Patent Publication Number: US-2020291719-A1

Title: Rails for a covering for an architectural opening

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to coverings for architectural openings, and more specifically to rails for a covering for an architectural opening. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A movable rail typically is attached to an edge of the shade member to facilitate extension of the shade member across the opening and to maintain the shade member in a desired configuration. Some movable rails loosely connect to a head rail, which tends to permit passage of light through the connection between the head rail and the movable rail. Current offerings to reduce the passage of light through the connection between the head rail and the movable rail are either difficult to manufacture, are aesthetically displeasing, or both. 
     The present disclosure generally provides at least one rail for a covering for an architectural opening that offers improvements or an alternative to existing arrangements. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure generally provides a rail, such as a movable rail, that is attachable to a shade member of a covering for an architectural opening. The movable rail includes a magnet assembly that is at least partially positioned within a retention channel formed in the movable rail to releasably secure the movable rail to a head rail. The magnet assembly is releasably secured within the retention channel by a cam lock assembly. According to the present disclosure, a tight interference is achieved between the head rail and the movable rail to inhibit the passage of light between the movable rail and head rail when the head rail and the movable rail are connected together. 
     This summary of the disclosure is given to aid understanding, and one of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Accordingly, while the disclosure is presented in terms of embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of any embodiment 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 embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the general description above and the detailed description below, serve to explain the principles of these embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a covering in an extended, partially open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a front exploded view of a movable rail in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmentary bottom view of the movable rail of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom exploded view of a magnet assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a top exploded view of the magnet assembly of  FIG. 4  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the magnet assembly of  FIG. 5  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary top view of a gasket member in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmentary bottom view of the gasket member of  FIG. 7  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged, fragmentary right side elevation view of the covering of  FIG. 1  showing the shade member in an extended, closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The end caps and drive mechanism are not shown for discussion purposes. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged, fragmentary right side elevation view of the covering of  FIG. 1  showing the shade member in an extended, closed configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged, fragmentary right side elevation view of the covering of  FIG. 1  showing the shade member in an extended, partially open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a fragmentary top view of an additional gasket member in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmentary side elevation view of a covering utilizing the gasket member of  FIG. 12  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of an illustrative embodiment of a movable rail utilizing at least one selectively positionable magnet assembly to releasably secure the movable rail to adjacent components of an architectural covering (e.g., to a gasket member received at least partially within a head rail of the covering). In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a covering  100  is shown in a fully extended, partially open configuration in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the covering  100  includes a head rail  102 , a movable rail  104 , a bottom rail  106 , a shade member  108  extending between the movable rail  104  and the bottom rail  106 , and a handle  110  secured to at least one of the movable rail  104  and the bottom rail  106 . A pair of lift cords  112  extends from the head rail  102  and is connected to at least one of the movable rail  104  and the bottom rail  106 . The movable rail  104 , which may be referred to as a top rail or a first rail, extends horizontally along and is attached to a first portion  114  (e.g., an upper portion) of the shade member  108 . The bottom rail  106 , which may be referred to as a second rail, extends horizontally along and is attached to a second portion  116  (e.g., a lower portion) of the shade member  108 . As explained in detail below, the covering  100  may be configured to generally eliminate sight lines and/or light gaps at lines of connection between adjacent components of the covering  100  (e.g., between the head rail  102  and the movable rail  104 ) for a desired aesthetic and/or functional characteristic. In one embodiment, separate and independent from the aforementioned embodiments yet combinable therewith with desired, a magnetic element may be associated with at least one of the head rail  102  and the movable rail  104  to pull the movable rail  104  into a closed position adjacent the head rail  102  (see  FIG. 10 ), as described in more detail hereafter. 
     In the illustrative embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the movable rail  104  and the bottom rail  106  move towards and away from the head rail  102  independently from each other to any desired position in an architectural opening, and to any desired amount of coverage of the opening. The movable rail  104  is positioned between the head rail  102  and the shade member  108  and functions to open and close the shade member  108  by moving the first portion  114  of the shade member  108  away from and towards the head rail  102 , respectively. The bottom rail  106  may be configured to be substantially identical to the movable rail  104  and to be substantially symmetrical to the movable rail  104 , where the bottom rail  106  and the movable rail  104  have substantially mirrored configurations across the shade member  108 . Additionally or alternatively, the bottom rail  106  functions to extend and retract the shade by moving the second portion  116  of the shade member  108  away from and towards the head rail  102 , respectively. As explained below, the covering  100  of  FIG. 1  includes a drive mechanism  118  configured to raise or retract at least one of the movable rail  104  and the bottom rail  106  through, for example, the lift cords  112  extending adjacent, along, or through the shade member  108  (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). The drive mechanism  118  may include a drive pulley and an operating element, one or more electric motors, or other suitable drive mechanism(s) as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG. 2  is a front exploded view of an illustrative embodiment of the movable rail  104  in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. As shown, the movable rail  104  includes a rail member  120 , one or more magnet assemblies (e.g., a first magnet assembly  122 A and a second magnet assembly  122 B, which may be referred to as magnetic elements individually or collectively) positioned within the rail member  120 . A pair of end caps  124  preferably are provided, configured to cover the ends of the rail member  120 . The rail member  120  is an elongate bar including, in part, a retention channel  126  formed therein and sized to receive at least a portion of the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B. For example, the retention channel  126  may be formed on an interior surface  128  of the rail member  120  along a longitudinal axis of the rail member  120  (see  FIG. 3 ). The magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B are positionable along the longitudinal axis of the rail member  120  at least partially within the retention channel  126 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the retention channel  126  includes opposing projections, such as ribs  130  with inwardly projecting tabs  132 , that constrict an opening of the retention channel  126  to inhibit removal of the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B through the opening. The opposing projections may extend continuously lengthwise along the length of the rail member  120  along edges of the retention channel  126  (see  FIG. 3 ). As described below, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may be sized to fit snugly within the retention channel  126 , and in some embodiments, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may be selectively secured within the retention channel  126 , at desired locations, by a releasable lock mechanism (e.g., a cam lock assembly or mechanism  134 ) actuatable to secure the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B in a desired position along a length of the movable rail  104 . For example, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may be secured within the retention channel  126  via the lock mechanism at factory preset locations before attachment of the shade member  108  to the movable rail  104 . In some embodiments, a user or customer may adjust the position of the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B via the releasable lock mechanism after removing the shade member  108  from the movable rail  104 , though such is not an essential feature of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may be fixedly secured to the rail member  120 , whether within or outside the retention channel  126 , by a securing device, such as a screw or other fastener. When assembled, the retention channel  126  and the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B preferably are substantially hidden from at least a front elevation view of the shade member  108  during operation of the covering  100 . Although the movable rail  104  is described in the disclosure, the bottom rail  106  may be similarly configured. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B in an exemplary embodiment may be positioned in spaced apart locations within the retention channel  126  of the rail member  120 , or may be positioned adjacent to one another, or even positioned side by side along the length of the rail member  120 . In embodiments having a plurality of magnet assemblies (e.g., the first magnet assembly  122 A and the second magnet assembly  122 B), the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may be spaced uniformly or non-uniformly along the length of the rail member  120 . The magnet assemblies may also be positioned with reference to a feature of the covering  100 , such as a set distance from either of the ends of the rail member  120  (see locations “A” in  FIG. 2 ). The magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may be positioned nearer a center of the movable rail  104 , either symmetrically relative to a midline M of the rail  104 , or asymmetrically (see locations “B” in  FIG. 2 ). Additionally or alternatively, a distance between the first and second magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may be greater than a distance between one of the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B and an end of the rail member  120  (see locations “A” in  FIG. 2 ). In embodiments having a single magnet assembly (e.g., the first magnet assembly  122 A), the first magnet assembly  122 A may be positioned at any one of a plurality of locations along the rail  104 , such as being centered along the length of the movable rail  104  (see location “C” in  FIG. 2 ). 
     In one embodiment, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may provide ballast weight to the movable rail  104  and/or snugly secure the movable rail  104  to the head rail  102 . As a ballast weight, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may provide desired characteristics to the covering  100 , such as limiting unintentional movement (e.g., swaying) of the movable rail  104  within the architectural opening under light load conditions (e.g., a gentle breeze or slight contact with an adjacent covering or other objects). As a securing means, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B create a magnetic force to releasably hold the movable rail  104  and the head rail  102  together, as more fully explained below. For example, in horizontal applications, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may limit sagging of the movable rail  104  across its width by maintaining the movable rail  104  in close adjacent relationship with the head rail  102 , especially in applications where the movable rail  104  spans a wide architectural opening. 
       FIG. 3  is a fragmentary bottom view of an illustrative embodiment of the movable rail  104  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the retention channel  126  extends lengthwise along the length of the rail member  120 , and in some embodiments, may extend along the entire length of the rail member  120 . At least one of the first magnet assembly  122 A and the second magnet assembly  122 B may be selectively slidable within the retention channel  126  along the length of the rail member  120  toward either end of the rail member  120 . By moving one or more of the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B along the length of the retention channel  126 , a user can adjust or select the attachment characteristics between the movable rail  104  and the head rail  102  to, for example, maintain the movable rail  104  in close adjacent relationship with the head rail  102  in a horizontal orientation substantially across a width dimension of the architectural opening. In this manner, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may function to reduce the presence of a light gap between the movable rail  104  and the head rail  102  such as by holding the movable rail  104  and the head rail  102  close to each other, thereby reducing light gaps therebetween. For example, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may maintain the movable rail  104  adjacent to the head rail  102  should the movable rail  104  drift, such as laterally, relative to the head rail  102 . Additionally or alternatively, the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may maintain the movable rail  104  adjacent to the head rail  102  when a user pulls the bottom rail  106  away from the head rail  102  to open the shade member  108 , for instance. In some embodiments, selective movement of the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may also allow the user to address localized issues that may affect securement of the movable rail  104  to the head rail  102 , such as wind or physical interference caused by other shades or drapes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the rail member  120 , which may be formed of extruded aluminum or another thermoformable material, has a generally rectangular cross-section (e.g., an inverted U-shape cross-section) with a low aspect ratio of height to depth such that the rail member  120  is considered long, thin, and deep. As illustrated, the rail member  120  is formed by a wall  136  defining a top face  138 , a front face  140 , a rear face  142 , and a bottom face  144 . The bottom face  144  includes opposing flanges  146  extending substantially along the length of the rail member  120 , each flange  146  having an inner edge  148 , and forming a slot  150  therebetween for receipt of the shade member  108 . In an exemplary embodiment, the wall  136  includes arcuate transition regions  152  between the top face  138  and each of the front face  140  and the rear face  142 . In some embodiments, the portion of the top face  138  extending between the transition regions  152  is generally planar, but may be curved convexly or concavely if desired. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the opposing projections (i.e., ribs  130  and inwardly projecting tabs  132 ) are positioned inwardly between the opposing flanges  146  to locate the retention channel  126  centrally relative to the depth of the rail member  120  between the front face  140  and the rear face  142 . However, depending on desired engagement characteristics of the movable rail  104  with the head rail  102 , the position of the retention channel  126  can be moved closer to one of the front face  140  and the rear face  142 . Additionally or alternatively, the position of the retention channel  126  may vary in location along the length of the rail member  120 . 
     To secure the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B to the rail member  120 , each of the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B may include a cam lock assembly  134  to allow, in a first actuation position, selective engagement with the ribs  130  of the retention channel  126  to fix, by a sufficient friction force, the location of the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B in the retention channel  126 . The cam lock assembly  134  may be changed to a second actuation position, where the cam lock assembly  134  disengages from the ribs  130  to sufficiently reduce the friction force and allow the magnetic assemblies  122 A,  122 B to be moved along the retention channel  126  to another (or same) desired position. 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom exploded view of an illustrative embodiment of the first magnet assembly  122 A, including the cam lock assembly  134 , in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5  is a top exploded view of an embodiment of the first magnet assembly  122 A, including the cam lock assembly  134 , in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.  FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the first magnet assembly  122 A, including the cam lock assembly  134 , in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 4-6  and their associated description below describe the first magnet assembly  122 A, and the second magnet assembly  122 B may be similarly configured. As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , the first magnet assembly  122 A is slidably positioned in the retention channel  126 , with either end of the first magnet assembly  122 A being inserted first (see  FIG. 3 ), and includes a base member  154 , the cam lock assembly  134  operably associated with the base member  154 , and a magnet member  156  connected to the base member  154 . The base member  154  has a first end  158  and a second end  160  opposite the first end  158 . The base member  154  is generally cuboid in shape and sized for slidable receipt within the retention channel  126 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the base member  154  defines, in one embodiment, a generally cuboid magnet cavity  162  sized to receive the magnet member  156 . The magnet cavity  162  may be defined by a bottom wall  164  and a perimeter wall  166  extending upwardly from the bottom wall  164 . The magnet member  156  may be secured, permanently or releasably, in the magnet cavity  162  in many different manners, such as by being clamped, interference fit, glued, or otherwise secured within the magnet cavity  162 . For example, the magnet cavity  162  may include a plurality of ribs  168  formed on and extending away from an interior surface  170  of the perimeter wall  166  to frictionally engage sidewalls  172  of the magnet member  156  and maintain the magnet member  156  within the magnet cavity  162 . To remove the magnet member  156  from the magnet cavity  162 , the base member  154  may include a first aperture  174  defined within the bottom wall  164  through which a user may push the magnet member  156  out of the magnet cavity  162 . 
     With continued reference to the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 4-6 , the base member  154  may include guide members  176  extending from opposing sidewalls  178 . In the illustrative embodiments of  FIGS. 4-6 , each guide member  176  is captured between the top face  138 , the rib  130 , and the tab  132  of the rail member  120  to keep the magnet assembly  122 A retained, but selectively slidable, within the retention channel  126  (see  FIGS. 3 and 9 ). The guide members  176  may be dimensioned to slidably abut the respective ribs  130  to which they are adjacent, or may form a gap between the opposing guide members  176  and the ribs  130  (but not a gap that would allow the magnet assembly  122 A to be removed through the opening of the retention channel  126  defined between the tabs  132 ). Likewise, each opposing guide member  176  may be dimensioned to engage both the tab  132  and the top face  138  of the rail member, or may form a gap therebetween. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , the cam lock assembly  134  may be at least partially integrally formed with the base member  154 , and extend away from the first end  158  thereof. The cam lock assembly  134  includes a plank member  180  having a proximal end  182  formed at the intersection with the first end  158  of the base member  154 , and extending substantially across the width of the base member  154 . The plank member  180  has a free distal end  184  opposite the proximal end  182  such that the plank member  180  is cantilevered from the first end  158  of the base member  154 . 
     In one embodiment, a slot  186  is formed in the plank member  180  and extends from the distal end  184  towards the proximal end  182 , and terminates just short of the engagement of the proximal end  182  with the first end  158  of the base member  154 , leaving a small central portion  188  of the plank member  180 . The slot  186  defines a beam  190  from each of the lateral sides of the plank member  180 , each of the opposing beams  190  extending between the proximal end  182  and the distal end  184  of the plank member  180 . The slot  186  extends generally along the centerline of the plank member  180 , with the opposing beams  190  having the same or similar width and length. The slot  186  may also extend along the longitudinal centerline of the base member  154 . A support rib  192  may extend along a bottom surface  194  of each beam  190 , from the first end  158  of the base member  154  towards the distal end  184  of each of the opposing beams  190 . The support rib  192  may decreasingly taper in height along its length, such as decreasing in height with distance away from the first end  158  of the base member  154 . In some embodiments, the slot  186  bisects a second aperture  196  formed between inner edges  198  of each of the beams  190 . The second aperture  196  may be defined by sidewalls  200  formed of the opposing beams  190  and generally define a circular periphery. As shown in  FIG. 5 , for instance, a wall  202  extends along an outer edge of each beam  190 , from approximately the mid-point of the length of each beam  190  between the proximal end  182  to the distal end  184 . Each wall  202  extends about one-half the width of each beam  190 , but does not intersect the periphery of the second aperture  196 . Each wall  202  defines an inner engagement surface  204 , an upper surface  205 , and an extension member  206  projecting laterally outwardly from the wall  202 . The lateral extension members  206  may have a length the same as or similar to the wall  202 , or may be shorter or longer as desired. Each extension member  206  defines an outer engagement surface  208  for selective slidable or fixed engagement with the ribs  130  of the retention channel  126 . The combination of the beam  190 , the inner engagement surface  204 , and outer engagement surface  208  is considered a “beam assembly.” In some embodiments, the inner engagement surface  204  and the outer engagement surface  208  may be formed on the beams  190  themselves. In such embodiments, the base member  154  may not include the walls  202  or the lateral extension members  206 . 
     The opposing beams  190  are shown having a rectangular section, but are not limited to this shape. The opposing beams  190  are acted upon by a cam mechanism, for example a knob  210 , to bias laterally outwardly to cause engagement of the outer engagement surface  208  with the respective ribs  130 . In the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 4-6 , the beam assemblies are forced laterally apart by the knob  210  and resiliently return to a closer spacing when a dimension of the knob  210  is reduced, as explained in more detail below. The terminal end of the slot  186  may be rounded in order to reduce any stress risers that may occur when the beam assemblies are resiliently biased away from one another by the knob  210 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , the knob  210  includes a top portion  212  and a bottom portion  214 . The bottom portion  214  may be cylindrically-shaped and sized for rotational receipt within the second aperture  196 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , a tool engagement feature  216  is defined within the bottom portion  214  of the knob  210 . The tool engagement feature  216 , which may be a slot or a bolt head, is sized to receive a corresponding tool to rotate the knob  210  to cause the beam assemblies to bias laterally outward, as described below. The top portion  212  includes an upper surface, a bottom surface, and a faceted sidewall  218  extending between the upper surface and the bottom surface. As explained below, the faceted sidewall  218  is positioned for engagement with the opposed inner engagement surfaces  204  of the respective walls  202 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 6 , the faceted sidewall  218  includes a plurality of diametrically opposed, planar surface sets  220  defining successively increased dimensions of the top portion  212 . For example, the faceted sidewall  218  may include a first surface set  220 A defining a first diameter D 1  of the top portion  212 , a second surface set  220 B defining a second diameter D 2  of the top portion  212 , a third surface set  220 C defining a third diameter D 3  of the top portion  212 , a fourth surface set  220 D defining a fourth diameter D 4  of the top portion  212 , and a fifth surface set  220 E defining a fifth diameter D 5  of the top portion  212 . The diameters D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5  may be successively sized such that the fifth diameter D 5  is greater than the fourth diameter D 4 , the fourth diameter D 4  is greater than the third diameter D 3 , the third diameter D 3  is greater than the second diameter D 2 , and the second diameter D 2  is greater than the first diameter D 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , each of the surface sets  220  engages the opposed inner engagement surfaces  204  of the respective walls  202  of the base member  154  to define the position (e.g., bending) of the beams  190  relative to each other. In one embodiment, the beams  190  bend laterally relative to each other in a plane defined by the width of the beams  190 . For example, engagement of the first surface set  220 A with the opposing inner engagement surfaces  204  of the walls  202  defines a first, or minimal, deflected position of the beams  190 . Engagement of the second surface set  220 B with the opposing inner engagement surfaces  204  of the walls  202  defines a second deflected position of the beams  190 . Engagement of the third surface set  220 C with the opposing inner engagement surfaces  204  of the walls  202  defines a third deflected position of the beams  190 . Engagement of the fourth surface set  220 D with the opposing inner engagement surfaces  204  of the walls  202  defines a fourth deflected position of the beams  190 , and engagement of the fifth surface set  220 E with the opposing inner engagement surfaces  204  of the walls  202  defines a fifth deflected position of the beams  190 . In the first deflected position, the first magnet assembly  122 A may be slid within the retention channel  126 . In the second through fifth positions, the lateral deflection of the beams  190  causes increased frictional engagement of the lateral extension members  206  with the ribs  130  of the retention channel  126 , resulting in the first magnet assembly  122 A being effectively locked within the retention channel  126 . In each of the first through fifth deflected positions, increased levels of friction between the first magnet assembly  122 A and the retention channel  126  is caused by increased deflection of the beam assemblies by the knob  210 . In some embodiments, elastic deformation of the beams  190  may occur through lateral bending of the beams  190  in the first through fifth deflected positions such that the beam assemblies resiliently return to a static position without permanent deformation. Additionally or alternatively, portions of the beams  190  may be received within detents formed in the ribs  130  of the retention channel  126  to position the first magnet assembly  122 A at predetermined locations. In some embodiments, the outer engagement surfaces  208  of the lateral extension members  206  may be non-linear (e.g., curved, serrated, etc.) to create higher friction forces and permit the first magnet assembly  122 A to be used in non-linear retention channels  126 . The multiple increasing displacement diameters D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5  may allow the first magnet assembly  122 A to be used in various sized retention channels  126  and/or movable rails  104 . 
     Upon rotation of the knob  210  in a first rotational direction (e.g., counter clockwise in  FIG. 8 ), the beams  190  increasingly deflect outwardly through the first through fifth deflected positions, which in turn causes the outer engagement surfaces  208  of the first magnet assembly  122 A to frictionally engage the ribs  130  of the retention channel  126 , for instance. For example, in the second deflected position of the beams  190 , the second surface set  220 B of the knob  210  engages the inner engagement surfaces  204  of the walls  202  to cause the beams  190  to laterally deflect outward for sufficient frictional engagement with the retention channel  126 . Each successive diameter of the knob  210  causes further deflection of the beams  190  for increased friction and/or to accommodate retention channels  126  having wider-spaced ribs  130 . In such embodiments, rotation of the knob  210  in the first rotational direction increases the distance between the lateral extension members  206  to frictionally lock the first magnet assembly  122 A within the retention channel  126  of the rail member  120 . To disengage the first magnet assembly  122 A within the retention channel  126 , the knob  210  is rotated in a second opposite rotational direction (e.g., clockwise in  FIG. 8 ) to decrease the outward deflection of the beams  190 . Because the surface sets  220  are planar, the position of the knob  210  and the deflected positions of the beams  190  are effectively locked or otherwise maintained until the knob  210  is rotated further in the first rotational direction or in the second rotational direction. Although described as having five surface sets  220 , the knob  210  may include any number of suitable surface sets  220  (e.g., less than or more than five) to extend and/or collapse the extension members  206  of the first magnet assembly  122 A. As noted above, the knob  210  may be rotationally displaced by a tool (e.g., a screwdriver, a hex key, etc.) positioned within the tool engagement feature  216  of the bottom portion  214  of the knob  210  and rotated in either the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction. 
       FIG. 7  is a fragmentary top view of an illustrative embodiment of a gasket member  222  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.  FIG. 8  is a fragmentary bottom view of an illustrative embodiment of the gasket member  222  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. As explained hereafter, the gasket member  222  of  FIGS. 7 and 8  may facilitate the releasable positioning of the movable rail  104  adjacent to the head rail  102 . For example, in one embodiment the gasket member  222  may serve to carry or to position a magnet  236  in the head rail  102  to interact with the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B positioned in the movable rail  104  to releasably secure the movable rail  104  to the head rail  102 . The magnet  236 , which in some embodiments may simply be a ferrous material, may generally be an elongate, rectilinear bar having a generally rectangular cross-section sized to fit snugly within a portion of the gasket member  222 . The length of the magnet  236  need not extend the full length of the gasket member  222 , but, in some embodiments, the magnet  236  extends the full length of the gasket member  222  such that the movable rail  104  may be secured to the head rail  102  irrespective of the position of the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B within the movable rail  104 . Although a single magnet  236  is depicted, it should be appreciated that multiple magnets of various sizes and profiles may be utilized to provide a desired magnetic force between the gasket member  222  and the movable rail  104 . In such embodiments, the multiple magnets are positioned within the gasket member  222  in substantial alignment with the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B. In some embodiments, the magnet(s)  236  may be attached to the head rail  102  without use of the gasket member  222 . For example, the magnet(s)  236  may be attached to the head rail  102 , such as through adhesive, tape, or mechanical fasteners. In such embodiments, the gasket member  222  may be optional such that the gasket member  222  may be omitted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the gasket member  222  in one embodiment is an elongate member having a length extending along the length of engagement between the movable rail  104  and the head rail  102 . The gasket member  222 , which is positioned at least partially within the head rail  102 , includes a bottom wall  224 , which may have a stepped profile. A plurality of longitudinally extending cavities (e.g., two outer cavities  226 A and a central cavity  226 B) may extend lengthwise along the length of the gasket member  222 . The cavities  226 A,  226 B may be defined at least in part by the bottom wall  224  and function to at least increase the torsional rigidity of the gasket member  222 . In some embodiments, the magnet  236  may be received at least partially with one of the cavities  226 A,  226 B, such as the central cavity  226 B. The bottom wall  224  may include a planar front portion  228 , a planar rear portion  230 , and a planar intermediate portion  232  positioned between and interconnecting the front and rear portions  228 ,  230 . The front and rear portions  228 ,  230  are offset a distance from the intermediate portion and may reside within a common plane parallel to the plane of the intermediate portion  232 . In some embodiments, a flange  234  may extend from an end of the front and rear portions  228 ,  230  to help position the gasket member  222  within the head rail  102 , as described below. As shown, each flange  234  extends upwardly and may extend at an angle towards or away from the longitudinal centerline of the gasket member  222 . 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged, fragmentary right side elevation view of an illustrative embodiment of the covering  100  showing the shade member  108  in an extended, closed configuration in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. The head rail  102  of  FIG. 9  includes opposing tabs  238  extending inwardly from a bottom portion of respective front and rear walls  240 ,  242  of the head rail  102  to define a lower opening within the bottom of the head rail  102 . As illustrated, the head rail  102  includes opposing securing tabs  244  extending inwardly from the front and rear walls  240 ,  242  parallel to and at a vertically-spaced relationship with the opposing tabs  238 . Together, the tabs  238  and the securing tabs  244  define opposing grooves  246  extending lengthwise along the length of the head rail  102  and across the lower opening of the head rail  102 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , the gasket member  222  of an exemplary embodiment is positioned along the bottom of the head rail  102  and at least partially within the opposing grooves  246 . In such embodiments, the gasket member  222  spans the lower opening defined between the opposing grooves  246 , with the intermediate portion  232  exposed through the lower opening to substantially hide or otherwise conceal an interior of the head rail  102  from view. As shown, the opposing tabs  238  constrict the lower opening of the head rail  102  to inhibit removal of the gasket member  222  through the lower opening. For example, to position the gasket member  222  within the opposing grooves  246 , the front and rear portions  228 ,  230  of the gasket member  222  bear against the opposing tabs  238  of the head rail  102 . Additionally or alternatively, the flanges  234  of the gasket member  222  are positioned within the opposing grooves  246  and extend between the opposing tabs  238  and the securing tabs  244  to limit movement of the gasket member  222  relative to the head rail  102 . Once the gasket member is positioned within the head rail  102 , the intermediate portion  232  of the gasket member  222  may sit substantially flush with a bottom surface of the opposing tabs  238  to define a relatively planar bottom surface of the head rail assembly, although it is contemplated that the intermediate portion  232  may be greater or less than flush. In such embodiments, the top face  138  of the movable rail  104  may be configured to correspondingly match the bottom surface of the head rail assembly, both in length and in cross section. As such, a close positioning or mating is achieved at a line of connection  248  between the head rail  102  and/or the gasket member  222  and the movable rail  104  to inhibit passage of light between the movable rail  104  and head rail  102  when the movable rail  104  is connected to the head rail  102 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate an additional embodiment of a gasket member  522 . Like the gasket member  222  discussed above, the gasket member  522  may be associated with the head rail  102  to optimize relative positioning of the movable rail  104  with the head rail  102 . In general, the gasket member  522  is similar to the gasket member  222  and its associated description above and thus, in certain instances, descriptions of like features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art in light of the description above and in view of  FIGS. 12 and 13 . For ease of reference, like structure is represented with appropriately incremented reference numerals. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , similar to the gasket member  222  discussed above, the gasket member  522  may be an elongate member positioned at least partially within the head rail  102 . As shown, the gasket member  522  may include front and rear portions  528 ,  530  and an offset intermediate portion  532  positioned between and interconnecting the front and rear portions  528 ,  530 . Flanges  534  may extend from an end of each of the front and rear portions  528 ,  530  to facilitate engagement of the gasket member  522  within the head rail  102  in substantially the same manner as described above with reference to flanges  234  of gasket member  222 . In some embodiments, the gasket member  522  may include a pair of securing flanges  260  extending outwardly from the intermediate portion  532 . As illustrated, the securing flanges  260  may extend at vertically-spaced relationships with the front and rear portions  528 ,  530  so as to define retention grooves  262  in which the tabs  238  of the head rail  102  may be received (see  FIG. 13 ), such as to further secure the gasket member  522  to the head rail  102 . Once the gasket member  522  is coupled to the head rail  102 , the securing flanges  260  may extend below the head rail  102 . To magnetically secure the movable rail  104  to the gasket member  522 , a retention channel  264  may be formed along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the gasket member  522  in which the one or more magnets  236  may be retained. As shown, the retention channel  264  may be defined by a pair of longitudinally-extending ribs  266  having inwardly-directed shelves  268 . With reference to  FIG. 13 , the gasket member  522  may include a filler strip  270  onto which lift system components, such as the drive mechanism  118 , may be mounted. In such embodiments, the flanges  534  may be bent inwardly to secure the filler strip  270  to the gasket member  534 . 
     In some embodiments, the covering  100  may include a quiet closure design to eliminate or reduce the sound created when the movable rail  104  attaches to the head rail  102 . In one embodiment, a damping element, such as an acoustic material, may be associated with at least one of the head rail  102 , the movable rail  104 , and the gasket member  222  or  522  to reduce noise created upon engagement between the movable rail  104  and the head rail  102 . For example, the movable rail  104 , the gasket member  222  or  522 , and/or the head rail  102  may be formed at least partially from an acoustic material, such as glass fiber filled PET, rigid or soft PVC, or the like, designed to reduce noise created upon engagement (e.g., impact) between the movable rail  104 , the gasket member  222  or  522 , and/or the head rail  102 . Additionally or alternatively, the movable rail  104 , the gasket member  222  or  522 , and/or the head rail  102  may be coated at least partially with an acoustic material, such as santoprene or the like, to improve its respective sound quality by, for example, reducing propagation of sound waves through the movable rail  104 , the gasket member  222  or  522 , and/or the head rail  102  upon impact between the components. The acoustic material preferably is selected to be compatible with the gasket member  222  or  522  to remain coupled therewith. 
     As one nonexclusive example, with reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in one embodiment, the gasket member  522  may include first and second portions  272 ,  274  coextruded together. The first and second portions  272 ,  274  may be formed from materials, such as PVC or the like, chosen to meet the demands placed on the gasket member  522 , and which preferably are compatible to facilitate coextrusion resulting in the two portions remaining coupled together. For example, the first portion  272 , which may be referred to as an upper portion, an interior portion, or a securing portion, may be extruded from a relatively rigid material to facilitate securement of the gasket member  522  within the head rail  102 . In such embodiments, the second portion  274 , which may be referred to as a lower portion, an exterior portion, or a damping portion, may be extruded from a relatively soft or resilient material to facilitate dampening of noise created upon engagement of the movable rail  104  with the gasket member  522 . As illustrated, the first and second portions  272 ,  274  may be connected together along a line of connection  276  extending within the intermediate portion  532 . In such embodiments, the second portion  274  may extend at least partially below the head rail  102  and may include the securing flanges  260 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , the head rail  102  in one embodiment includes a fin  280 . In some embodiments, the fin  280  may extend diagonally outwardly and downwardly from a rear corner  282  of the head rail  102  defined by the rear wall  242  and one of the opposing tabs  238 . Though shown as extending from the rear of the head rail  102 , additionally or alternatively, the fin  280  may extend from the front of the head rail  102  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the fin  280  is operable to reduce the light that impacts an outer edge of the line of connection  248  (i.e., a light gap) between the movable rail  104  and the head rail  102  when the shade member  108  is in a fully closed configuration by, for example, extending below the line of connection  248  between the head rail  102  and the movable rail  104  to shade the outer edge of the line of connection  248 . As such, the amount of light that impinges on the outer edge of the line of connection  248  is reduced, at least in part to the double angle pathway created by the fin  280  along the bottom portion of the head rail  102 . In some embodiments, a cavity  284  is formed between the fin  280 , one of the opposing tabs  238 , and the transition region  152  of the movable rail  104  to nest the movable rail  104  beneath the head rail  102  and keep light from reflecting into the line of connection  248  between the movable rail  104  and the head rail  102 . For example, the relative angles between the fin  280  and the opposing tab  238  of the head rail  102  and the transition region  152  of the movable rail  104  are such that the amount of light reflecting into the line of connection  248  is minimized. To further reduce the presence of a light gap, a light-absorbing material (e.g., paint, caulk, foil, and/or paper) may be applied to a surface of the fin  280  to inhibit an amount of light reflecting from its surface. Additionally or alternatively, the fin  280  may be operable to guide the movable rail  104  into proper location relative to the head rail  102 , such as to a closed position adjacent the head rail  102 . For example without limitation, the fin  280  may be operable to position the movable rail  104  in substantially parallel alignment with the head rail  102  when, for instance, the movable rail  104  is engaged with the head rail  102   
     With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , the front wall  240  of the head rail  102  may be configured to eliminate sight lines and generally emulate the look of the shade member  108 . For example, the front wall  240  may be formed with a continuous curvature between a top portion and a bottom portion of the head rail  102 . The front wall  240  may include an apex  286  positioned between the top and bottom portions of the head rail  102 . As seen in  FIG. 9 , the apex  286  generally emulates the look of the shade member  108 , at least when the shade member  108  is in an extended configuration. 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged, fragmentary right side section view of an illustrative embodiment of the covering  100  showing the shade member  108  in an extended, closed configuration in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.  FIG. 11  is an enlarged, fragmentary right side section of an illustrative embodiment of the covering  100  showing the shade member  108  in an extended, partially-open configuration in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. When viewed in sequence, the movable rail  104  is moved away from the head rail  102  from the closed configuration ( FIG. 10 ) to a partially-open configuration ( FIG. 11 ) during operation of the covering  100 . To open the shade member  108 , the movable rail  104  is disengaged from the head rail  102  by the user grasping the handle  110  attached to the movable rail  104  and pulling the movable rail  104  downwardly to overcome the magnetic connection force. To close the shade member  108 , a user moves the movable rail  104  towards the head rail  102  until the magnetic force between the magnet assemblies  122 A,  122 B of the movable rail  104  and the magnet  236  of the gasket member  222  or  522  pulls the top face  138  of the movable rail  104  into engagement with the bottom surface of the head rail  102 , with the bottom wall  224  of the gasket member  222 , and/or with the securing flanges  260  of the gasket member  522 . As noted above, the bottom rail  106  may move towards and away from the head rail  102  independently from the movable rail  104  to respectively retract and extend the shade member  108 . For example, a user may move the bottom rail  106  towards and away from the head rail  102  notwithstanding the position of the movable rail  104 . Depending on the desired light blocking and occluding configuration, the movable rail  104  and the bottom rail  106  may be positioned at substantially any position relative to each other and to the head rail  102 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the drive mechanism  118  may be housed within the head rail  102 . In addition to raising or retracting the movable rail  104  and/or the bottom rail  106 , the drive mechanism  118  may be operable to maintain the positions of the movable rail  104  and/or the bottom rail  106  by, for example, selectively locking the lift cords  112  in position. Movement of the movable rail  104  and/or the bottom rail  106  away from and towards the head rail  102  respectively extends and retracts the lift cords  112 . Once the movable rail  104  and/or the bottom rail  106  are located in a desired position, the drive mechanism  118  releasably locks the lift cords  112 , thereby locking the movable rail  104  and/or the bottom rail  106  in the desired position(s). In some embodiments, the covering  100  may include multiple drive mechanisms  118  to facilitate independent movement of the bottom rail  106  and the movable rail  104 . For example, one of the drive mechanisms  118  may be associated with the movable rail  104  and another of the drive mechanisms  118  may be associated with the bottom rail  106 . In such embodiments, movement of one of the movable rail  104  and the bottom rail  106  does not interfere with movement of the other of the movable rail  104  and the bottom rail  106 . 
     Although the figures illustrate a honeycomb-type shade member  108 , it is contemplated that substantially any type of the shade member  108  may be incorporated according to the present disclosure, including Venetian, Roman, and cellular-type shades. With reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the first portion  114  of the shade member  108  may be hemmed so a retaining member  288  can be inserted through the hem and longitudinally positioned in the movable rail  104  where it is retained by the opposing flanges  146  of the movable rail  104 . As illustrated, the flanges  146  are spaced at a smaller distance apart than the diameter of the retaining member  288  so that the retaining member  288  and the hemmed first portion  114  of the shade member  108  are confined within the movable rail  104 . Additionally or alternatively, a poly strip of other such structure may be used to wedge the upper portion of the shade member  108  into the movable rail  104 , without the need for a hemmed structure as described herein. The lower portion of the shade member  108  may be similarly configured to connect the shade member  108  to the bottom rail  106 . 
     The foregoing description has broad application. It should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may apply to many types of shades, in addition to the shades described and depicted herein. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may apply to many types of rails, in addition to the movable rail  104  described and depicted herein. For example, the concepts may apply equally to the bottom rail  106 , whether the movable rail  104  is present or not. The discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these embodiments. In other words, while illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art. 
     The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     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.