive assembly  332 . A ridge  312   a  may extend perpendicularly from and bisect an inner face  314   a  of each tab  310   a . The ridge  312   a  may slant or taper from a wide base adjacent the rotational axis of the first pulley  348  and narrow as it extends along the inner face  314   a  to a top edge  316   a  of the tab  310   a . The bases of the ridges  312   a  may extend across a midpoint of the groove  308   a  such that they overlap. The respective brackets  306   a  may be spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the groove  308   a  such that the first operating cord  116  fits within the groove  308   a  and is frictionally engaged by the ridges  312   a  to reduce or eliminate slippage in the groove  308   a . The top edges  316   b  of the tabs  310   a  and ridges  312   a  may be rounded or contoured in order to reduce abrasion of the first operating cord  116  as it passes between respective brackets  306   a.    
     Each of the brackets  306   b  on the second pulley  350  may define a tab  310   b  extending radially away from the common rotational axis of the alternative first drive assembly  332 . A pair of ridges  312   b  may extend perpendicularly from lateral edges of each tab  310   b . The ridges  312   b  on each tab  310   b  may define a channel between them and the inner face  314   b  of each tab  310   b . A plurality of base ridges  315  may extend along a sidewall of the second pulley  350  from the inner faces  314   b  between each pair of ridges  312   b  in a direction parallel to the common rotational axis of the alternative first drive assembly  332 . The tabs  310   b  and ridges  312   b  may be rounded or contoured at a top edge  316   b  in order to reduce abrasion of the second operating cord  146  as it passes between the brackets  306   b . The respective brackets  306   b  may be spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the groove  308   b  such that the second operating cord  146  fits within the groove  308   b  and is frictionally engaged by the ridges  312   b  and base ridges  315  to reduce or eliminate slippage in the groove  308   b.    
     The first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  are coupled together to prevent relative rotation therebetween. For example, the first and second pulleys  348 ,  350  may include corresponding structure operable to limit rotation of the first pulley  348  relative to the second pulley  350 . In one embodiment, the second bearing shaft  340  extends through the axial bearing hole  339  defined in the second pulley  350 . A plurality of locking tabs  341  may extend outward from a face of the first pulley  348  adjacent to and spaced apart from each other circumferentially around the second bearing shaft  340 . Each locking tab  341  may define a seat  343  near a base of the locking tab  341  and a latch nubbin  345  at a distal end of the locking tab  341  extending radially outward therefrom. The locking tabs  341  are sized and spaced to fit within several hub apertures  347  defined between adjacent spokes  351 , a rim wall  353 , and a hub wall  355  forming part of the structure of the second pulley  350 . The hub apertures  347  configured to receive the locking tabs  341  may include a latch shelf  349  extending radially inward from the rim wall  353  toward the hub wall  355 . When the first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  are coupled together, the locking tabs  341  extend within the hub apertures  347  such that the latch nubbins  345  snap past and engage against an outer side of the latch shelves  349 , thereby retaining the first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  together. The seat  343  near the base of each of the locking tabs  341  abuts against an edge surface of the rim wall  353  opposite the second pulley  350  to provide axial tension for engagement of the latch nubbins  345  against the latch shelves  349  and further to provide a small separation distance between the first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  when the two are attached together. The interface between the latch tabs  349  and the spokes  351  further prevents relative rotation between the first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  so that they are rotationally fixed together. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 and 8-10 , the housing  122  may be mounted with respect to one end of the head rail  112  via a connection member  124 . In some embodiments, the housing  122  may extend from an end of the head rail  112 . The housing  122  may define a slot or aperture  126  in a lower surface through which the operating element  154  of the second drive assembly and the first operating cord  116  may enter and/or exit the housing  122 . As shown, the aperture  126  may be defined at least partially by an engagement surface  128 . The engagement surface may extend at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the operating wand  115  and operating element  154  to aid in the transition of the first operating cord  116  from engagement with the first pulley  148  to a position substantially aligned with the operating wand  115 . An upper portion of the first operating cord  116  may slide against the engagement surface  128  as the first operating cord  116  is reversibly circulated through the aperture  126 . In some embodiments, the lower portion of the first operating cord  116  may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the operating wand  115 . The engagement surface  128  may be formed to position a lower portion of the first operating cord  116  closely adjacent the operating wand  115  so as to prevent “wand kick” in embodiments in which the first operating cord  116  is corralled by the operating wand  115 . 
     An example of a housing  122 , which may be used to house and optionally also to support the above-described first drive assembly  132  and second drive assembly  134 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4, 8, and 11-13 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the housing  122  may be a two-piece housing including a first housing half  122   a  and a second housing half  122   b . An interior structure of the first housing half  122   a  is also shown in  FIG. 7  and the interior structure of the second housing half  122   b  may be substantially a mirror image with some variations to that of the first housing half  122   a  as will be further described below. The first housing half  122   a  and the second housing half  122   b  may be coupled together by mechanical fasteners, adhesive, heat or sonic welding, or any other attachment means. Each of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b  may include corresponding first and second bearing surfaces  142 ,  144  that rotatably receive the first and second bearings  138 ,  140 , respectively, of the first drive assembly  132 . When the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b  are coupled together as shown in  FIG. 3 , the corresponding first and second bearing surfaces  142 ,  144  of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b  may substantially surround the first and second bearings  138 ,  140 , respectively, to rotatably support the first drive assembly  132  within the housing  122 . The first bearing surface  142  that supports the first bearing  138  may be defined by an inner wall  234  formed at an intersection of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b , and the second bearing surface  144  that supports the second bearing  140  may be defined within an outer wall  236  formed at an intersection of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b.    
     In some embodiments, the inner wall  234  and the outer wall  236  may extend at an oblique angle (for example, 45°) relative to a longitudinal axis of the head rail  112 . In this manner, the rotational axis of the first drive assembly  132  as held between the first and second bearing surfaces  142 ,  144  may be oriented at an oblique angle with respect to both a longitudinal axis of the head rail  112  and the longitudinal axis of the operating wand  115 . This angular orientation provides an intermediate position for transition of both the first operating cord  116  and the second operating cord  146  to the first drive assembly  132 , such as to coaxial pulleys  148 ,  150 . For instance, this angular orientation provides a transition of the first operating cord  116  from a vertical orientation along the operating wand  115  to engage with the first drive assembly  132 , as well as a transition of the second operating cord  146  from a horizontal orientation along the head rail  112  to also engage with the first drive assembly  132 . By orienting the first drive assembly  132  at such an angle, the possibility for binding of the first and second operating cords  116 ,  146  within the first and second pulleys  148 ,  150 , respectively is reduced. However, the first and second bearing surfaces  142 ,  144  and thus the first drive assembly  132  need not be oriented at such an angle and can be arranged in other orientations. 
     In some embodiments, the housing  122  may be arranged to ensure reliable operation of the first drive assembly  132 , such as limiting disengagement of the first and second operating cords  116 ,  146  from the first drive assembly  132 . For example, without limitation, each of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b  may include guide structures operable to maintain the first and second operating cords  116 ,  146  within the grooves  208   a ,  208   b  of the first and second pulleys  148 ,  150 , respectively. The first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b  may together form a first guide structure  238  (see  FIG. 11 ) and a second guide structure  240  (see  FIG. 12 ). As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first guide structure  238  may be substantially planar plate and may extend inwardly from the inner surface  226  of the first housing half  122   a  towards the second housing half  122   b . An inner edge of the first guide structure  238  may define an arcuate guide surface  242  around an outer diameter of the first pulley  148  (see  FIG. 11 ). The arcuate guide surface  242  is spaced apart from the first pulley  148  to provide sufficient clearance for the first operating cord  116  to pass around the first pulley  148  within the housing  122 . The arcuate guide surface  242  assists in seating the first operating cord  116  fully into the groove  208   a  to achieve full engagement between the first operating cord  116  and the pulley brackets  206   a  and retain the first operating cord  116  within the groove  208   a  should the first operating cord  116  “jump” out of the groove  208   a  during operation. In some embodiments, the arcuate guide surface  242  may not follow a circular arc, but may instead have a varying radius of curvature such that the arcuate guide surface  242  has a smaller radius at a location adjacent the guide pulleys  152  to maintain the first operating cord  116  fully in the groove  208   a  and a larger radius at a location opposite the guide pulleys  152  to allow the first operating cord  116  to exit the groove  208   a  and pass out of the housing  122 . 
     The second guide structure  240  may be a substantially planar plate and may extend inwardly from the inner surface  226  of the first housing half  122   a  towards the second housing half  122   b . An inner edge surface of the second guide structure  240  may define an arcuate guide surface  246 , which may extend around an outer diameter of the second pulley  150  (see  FIG. 12 ). The arcuate guide surface  246  is spaced apart from the second pulley  150  to provide sufficient clearance for the second operating cord  146  to pass around the second pulley  150  within the housing  122 . The arcuate guide surface  246  assists in seating the second operating cord  146  fully into the groove  208   b  to achieve full engagement between the cord and the pulley brackets  206   b  and retain the second operating cord  146  within the groove  208   b  should the second operating cord  146  “jump” out of the groove  208   b  during operation. In some embodiments, the arcuate guide surface  246  may not follow a circular arc, but may instead have a varying radius of curvature such that the arcuate guide surface  246  has a smaller radius at a location opposite the guide pulleys  152  to maintain the second operating cord  146  fully in the groove  208   b  and a larger radius at a location adjacent the guide pulleys  152  to allow the first operating cord  116  to exit the groove  208   b . Further, the arcuate guide surface  246  guides the second operating cord  146  to pass through respective cord apertures  278  in an outer surface  241  of the connection member  124  attached to the housing  122 . In this embodiment, the second operating cord  146  slides along a contoured channel  245  at an end of the arcuate guide surface  246  as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     As noted, the second housing half  122   b  may be similarly configured with corresponding first and second guide structures  238 ,  240 , which are not illustrated. In such embodiments, the arcuate guide surfaces  242 ,  246  of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b  may at least partially surround the first and second operating cords  116 ,  146  to reduce or control radial movement of the first and second operating cords  116 ,  146  away from the first and second pulleys  148 ,  150 , respectively. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 13 , at least one, and optionally both, of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b  may include a retention tab  248  to secure the planetary gear system  136  within the housing  122  and to prevent rotation of the carrier  200  with respect to the housing  122 . With reference to the first housing half  122   a , the retention tab  248  may extend inwardly from the inner surface  226  towards the second housing half  122   b  and may be positioned between the first guide structure  238  and the second guide structure  240 . The second housing half  122   b  may be similarly configured. An inner edge of the retention tab  248  may define an arcuate guide surface  250  having a radius of curvature sized to generally correspond with an outer diameter of the main body  204  of the carrier  200 . The retention tab  248  may be positioned to engage the buttresses  202  of the carrier  200 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , each retention tab  248  has a top corner portion  252  engaging a first rib  202   a  on each side and a bottom corner portion  254  engaging adjacent top edges of the second and fourth ribs  202   b ,  202   d.    
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 13 , at least one, and optionally both, of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   a  may include a retention recess  256  defined within the engagement surface  128 , which is aligned within the same plane as the retention tabs  248 , and shaped to match an outer periphery of a third rib  202   c . Together, the retention tabs  248  and the retention recess  256  lock the carrier  200 , if provided, within the housing  122  and prevent rotational movement of the carrier  200  relative to the housing  122 . The fixed carrier  200 , through the planet gears  198  attached to the posts  199 , thus acts to support the planetary gear system  136  of the first drive assembly  132 . 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  depict alternate embodiments of first and second housing halves  322   a ,  322   b  and a connection member  324  for mounting and housing the first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  of  FIGS. 16-18 . In  FIG. 19 , the second housing halve  322   b  is removed to reveal the first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  and the first and second operating cords  116 ,  146 . In  FIG. 20 , the first housing half  322   a  is removed as are the first and second operating cords  116 ,  146  and the first and second operating elements  154 ,  156  for clarity in presentation of other structural features. The first pulley  348  and the second pulley  350  may be retained within the first and second housing halves  322   a ,  322   b  by bearing surfaces that allow the attached first and second pulleys  348 ,  350  to rotate therein. The first operating cord  116  may exit the housing halves  322   a ,  322   b  through an aperture  326  along a slanted engagement surface  328  as the first operating cord  116  is reversibly circulated through the aperture  326 . 
     A first bearing surface  342  is defined by an inner wall  334   a  of the first housing half  322   a  and an inner wall  322   b  of the second housing half  322   b . The first bearing surface  342  is formed by semicircular cutouts in opposing edges of the inner walls  322   a ,  322   b  as they meet at an interface between them in the housing halves  322   a ,  322   b . The first bearing shaft  338  extending from the first pulley  348  extends through a hole defined by the semicircular cutouts, the edges of which define the first bearing surface  342  within which the first bearing shaft  338  rotates. The second housing half  322   b  further defines a retention plank  335  mounted on a support wall  337  extending (e.g., orthogonally or normally) from the inner wall  322   b  and extends to the edge of the first bearing surface  342 . The retention plank  335  is oriented parallel to the inner wall  322   b  and extends outward over the hole defined by the first bearing surface  342  in a cantilevered configuration. The retention plank  335  thus limits potential axial movement of the first bearing shaft  338  and consequently axial movement of the first and second pulleys  348 ,  350  in the housing halves  322   a ,  322   b  to maintain the first and second pulleys  348 ,  350  in place. 
     A second bearing surface  371  may be formed as a cylindrical pocket in an outer wall of the housing halves  322   a ,  322   b  by semi-cylindrical recesses in opposing edges of the first and second housing halves  322   a ,  322   b  as they meet at an interface therebetween below the connection member  324 . The second bearing shaft  340  extending through the bearing aperture  339  in the second pulley  350  may seat within the second bearing surface  371  and rotate therein. 
     Further, in the alternative exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the connection member  324  may be configured to receive the second operating cord  146  without the use of guide pulleys as in other embodiments. The connection member  324  may be formed with a pair of cord chutes  367  extending outward from an inner face thereof above a top edge of the second pulley  350 . The cord chutes  367  may be formed to provide a transition path and guide surface for the second operating cord  146  between the head rail  112  and the second pulley  350 . For example, the cord chutes  367  may be formed as concave channels extending along a downward curve or at an oblique angle from the horizontal orientation of the head rail  112 . A pulley guide  367  may also extend from the inner face of the connection member  324  between the cord chutes  367  to a position substantially over the receiving groove  308   b  of the second pulley  350  in order to help retain the second operating cord  146  within the receiving groove  408   b.    
     As noted above, the connection member  124  may be provided to facilitate mounting and/or coupling of the housing  122  to one end of the head rail  112 . In some embodiments, the connection member  124  may be integrated with the housing  122  or integrated with the head rail  112 . Alternatively, the head rail  112 , the housing  122 , and the connection member  124  may be formed as a single, unified structure. Each of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b  and the connection member  124  may include alignment and/or retention features to secure the connection member  124  to the housing  122 . For example, with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 8 , the first and second housing halves  122   a  may include a slot  257  defined within a third outer wall  258  and having a longitudinal length substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the head rail  112 . Latch fingers  260  may extend away from the second outer wall  236  substantially parallel to the slot  257 . Each latch finger  260  may include a protrusion  262  extending generally perpendicularly away from a lengthwise axis of the latch finger  260  and toward the slot  257 . In such embodiments, the connection member  124  may include ribs  264  and latch recesses  266  that correspond with the slots  257  and protrusions  262  of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b , respectively (see  FIGS. 4 and 10 ). As shown, each rib  264  may extend along a longitudinal length of an outer surface of a main body  268  of the connection member  124 . Each latch recess  266  may be defined within a bottom surface  270  of the main body  268 . 
     To secure the connection member  124  to the housing  122 , the ribs  264  disposed on the connection member  124  may be received within the slots  257  of the housing  122  and the latch fingers  260  may extend across the bottom surface  270  of the main body  268  of the connection member  124  until the protrusions  262  project into the latch recesses  266 . In some embodiments, the connection member  124  may be releasably secured to the housing  122  by the latch fingers  260  and prevented from rotation primarily by the interface of the ribs  264  within the slots  257 . Additionally, or alternatively, the connection member  124  may be secured to the housing  122  by adhesive, heat or sonic welding, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable attachment means. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the connection member  124  may include a flange  272  extending from an end of the main body  268  substantially perpendicular to the ribs  264 . The flange  272  may abut against an end of the housing  122  to axially locate the connection member  124  relative to the housing  122 . For example, the main body  268  of the connection member  124  may slide into the housing  122  until an end of the housing  122  abuts an inner surface  274  of the flange  272  (see  FIG. 2 ). The main body  268  and the flange  272  may include a drive aperture  276  (further described below) and two cord apertures  278  defined there through. The cord apertures  278  may be sized to slidably receive the second operating cord  146  (see  FIG. 8 ). In such embodiments, rotation of the planetary gear system  136  causes first and second horizontal runs  146   a ,  146   b  of the second operating cord  146  to slide or pass through the cord apertures  278  of the connection member  124  (see  FIG. 12 ). The main body  268  and the flange  272  may define a cavity  275  therein for receipt of a portion (e.g., an end) of the head rail  112 . The portion of the head rail  112  received within the cavity  275  may be coupled to the connection member  124  by adhesive, heat or sonic welding, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable attachment means. 
     As noted above, and as shown in  FIG. 11 , first and second vertical runs  116   a ,  116   b  of the first operating cord  116  may be routed through the aperture  126  of the housing  122  adjacent the engagement surface  128 . The first operating cord  116  may be routed around a majority of the first pulley  148  of the planetary gear system  136  and adjacent the first guide structures  238  of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b . As shown, the first operating cord  116  may be engaged with a majority of the alternating ridge structures  206   a  of the first pulley  148  so that manipulation of the vertical runs  116   a ,  116   b  of the first operating cord  116  causes the first pulley  148  to rotate about the common rotational axis of the planetary gear system  136 . For example, pulling the first vertical run  116   a  away from the housing  122  may cause the first pulley  148  to rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise in  FIG. 11 ). Pulling the second vertical run  116   b  away from the housing  122  may cause the first pulley  148  to rotate in a second rotational direction (e.g., counter-clockwise in  FIG. 11 ). As explained below, reversible rotation of the first pulley  148  may cause the second pulley  150  to reversibly circulate the second operating cord  146  through the cord apertures  278  and along a length of the head rail  112  (see  FIG. 12 ). As explained above, the carrier  200  of the planetary gear system  136  remains stationary during rotation of the first pulley  148  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , the second operating cord  146  may be routed around a majority of the second pulley  150  of the planetary gear system  136  and adjacent the second guide structures  240  of the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b . In some embodiments, the second operating cord  146  may be engaged with a majority of the alternating ridge structures  206   b  of the second pulley  150  so that rotation of the second pulley  150  causes the first and second horizontal runs  146   a ,  146   b  of the second operating cord  146  to slide or pass through the cord apertures  278  of the connection member  124 . For example, rotation of the second pulley  150  in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise in  FIG. 12 ) may cause the second horizontal run  146   b  to pass through one of the cord apertures  278  toward the head rail  112 . Rotation of the second pulley  150  in a second rotational direction (e.g., counter-clockwise in  FIG. 12 ) may cause the first horizontal run  146   a  to pass through the other of the cord apertures  278  toward the head rail  112 . As explained above, the carrier  200  of the planetary gear system  136  may remain stationary during rotation of the second pulley  150  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second drive assembly  134  may also be rotatably mounted (e.g., within the housing  122 ) and operable to move the shade in a second manner, such as between a closed configuration and an open configuration. For example, in some embodiments such as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 12 , the second drive assembly  134  may rotate a driven element, such as a rail shaft  130  extending along the head rail  112 , in order to further rotate the vanes  114  between the closed and open configurations. Rotation of the second drive assembly  134  in a first direction may rotate the vanes  114  to a closed configuration with vanes  114  rotated with their front either toward or away from the housing  122 . Rotation of the second drive assembly  134  in a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction) may rotate the vanes  114  to the opposite closed configuration with vanes  114  rotated with their front in the opposite direction. The operating wand  115  may be coupled to the second drive assembly  134  to control the second drive assembly  134  through manipulation of the operating wand  115 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 4, 14, and 15 , the second drive assembly  134  may include the first operating element  154  and a second operating element  156  operably coupled to (e.g., rotationally coupled to) the first operating element  154 . In one embodiment, each of the first and second operating elements  154 ,  156  may be in the form of a gear member. A first end  158  of the first operating element  154  may be pivotably attached to an end of the operating wand  115 . A second end  166  of the first operating element  154  may be operably engaged with a first end  164  of the second operating element  156 , such as on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The first operating element  154  may thus extend at an angle (e.g., less than 90 degrees, greater than 90 degrees, or 90 degrees) from the axis of rotation of the second operating element  156 . However, the first operating element  154  may extend out of the housing  122  at an oblique angle to vertical such that the first end  158  is oriented away from the wall  119  of the mounting surface and into the room for easier access and manipulation of the operating wand  115 . A second end  157  of the second gear member  156  may be engaged with the rail shaft  130  (for controlling the position of the covering material, such as by pivoting vanes of the material between open and closed positions) and extend therefrom in axial alignment with the axis of the rail shaft  130 , as discussed in further detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the operating wand  115  is secured to the first operating element  154 . For example, and without limitation, the operating wand  115  may be releasably secured to the first end  158  of the first operating element  154 . For example, a securing clip  160  may be fixed to the top end of the operating wand  115 . A U-shaped loop  161  may be fixed at both ends on lateral sides of the securing clip  160  and extend above a top surface thereof. The loop  161  may be received through an aperture  162  defined in a shaft portion  155  of the first operating element  154  at the first end  158  to thereby attach the first operating element  154  to an end of the operating wand  115  via the securing clip  160  and loop  161 . As such, the operating wand  115  may be operable to rotate the first operating element  154  about its longitudinal axis. The pivoting connection of the loop  161  within the aperture  162  of the first operating element  154  may be operable to position a longitudinal axis of the operating wand  115  at an oblique angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first operating element  154 , which allows the longitudinal axis of the operating wand  115  to remain in a vertical orientation with respect to the mounting surface  119  and architectural structure/feature. In another exemplary embodiment, the wand may extend from the first operating element  154  at an angle to the mounting surface  119 , in which orientation the wand angles into the room and away from the mounting surface as it extends downwardly from the head rail. 
     In operation, as a user grasps the operating wand  115  to manipulate the covering  110 , the user generally naturally angles the operating wand  115  into the room. In prior arrangements, as the user lifts a wand into the room, the resulting angle between an operating element at the hinge interface between the wand and the operating element decreases from 180°. As the user tries to rotate the wand to adjust the shade, the hinge interface of prior arrangements will rotate and can abut the operating element, causing the hinge interface, the cord loop, and the operating element to bind in prior arrangements. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first operating element  154  may be angled into the room to preferably achieve an angle of as close to 180° as possible between the first operating element  154  and the securing clip  160  coupled to the top of the operating wand  115  when the user holds and operates the operating wand  115  (based on an average angle at which a typical user would hold the operating wand  115 ), thereby mitigating potential binding. An outside angle between the first operating element  154  and the operating wand  115  is thus preferably greater than 180° so that when the operating wand  115  is pulled into the room by the user the resulting angle is approximately 180° to optimize torque transfer from the operating wand  115  to the first operating element  154  (i.e., the operating wand  115  transfers torque best when the angle between the operating wand  115  and the first operating element  154  is as close to 180° as possible). 
     The first end  164  of the second operating element  156  may mesh with and engage the second end  166  of the first operating element  154  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In some embodiments, the second operating element  156  may extend substantially perpendicularly to the first operating element  154 . In one embodiment, the first operating element  154  may extend at an angle (e.g., an acute angle) relative to vertical. The second drive assembly  134  may include a worm drive operable to move the shade between closed and open configurations. As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 4, 14, and 15 , the second end  166  of the first operating element  154  includes a first gear mesh portion (e.g., a worm screw  168 ), and the first end  164  of the second operating element  156  includes a second gear mesh portion (e.g., a worm gear  170 ) engaged with the first gear mesh portion, such as the worm screw  168  enmeshed with the worm screw  168 . With reference to  FIG. 4 , reversible rotation of the second drive assembly  134  may cause the vanes  114  to move between open and closed configurations. For example, rotation of the first operating element  154  in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise) rotates the worm screw  168  at the second end  166  thereof. The gear mesh between the worm screw  168  and the worm gear  170  causes the second operating element  156  and, correspondingly, the rail shaft  130  coupled to the second operating element  156  to rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise in  FIG. 12 ) to rotate the vanes  114  such that their front surfaces rotate either toward or away from the housing  122 . Similarly, rotation of the first operating element  154  in a second direction (e.g., clockwise) rotates the worm screw  168 . The gear mesh between the worm screw  168  and the worm gear  170  causes the second operating element  156  and the rail shaft  130  to rotate in a second rotational direction (e.g., counter-clockwise in  FIG. 12 ) to rotate the vanes  114  such that their front rotates in the opposite direction. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the second end  157  of the second operating element  156  may define an aperture  159  in an end thereof configured to receive an end of the rail shaft  130 . A cross-section of an embodiment of a rail shaft  130  may define a non-uniform shape, for example, with multiple flutes or lobes that are designed to interact with a mechanical assembly (not shown) that rotates the vanes  114 . The aperture  159  in the second operating element  156  may correspond to the cross-section of the rail shaft  130  in order to prevent relative rotation between the second operating element  156  and the rail shaft  130 . The second end  157  of the second operating element  156  also fits within the drive aperture  276  of the connection member  124 . (See  FIG. 10 .) The second end  157  may be understood as a journal supported by the connection member  124  which acts as a bearing. The second operating element  156  thus extends outwardly from an end of the rail shaft  130  along the same longitudinal axis as the rail shaft  130  along a midline between the first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b  of the housing  122 . 
     The first operating element  154  may be positioned at an angle relative to the vertical midline of the housing  122  such that the first end  158  of the first operating element  154  is positioned substantially along the vertical midline of the housing  122  while the second end  166  of the first operating element  154  is offset from the vertical midline and is rather adjacent and behind the first end  164  of the second operating element  156  (see  FIGS. 4 and 11 ). In this configuration, the operating wand  115  may hang vertically below the vertical midline of the housing  122  where it attaches to the first end  158  of the first operating element  154 . Thus, while the second end  166  is behind the first end  164  of the second operating element  156 , the first end  158  extends forward such that the connection with the operating wand  115  is on the vertical midline. This forces the first operating cord  116  to route symmetrically on either side of the connection between the first operating element  154  and the operating wand  115 . The symmetry is advantageous when the first operating cord  116  is pre-tensioned; if the two portions of the first operating cord  116  were not symmetric, then the first operating cord  116  would pull on one side of the operating wand  115  more than the other and could cause a wand-kick. However, this embodiment is exemplary only and the second operating element  156  need not be positioned along the midline of the housing  122  as long as it aligns with the rail shaft  130 . Further, the first operating element  154  need not be adjacent and behind the first end  164  of the second operating element  156 , but could be positioned in front of the second operating element  156  or in other positions so long as the gear meshes between the two are configured to mate appropriately for such positions. 
     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a support cage  172  may be provided for a drive assembly of the covering  110 , such as for the second drive assembly  134 . In the illustrated embodiments, the support cage  172  is in the form of a frame or scaffold including a guide surface for holding a shaft of an operating element of the drive assembly at an oblique angle to vertical, as described more fully below. In one embodiment, the support cage  172  may surround the worm screw  168  and the worm gear  170  of the second drive assembly  134  to hold the worm screw  168  and the worm gear  170  in place relative to each other during operation of the second drive assembly  134 . The support cage  172 , which may be referred to simply as a scaffold, is operable to maintain continuous engagement of the worm screw  168  and the worm gear  170 . In some embodiments, the second drive assembly  134  may be rotatably mounted within the support cage  172 . In one embodiment, the support cage  172  substantially surrounds the worm screw  168  and the worm gear  170 ; however, in other embodiments, the support cage  172  may at least partially surround the worm screw  168  and the worm gear  170 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, 14, and 15 , the first operating element  154  may be positioned at a first location within the support cage  172 . In an exemplary embodiment, the second end  166  of the first operating element  154  may define a flange  174  extending radially from a bearing surface  176  positioned between the flange  174  and the worm screw  168 . The support cage  172  may include an arcuate locating strip  178  or web of material having dimensions corresponding with the space between the flange  174 , the worm screw  168 , and the bearing surface  176  of the first operating element  154  and defining a first pocket  175  for receiving the second end  166  of the first operating element  154 . The locating strip  178 , which may be referred to as a first arcuate web element, may seat against the bearing surface  176  of the first operating element  154 , thus retaining the first operating element  154  within the support cage  172 . The locating tab  178  may thus limit axial movement of the first operating element  154  relative to the support cage  172 . 
     The support cage  172  may further define an arcuate alignment strip  179  or web of material that defines a second pocket  177  in the support cage  172  beneath and spaced apart from the arcuate locating strip  178 . The arcuate alignment strip  179 , which may be referred to as a guide surface and/or a second arcuate web element, is wider than the arcuate locating strip  178  and thus extends further toward the midline of the housing  122  than the arcuate locating strip  178 . The shaft portion  155  of the first operating element  154  may be positioned within the first and second pockets  175 ,  177 , such as resting against the arcuate locating and alignment strips  178 ,  179  as journals. In the illustrated embodiments, the arcuate alignment strip  179  holds the shaft portion  155  at an oblique angle to vertical, such as tilting the shaft portion  155  outward with respect to a surface defining the architectural structure/feature to which the covering  110  is associated. In one example, the difference in widths of the arcuate locating strip  178  and the arcuate alignment strip  179  causes the first operating element  154  to extend through the aperture  126  in the housing  122  at an oblique angle from vertical. For example, an edge of the alignment strip  179  defining the second pocket  177  may be offset from vertical alignment with an edge of the locating strip  178  defining the first pocket  175 . In such embodiments, the shaft portion  155  may be held at an oblique angle to vertical when interfacing with the respective edges of the locating and alignment strips  178 ,  179 . Though the first operating element  154  may extend at an oblique angle to vertical, the U-shaped loop  161  received through the aperture  162  in the shaft portion  155  of the first operating element  154  acts as a pivot or hinge allowing the wand  115  to hang vertically from the first operating element  154 . Though the first operating element  154  may extend at an oblique angle to vertical, the first end  158  of the first operating element  154  may be positioned substantially below and aligned with the first end  164  of the second operating element  156 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , a bearing cavity  180  may be defined in the first end  164  of the second operating element  156  to position the second operating element  156  at a second location within the support cage  172 . In some embodiments, the bearing cavity  180  may be defined by a substantially cylindrical inner surface  182  within the first end  164  of the second operating element  156 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the support cage  172  may include a boss  184  with a bearing surface  188  extending away from an inner face  186  of the support cage  172 . The boss  184  may be received within the bearing cavity  180  to rotatably seat the second operating element  156  within the support cage  172 . The inner surface  182  of the second operating element  156  may thus interface with the bearing surface  188  of the boss  184  to allow for rotation of the second operating element  156  against the boss  184 . 
     The support cage  172  may be configured to maintain meshed engagement of the first operating element  154  with the second operating element  156 . For instance, in one embodiment, the support cage  172  may include an arcuate engagement surface  190  to rotatably support a journal surface  192  of the second operating element  156 . The arcuate engagement surface  190  is semi-cylindrical and spaced away from the inner face  186  of the support cage  172 . Together, the arcuate engagement surface  190  and the boss  184  may function to maintain meshed engagement of the second operating element  156  with the first operating element  154  by limiting axial and radial movement of the second operating element  156  away from the first operating element  154 . 
     The first and second housing halves  122   a ,  122   b  may each include corresponding retention features operable to receive the second drive assembly  134  within the housing  122 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a support cavity  218  may be defined within the first housing half  122   a  and may be sized to receive and align the support cage  172  of the second drive assembly  134  within the housing  122 . In one embodiment, the support cavity  218  may be defined, in part, by an arcuate first outer wall  220 , a bottom wall  222 , and an alignment wall  224  of the first housing half  122   a . The bottom wall  222  and the alignment wall  224  may extend inwardly from an inner surface  226  of the first housing half  122   a  towards the second housing half  122   b . In some embodiments, the bottom wall  222  may extend substantially parallel to the second operating element  156 , and the alignment wall  224  may extend substantially perpendicular to the second operating element  156 . In some embodiments, the alignment wall  224  may be attached to the first outer wall  220  and the bottom wall  222 . The bottom wall  222  may include one or more alignment tabs  228  that may be received within one or more corresponding locating slots  230  of the support cage  172 . To further align the support cage  172  within the housing  122 , the alignment wall  224  may be received within one or more corresponding alignment grooves  232  defined within the support cage  172 . 
     The foregoing description has broad application. While the provided examples describe a covering having vertical slats, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to many types of blinds, including Venetian-type blinds and vertical blinds or coverings. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples. In other words, while illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art. 
     The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, the various features disclosed herein are separate and independent of one another. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that one feature may be present in an embodiment formed in accordance with the present disclosure without necessarily including other features disclosed herein. Further, it should be understood that various features of the certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. 
     The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. 
     All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.