Patent Publication Number: US-2022235605-A1

Title: Vertical blind assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/127,935 filed Sep. 11, 2018, which is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/712,931 filed Sep. 22, 2017, which is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/348,416, filed Nov. 10, 2016, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 10,030,437 on Jul. 24, 2018, which is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/228,429, filed Aug. 4, 2016 now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 10,253,561 on Apr. 9, 2019 which is continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/062,900, filed Mar. 7, 2016, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,739,087 on Aug. 22, 2017, which is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/932,300, filed Nov. 4, 2015, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,732,554 on Aug. 15, 2017, which is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/489,002, filed Sep. 17, 2014, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,260,913 on Feb. 16, 2016, which is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/963,683, filed Aug. 9, 2013, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,322,211 on Apr. 26, 2016, which is a continuation in part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/575,083, filed Jul. 25, 2012, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,142 on Oct. 7, 2014, which is a 371 application of International Application No. PCT/US2011/000588 filed on Apr. 1, 2011, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application Serial No. 61/322,981, filed Apr. 12, 2010, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional vertical window blinds have vertical slats on louvers suspended from a head rail that can be mounted at the top of a window so that the slats extend down to the bottom of the window. By turning a wand, the slats can be rotated in unison about their vertical axes between a closed position wherein the slats lie almost parallel to the window essentially forming a single panel which blocks the light and an open position wherein the slats are oriented at right angles to the window, thus allowing a maximum amount of light to pass through the blind. The slats can also be set at any angle between those two extremes. However, even when slats of the prior blinds are in their fully open position, they still occlude the window to some extent in that an observer sees the edges of the slats when looking out the window. 
     Some vertical blinds are also disadvantaged in that they are usually fabricated in relatively few widths to fit standard window sizes. Therefore, they may not be suitable for windows that do not conform to those standards. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide an improved vertical blind assembly which is of a modular construction so that it can be made to fit substantially any size window. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly of this type whose vertical slats can be raised and lowered in unison like a window shade for any shape or sized window, such as a square, round, or semi-round windows. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide such an assembly whose vertical slats can be rotated about their vertical axes, even when the slats are partially raised. The vertical slats may be rotated manually, or using an electric motor that is housed in one or more of the assemblies, where the electric motors can be used for all individual units with or without a remote control including a bevel gear which may turn all the individual assemblies/units in unison. The use of the electric motor may be particularly advantageous for windows that have heights that are too high or too long in length that would be difficult for a user to reach by hand. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a vertical window blind assembly whose slats are easily replaceable when damaged or for decorative reasons. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a window blind assembly which is devoid of the unsightly cords and travelling slat supports required in conventional horizontally drawn blinds. 
     An additional object of the invention is to provide a window blind assembly which is easy to put up and take down, making it especially suitable for renters. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a vertical window blind assembly where each blind can be cleaned upon raising and lowering the blind. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a vertical window blind assembly where each blind can be individually sized to surround or accommodate objects placed in the window. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a vertical window blind assembly where at the bottom of each blind is coupled to an additional blind that may extend and retract. 
     Other objects will, in part, be obvious and will, in part, appear hereinafter. The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the following detailed description and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
     In general, my vertical blind assembly has a head rail for mounting horizontally in an opening and a vertically extensible blind, including slats and a foot rail, suspended from the head rail. The head rail and blind are composed of a sufficient number of similar modules connected together side by side to span the opening. Each module includes a head rail unit coupled to at least one adjacent head rail unit, a housing pivotally connected by an axle to the associated head rail unit, an elongated flexible slat coiled in the associated housing with an end of the slat projecting from the housing enabling the slat to be extended from and retracted back into the housing, and a foot rail unit connected to at least one adjacent foot rail unit and being pivotally secured along its width to the projecting end of the associated slat. The head rails may be in a modular format to ensure mounting for round or square windows, or any sized window. The pivot axis of the foot rail unit is collinear to the axle so that when the blind is extended to position the foot rail at any selected distance from the head rail, the slats of all of the modules may be turned between closed positions wherein the slats are parallel to the head and foot rails and block the openings and open positions wherein the slats are perpendicular to the head and foot rails and expose the opening. A turning mechanism in the head rail unit of each module connects to similar turning mechanisms in the other module(s) to turn the slats of all the modules in unison between their respective open and closed positions. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the head rail unit may be mounted to a side wall that is adjacent to the opening, or to a top wall that is above the opening. This head rail unit may be a venetian accordion type blind that may be connected to the head rail unit or secured to the head rail in a manner known by those skilled in the art. The venetian accordion blind may be raised or lowered by lifting or pulling the foot rail. 
     Further, the foot rail unit may house an additional slat that may extend from the foot rail to provide a wider range of uses for the blind assembly. Specifically, for a large window, the slat extending to the foot rail may stay at a fixed position, while the additional slat from the foot rail unit to an additional foot rail unit may be raised or lowered. The additional foot rail unit may have its own turning mechanism, or the turning mechanism in the head rail unit may be utilized to turn the slat and the additional slat in unison. 
     Moreover, the head rail unit may house, for example, an electric motor that may be utilized to rotate the blind assemblies in unison using a bevel gear for example, wherein the electric motor may be controlled by a remote control. The use of the electric motor may be particularly advantageous for windows that have heights that are too high or too long in length that would be difficult for a user to reach by hand. Further, in alternative embodiments, electric motors may be utilized to raise/lower the blinds. 
     In a further embodiment, a modular roman shade includes at least one module that consists of a head rail unit, a foot rail unit, at least one intermediate rail unit, and a plurality of slat components. In addition, a top slat may be coupled to the head rail unit and the intermediate rail unit, and a bottom slat component may be coupled to the intermediate rail unit and the foot rail unit. Further, additional intermediate rail units and intermediate slat components may be added to the module to alter the shape and size of the module. In addition, the module may be coupled to one or more additional modules to change the overall shape and size of the modular roman shade. Each slat component may be individually removed between the individual rail units. For example, the individual slat components may be removed to be cleaned, or to be substituted with a different slat component (e.g., having a different pattern or being of a different material). For example, a user may desire to have a particular design make up the entire modular roman shade and thus may select particular materials and/or patterns for each slat component of the modular roman shade. 
     Thus, by employing an appropriate number of modules, the assembly can be fitted to a window of practically any width. Even bow or bay windows may be accommodated by employing flexible couplings between the adjacent modules as will be described in detail later. 
     As will also be seen, the modules are easy to assemble and the assembly as a whole is easy to install in a window or other opening. Therefore, the assembly should find wide application, particularly in the apartment rental market. 
     In a further embodiment, an adjustable roman shade attachment that includes a plurality of components may be utilized. The assembled adjustable roman shade attachment illustratively includes a center tube, two bracket clips, two adjustment arms, and two edge inserts. Slits associated with each of the components are utilized to secure or hold onto material of the roman shade, such as slat components. Specifically, when ends of two slat components are positioned in the slits, adjustment screws may be tightened to close the slits to securely clamp portions of the slat component within the slits. Alternatively, screws may not be utilized and the thickness of the material may hold the material itself in the slits. Further, the edge inserts may be curved portions and utilized to hold excess material associated with the slat components, such that the excess material is wrapped around to the back of the adjustable roman shade attachment. In addition, and in an embodiment, the edge inserts may include hinges such that the edge inserts may be manipulated, by a user, between a curved configuration and a straight configuration. Advantageously, a user can feed the material of the roman shade in the slits while the edge inserts are unhinged and in a straight configuration, and then manipulate the edge inserted to be hinged such that the edge inserts are curved and the excess material is hidden in the back of the shade. Alternatively, dowels may be utilized in place of the components to alter the width of the shade and/or to add rigidity to the shade. 
     In a further embodiment, a plurality of slat components may be coupled to each other with a zipper mechanism or a variety of other securing mechanism, such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Each of the plurality of slat components may include a mechanism, e.g., buttons, strings, etc., to secure excess material to the back of slat components. In addition, dowels may be positioned at various points along the back of a roman shade to provide rigidity and/or structure to the overall roman shade. The dowels may also be utilized to allow the overall width of the roman shade to be adjusted. Further, strings may be utilized to alter the overall length of the roman shade. 
     In a further embodiment, one or more slat components may include a plurality of layers that are coupled together. The exterior of each slat component may include a mechanism such that the slat component can be coupled to an exterior of a sheath and/or coupled to each other. In addition, one or more strips may be positioned within the interior of the slat component to provide rigidity and to alter the sheath, and thus an overall width or length of the shade. For example, two strips may be positioned within the slat component and overlap a selected distance selected by a user. Excess material of the slat component, that extends past the overall length of the strips, may be folded over and inserted into an opening of the slat component created by the coupling of the layers of the slat component. Advantageously, the overall width or length of the shade may be altered to a width or length desired by the user. In addition, the sheath, slat component, and/or strips may be coupled to an adjacent sheath, adjacent slat component, and/or adjacent strips. The shade may be lowered and raised by respectively pulling and pushing the sheath and/or slat components. 
     In a further embodiment, the shade may include a head rail unit that is coupled to a roller that includes one or more ribbon strings. In addition, one or more sheaths are coupled to the head rail unit, wherein the sheath includes one or more exterior securing mechanisms. The ribbon string of the roller may be fed through slot openings of the exterior securing mechanisms located on a single sheath and then knotted at a position after where the ribbon string passes the slot openings of the exterior securing mechanisms of the sheaths. Further, one or more slat components may be coupled to the exterior of the sheaths utilizing a slat component securing mechanism that engages with the exterior securing mechanism of the sheath. When the shade is raised, the ribbon strings roll onto the roller causing the sheaths to rise, which in turn causes the slat component to also rise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a front elevational view of my modular window blind assembly whose blind, composed of a plurality of modules, is in a fully extended or lowered position in a window and with the slats of the blind shown in their fully closed positions thus preventing light from passing through the blind; 
         FIG. 1B  is a similar view of the assembly showing the blind in a partially raised position with the slats partially open so that a desired amount of light can pass through the blind; 
         FIG. 1C  is a front elevation view of my module window blind assembly whose blind may be secured to the side or top of an opening and may include a venetian accordion type blind, wherein the blind may be connected to or attached to the head rail unit; 
         FIG. 1D  is a front elevation view of my module window blind assembly whose blind may be secured to the side or top of an opening and may include a venetian accordion type blind, wherein the blind is in a fully extended or lowered position in a window and with the slats of the blind shown in their fully open positions thus permitting light to enter through the blind; 
         FIG. 1E  is a front elevation view of my module window blind assembly whose blind may be secured to the side or top of an opening and may include a venetian accordion type blind, wherein the blind is in a fully extended or lowered position in a window and with the slats of the blind shown in their fully open positions thus permitting light to enter through the blind; 
         FIG. 1F  is a view of the assembly that utilizes a string or tape measure within the head unit to only protect a lower portion of a window opening from light; 
         FIG. 1G  is a view of the assembly where the connector is located at an end of the housing unit; 
         FIG. 1H  that shows a plurality of assemblies that are connected to one another; 
         FIG. 1I  is a front elevational view of my modular window blind assembly whose blind, composed of a plurality of modules, that can be manipulated to and from a fully retracted position and a fully extended position; 
         FIG. 1J  is a front elevation view of my modular window blind assembly whose blind, composed of a plurality of modules, are stacked at one end; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front elevational view with parts broken away, on a larger scale, showing a module of the  FIG. 1A  assembly in greater detail; 
         FIG. 2B  is a sectional view taken along line  2 B- 2 B of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a sectional view on a still larger scale taken along line  2 C- 2 C of  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 3  is a longitudinal sectional view, with parts broken away, showing the ends of the  FIGS. 1A and 1B  assembly in greater detail; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front elevational view, with parts in section, of an alternative module embodiment for use in the  FIGS. 1A and 1B  assembly; 
         FIG. 4B  is a sectional view taken along line  4 B- 4 B of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view with parts cut away showing still another module embodiment for use in the  FIGS. 1A and 1B  assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a modular blind assembly embodiment suitable for a bow window; 
         FIG. 6A  is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view showing a segment of a curved foot rail for use in the  FIG. 6  embodiment; 
         FIG. 6B  is a sectional view taken along line  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7  is a venetian accordion blind that may be utilized in a motor vehicle; 
         FIG. 8  is a venetian accordion blind that may be utilized as a door or a room divider; 
         FIG. 9  are venetian accordion blinds that may be utilized as a banner or advertisement; 
         FIG. 10  are venetian accordion blinds that may be utilized as a lamp or light shade; 
         FIG. 11  are venetian accordion blinds that may be utilized as an awning; 
         FIG. 12  are venetian accordion blinds that may be utilized as a sunshade; 
         FIG. 13  are venetian accordion blinds that may be utilized to accommodate an object placed in a window; 
         FIG. 14  is a elevational view of a modular roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15A  is a rear view of a modular roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15B  is a rear view of a modular roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16A  is a side view of a modular roman shade utilizing a solid tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16B  is a side view of a modular roman shade utilizing a solid tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 17A-17E  are detailed depictions of the connections between slat components and the manner in which the slat components may be coupled to each other through use of the rail units to form the modular roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of the modular roman shade where particular slat components have been removed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of the modular roman shade where particular slat components have a different pattern than other slat components in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20A  is a front view of the modular roman shade in a retracted or raised position in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20B  is a side view of the modular roman shade in a retracted or raised position in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of the modular shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of the modular shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 23A and 23B  are detailed depictions of an adjustable roman shade attachment that included a plurality of components in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a detailed depiction of a close up view of an adjustable roman shade attachment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a detailed depiction of a top view of an adjustable roman shade attachment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 26A-26F  are detailed depictions of an adjustable roman shade attachment with slat components positioned in slits in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 27A-27C  is a detailed depiction an adjustable roman shade attachment with slat components in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 28A and 28B  are detailed depictions of a back view of a roman shade utilizing a plurality of adjustable roman shade attachments with slat components in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 29A and 29B  are detailed depictions of a front view of a roman shade utilizing an adjustable roman shade attachment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a detailed depiction of an adjustable roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31A-31E  are detailed depictions of an adjustable roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a detailed depiction of an adjustable roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 33  is a detailed depiction of an adjustable roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 34A and 34B  are detailed depictions of an adjustable roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 35A and 35B  are detailed depictions of an adjustable roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 36A-36C  are detailed depictions of an adjustable roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 37A-37C  are detailed depictions of an adjustable roman shade in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 38A-38C  are detailed depictions of a slat for one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIGS. 38D-38J  are detailed depictions of a shade that includes exemplary slat components as described with respect to  FIGS. 38A-38C ; 
         FIG. 38K  is a detailed depiction of a slat for one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 38L  is a detailed depiction of a shade that includes exemplary slat components as described with respect to  FIG. 38K ; 
         FIGS. 39A-39C  are detailed depictions of a slat component for one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 39D  is a detailed depiction of a shade that includes exemplary slat component as described with respect to  FIGS. 39A-39C ; 
         FIG. 39E  is a detailed depiction of a slat component for one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIGS. 39F-39K  are detailed depictions of a shade that includes exemplary slat components as described with respect to  FIGS. 39A-39C and 39E . 
         FIG. 39L  is a detailed depiction of a slat for one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 39M  is a detailed depiction of a shade that includes exemplary slat components as described with respect to  FIG. 39L ; 
         FIGS. 40A and 40B  are detailed depictions of a slat component for one or more embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 40C  is a detailed depiction of a shade that includes exemplary slat component as described with respect to  FIGS. 40A and 40B ; and 
         FIG. 41  is a detailed depiction of a shade that includes one or more vertical sheaths and one or more slat components for one or more embodiments described herein 
         FIG. 42  is a detailed depiction of a slat component for one or more embodiments described herein; and 
         FIG. 43-47  are detailed depictions of a shade that includes one or more vertical sheaths and one or more slat components for one or more embodiments described herein. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , my vertical blind assembly comprises a head rail  10  mounted at the top of a window W by means of brackets  12   a  and  12   b  which support the opposite ends of the head rail. The assembly also includes a foot rail shown generally at  14 , and extending between the head rail and the foot rail is a window blind  16  comprised of a plurality of vertical slats or louvers  18 . By pulling down or lifting up the foot rail  14 , the blind  16  may be moved from a fully extended or lowered position shown in  FIG. 1A  to a partially retracted or raised position shown in  FIG. 1B  and then to a fully raised or retracted position, not shown, wherein the foot rail  14  lies just under the head rail  10  so that the blind  16  does not obstruct the view through the window. Furthermore, by turning a wand  20  in one direction or the other, the slats  18  of blind  16  can be rotated about their vertical axes from a fully closed position as shown in  FIG. 1A  wherein the slats lie parallel to the head and foot rails and the window forming a panel that covers the window, through a partially open position shown in  FIG. 1B  so that a selected amount of light can pass through the blind to a fully open position wherein the slats  18  are perpendicular to the head and foot rails and window so that light can pass through the extended length of blind  16 . In an alternative embodiment, an electric motor (not shown) may be housed in the head rail  10 , where the electric motor can be used for all individual units, with or without a remote control, including a bevel gear which may turn all the individual assemblies/units in unison. The use of the electric motor may be particularly advantageous for windows that have heights that are too high or too long of lengths that would be difficult for a user to reach by hand. 
     Thus, my window blind assembly is quite versatile in that when blind  16  is in its fully raised position, there is substantially no visual obstruction of the window W. Also, when the blind is in a partially raised position as shown in  FIG. 1B , the slats  18  can still be oriented so that they prevent direct sunlight from entering the room through the upper portion of the window, yet an observer can look through the lower area of the window without having to see slat edges, as is the case with conventional vertical window blind assemblies. For especially tall windows, it is even possible to mount two of the illustrated assemblies in the same window, one at the top and the other, say, halfway down the window so that the amount of light entering through the upper and lower halves of the window can be controlled separately. 
     In addition, and as shown in  FIG. 1B , additional slat  181  may extend from each foot rail unit  14   a  to additional foot rail unit  141 . Advantageously, the slat  18  may be raised or lowered by extending or lowering foot rail unit  14   a  and/or slat  181  may be raised or lowered by extending or lowering foot rail unit  141 . It is noted that each of the slats  18  and  181  may be configured to individually pivot or pivot in unison. In addition, it is noted that additional foot rail  141  may be secured to the exterior of the window by brackets similar to brackets. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1C , my vertical blind assembly may comprise a head rail unit  10   c  mounted to the side of a window W by means of a back bracket  12   c,  utilizing screws  13   c  for example, which supports the head rail unit  10   c.  The head rail unit  10   c  may have a fixed arm shape, for example as seen in  FIG. 1C . The assembly  300  includes a foot rail shown generally as  14   d  that is at a bottom of the window blind  16 . Window blind  16  includes a venetian accordion slat  18   c.  By pulling down or lifting up the foot rail  14   cd  the venetian accordion slat  18   c  may be moved from a fully extended or lowered position (e.g., open accordion configuration) to a partially retracted or raised position and then to a fully raised or retracted position, wherein the foot rail  14   d  lies just under housing unit  38   c  of blind  16  so that the venetian accordion slat  18   c  does not obstruct the view through the window. 
     Furthermore, by turning, either clockwise or counter clockwise, pin  47  extending from head rail unit  10   c,  the blind  16  can be rotated about its axis to a fully closed position as shown in  FIG. 1D . Further, the venetian vertical slat  18   c  of blind  16  can be rotated, again utilizing pin  47 , about its axis to a partially open position, not shown, so that a selected amount of light can pass through the blind, to a fully open position as shown in  FIG. 1E  so that light can pass through the extended length of blind  16 . Further, it is noted that the one or more slats  18   c  may be rotated or turned, while other slats  18   c  may remained stationary. In addition, it is noted that a turning mechanism may extend from the foot rail or be housed in the foot rail unit  14   a  to turn or rotate slat  181  about its axis to a partially open position, closed position, etc. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the housing unit  38   c  may house, for example, an electric motor that may be utilized to rotate the blind assemblies in unison using a bevel gear for example, wherein the electric motor may be controlled by a remote control. The use of the electric motor may be particularly advantageous for windows that have heights that are too high or too long in length that would be difficult for a user to reach by hand. Further, in an alternative embodiment, slat  18   c  may be a roller blind, instead of a venetian accordion blind, that may be controlled by the electric motor in housing unit  38   c.  Specifically, the electric motor may allow the roller blind to roll up and down to cover or expose the window. 
     It is noted that the weight of the blind is centered so any connection to the housing will have ample room to ensure the blind is parallel to the base of the window sill. 
     Each blind  16  includes the housing unit  38   c,  wherein connector  39 , on a top portion of housing unit  38   c,  can be ‘snapped” into an accepting connector  45  of head rail unit  10   c.  It is noted that any other securing mechanism may be utilized to attach or connect the top of the housing unit  38   c  to head rail unit  10   c.  Advantageously, blind  16  can be quickly and easily replaced. Further, it is noted that housing unit  38   c  and foot rail  14   d  of blind  16  may be angled, so that when pin  47  is turned to configure the blind  16  in a closed position, the head rail unit  10   c  and foot rail  14   d  of blind  16  will form a seal with the head rail unit  10   c  and foot rail  14   d  of other blinds. This is advantageous when respective head rail units  10   c  may be connected to form a rail, as described below, that is long enough to span the window opening. Each housing  38   c  of blind  16  holds a bail retraction mechanism, not shown, to allow for the venetian according slat  18   c  to be retracted or raised, by pulling or lifting foot rail  14   d,  as known by those skilled in the art. Specifically, and with reference to  FIG. 1E , the assembly may be a cordless balanced venetian blind or shade with consistent variable spring motion. Advantageously, minimal force (e.g., by pulling or lifting) is required to position the blind  16  at the desired height (e.g., open, closed, midway) with no required “snapping” or “locking mechanism.” 
     Further, foot rail  14   d  may be different sizes and depths and the depiction of  14   d  is simply exemplary in nature. For example, foot rail  14   d  may be extremely thin and shorter in height than that of head rail unit  38   c.    
       FIG. 1F  shows an alternative embodiment where a string  54  of a pulley mechanism for example, or other hanging type of apparatus such as a tape measure configuration, may be provided and coiled in head unit  10   c.  The other end of the string  54  or tape measure may also be attached to connector  39 . Thus, by allowing string  10   c  to uncoil from head rail unit  10   c  that is attached to connector  39 , blind  16  can be moved in a downward direction to block a lower portion of the window W from light and to permit light to enter an upper portion of window W. It is noted that although this embodiment is described with reference to  FIG. 1C-1E , this embodiment may be applied to the assembly as described in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and those assemblies described below. 
       FIG. 1G  is a view of the assembly where the connector  39  is located at an end of the housing unit  38   c.  This type of configuration allows for the blind  16  to be closer to the window when it is attached to head rail unit  10   c.  The attachment between head rail unit  10   c  and connector  39  has a firm connection to handle the extra weight and force exerted on the connector  39  and head rail unit  39 , since it is not balanced as it would be with the connector  39  in the middle of head rail unit  38   c.  Further, it is noted that connector  39  can be positioned at any location on head rail unit  38   c  and the depiction in  FIG. 1G  is exemplary in nature. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A, 2A and 2B , the blind assembly is illustratively composed of a plurality of substantially identical modules  9 , one for each slat  18 . Each module includes a head rail or segment  10   a  which can be connected end to end to the units or segments  10   a  of adjacent modules  9  to form a head rail  10  that is long enough to span the window opening. Each unit  10   a  has a generally U-shaped cross-section and is provided with a pair of interior partitions  22  spaced apart along its length, each partition being formed with a vertical slot  24 . The two slots  24  are aligned and adapted to receive a shaft segment  26  whose length is more or less the same as that of unit  10   a.  The shaft segment is necked down at  26   a  where it contacts the edges of the slots so that when the shaft  26  bottoms in the slots, it is captured axially by the slot walls, yet is free to rotate about its axis. One end of shaft segment  26  is formed with a key  26   b,  and a keyway  26   c  is present at the other end of the shaft segment. Also, a worm gear  28  is located midway along the segment. 
     Worm gear  28  meshes with a gear  32  at the upper end of an axle  34  forming a motion converter. The axle is rotatably mounted at  36  to the bottom wall of unit  10   a  so that axle  34  is fixed in the axial direction but free to rotate. Mounted to the lower end of axle  34  is a cylindrical housing  38  which contains a spring mechanism  40  similar to the one present in a conventional tape measure. Preferably, the housing  38  is releasably secured to the lower end of axle  34  so that it can be removed and replaced easily. For example, the lower end of axle  34  may have a non-circular cross section and plug into a similarly shaped socket  38   a  at the top of the housing. A spring-loaded ball  41  ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ) present near the end of axle  34  releasably engages in a groove to retain the shaft end in the socket. 
     The upper end of the corresponding slat  18  is releasably connected at  18   a  to that mechanism  40  so that the slat can be wound up into a coil inside the housing. Slat  18  is similar to the tape in a conventional tape measure except that it is wider. That is, the slat is made of a springy metal or plastic material and has a camber as shown in  FIG. 2C  so that the slat may be rolled up in, and dispensed from, the housing  38  via a slot  38   b  therein located opposite axle  34 , yet the slat is relatively stiff when extended much like the metal tape of a tape measure. In other words, when each slat  18  is pulled down via foot rail  14 , it is drawn from the associated housing  38  in opposition to the bias of spring mechanism  40  therein and when the slat is pushed up, it is automatically wound up inside the housing by that mechanism. 
     A manually adjustable brake shown generally at  42  may be mounted to the outside of housing  38  adjacent to slot  38   b.  As best seen in  FIG. 2B , the brake includes a slide  42   a  integral to the outside of the housing and a slider  42   b  movable along the slide. When the slider  42   b  is slid toward slat  38   b,  an end thereof frictionally engages the face of slat  18 . The slider can be adjusted so that it exerts just the right amount of drag on slat  18  so that the slat will remain at the elevation to which it is set by the user. 
     Also, if desired, the edges of the housing slot  80   b  may be lined with a flock or brush material  43  so that the slat  18  is automatically dusted when moved in and out of the housing  38 . 
     Each module  9  of the assembly also includes a foot rail unit  14   a  in the form of a generally cylindrical rod which may be connected end to end to the foot rail units  14   a  of adjacent modules to form the complete foot rail  14  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . To achieve this objective, one end of each unit  14   a  has a key  14   b  and the other end is formed with a keyway  14   c.  Each unit  14   a  also has a keyhole-type socket  44  midway along its length. The socket is shaped and adapted to accept a ball  46  affixed via a stem  46   a  to the lower end of the associated slat  18  so that once the ball is inserted into the socket via a socket mouth  44   a  ( FIG. 2B ), it is locked therein but still free to rotate about a vertical axis that is collinear to the axle  34  of that module  9 . 
     Similarly, and with reference to  FIG. 1H  that shows a plurality of assemblies that are connected to one another, rails  15   c  may be utilized to connect foot rails  14   d  of adjacent assemblies. Specifically, each rail  15   c  may be attached to the underside of foot rail  14   d,  and the rails  15   c  may be joined together as shown in  FIG. 1H . Rail  15   c  may further be utilized to move all adjacent assemblies in unison to a desired height by pulling or pushing rail  15   c  in a particular direction. In an alternative embodiment, a first set of window assemblies may be connected together using rails  15   c,  while other assemblies may not be connected. This allows a user to raise or lower the connected assemblies without modifying the height of the assemblies that are not connected, or vice versa. Further, and as shown in  FIG. 1H , a wire attachment  16   c  may be utilized to pivot or rotate the blind  16  of adjacent assemblies in unison. Further, it is noted that foot rails  14   d  of adjacent assemblies may be joined utilizing rail  15   c  regardless of the fact that adjacent assemblies may be different sizes. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1I  my vertical blind assembly may include a head rail  10  mounted at a side of the window W by means of brackets  12   a  and  12   b  which support the opposite ends of the head rail. The assembly also includes a foot rail shown generally at  14 , that extends on the other side of the window W and between the head rail and the foot rail is a window blind  16  comprised of a plurality of vertical slats or louvers  18 . It is noted that foot rail  14  may be secured to the exterior of the window by brackets similar to brackets  12   a  and  12   b.  By extending or lowering the foot rail  14  to and away from the head rail  10 , the blind  16  may be moved from a fully extended or retracted position shown in  FIG. 1I  to a partially retracted or extended position, not shown, and then to a fully extended or retracted position, not shown, wherein the foot rail  14  lies next to the head rail  10  so that the blind  16  does not obstruct the view through the window. Furthermore, by turning a wand  20  in one direction or the other, the slats  18  of blind  16  can be rotated about their horizontal axes from a fully closed position as shown in  FIG. 1I , through a partially open position shown not shown so that a selected amount of light can pass through the blind to a fully open position not shown wherein the slats  18  are perpendicular to the head and foot rails and window so that light can pass through the extended length of blind  16 . In an alternative embodiment, an electric motor (not shown) may be housed in the head rail  10 , where the electric motor can be used for all individual units, with or without a remote control, including a bevel gear which may turn all the individual assemblies/units in unison. The use of the electric motor may be particularly advantageous for windows that have heights that are too high or too long of lengths that would be difficult for a user to reach by hand. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1J , my vertical blind assembly may comprise a plurality of modules  9  stacked on extension  900  located at the end of a window. Specifically, when the modules are moved or positioned to one side of the window, for example, on rail(s)  902 , the modules  900  can be stacked, one in front of the other to save space and for organization purposes. Specifically, each module may be recessed on a rod or extension  900  that exists on the side of the window. 
     As noted above, each module  9  may be joined to adjacent similar modules. More particularly, as shown in  FIG. 2A , each head rail unit  10   a  may be connected to an adjacent head rail unit by a tubular coupling  52  which slides into the ends of the abutting units  10   a,  until it is stopped by partitions  22 . When this connection is made, the key  26   b  of the shaft segment  26  in one unit  10   a  may be inserted into the keyway  26   c  of the shaft segment  26  of the adjacent unit  10   a.  In addition, the foot rail units  14   a  of the adjacent modules  9  being joined together may be linked by inserting the key  14   b  of one unit or segment  14   a  into the keyway  14   c  of the abutting unit  14   a.  Preferably, the keys  14   b  and keyways  14   c  are designed so that when the units  14   a  are keyed together, all of the sockets  44  face upwards as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2A . 
     Thus, when all of the modules  9  are joined together, head rail units  10   a  collectively form a common, straight rigid head rail  10  and the foot rail units  14   a  collectively form a common, straight foot rail  14 . Also, the shaft segments  26  of all the modules  9  are keyed together end to end to form a common shaft which may be rotated from one end. As best seen in  FIG. 2A , when the shaft segments  26  are rotated in one direction or the other, their worm gears  28  turn the corresponding gears  32  which, via axles  32 , rotate housings  38  and the slats  18  extending therefrom in unison about the longitudinal axes of the slats. The slats are free to rotate relative to the straight foot rail  14  by virtue of the ball and socket connections between the individual slats and their associated foot rail units or segments  14   a.  In this way, the slats can be turned in unison between their respective open and closed positions. 
     In the window blind assembly depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the housings  38 , slats  18  and foot rail segments  14   a  have the same width as head rail segments  10   a.  Resultantly, when the blind  16  is in its closed condition shown in  FIG. 1A , the slats  18  are arranged edge to edge. In some applications, the blind may be designed so that when it is closed, the adjacent slats  18  overlap to some extent. For this, the housings  38 , slats  18  and foot rail units  14   a  are made, say, 10% wider than the head rail units  10   a  so that when the blind  16  is fully closed, the overlapping housings  38 , slats  18  and foot rail units  14   a  are oriented at a small angle, e.g., 10-15°, which assures that there will be no gaps between the slats when blind  16  is closed. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , as noted above, the head rail  10  is supported by brackets  12   a  and  12   b.  Bracket  12   a  is formed as a rectangular cap lying on its side. That is, it has an end wall  54   a  and fastener holes  56  for mounting the bracket to the casing of window W ( FIG. 1A ). Rotatably mounted to that wall is one end of an axle  58  whose other end is formed as a key  58   a  which keys into the keyway  26   c  of the shaft  26  at the left end of head rail unit  10  when that end is inserted into bracket  12   a.  Axle  58  carries a gear  60  which meshes with a worm gear  62  at the upper end of a shaft  64  rotatably mounted at  66  in the lower wall  54   b  of bracket  12   a.  The lower end of shaft  64  extending down from the bracket terminates in a hook  68  which hooks through an eye  20   a  at the upper end of wand  20 . Thus, when the wand  20  is rotated about its axis, that motion is transmitted to the worm gear  62  which, in turn, rotates all of the shaft segments  26  and thus all of the gears  32  and slats  18  in unison. 
     The other bracket  12   b  supporting the right end of head rail  10  has a configuration similar to that of bracket  12   a  except that it has a front wall or corner  72  that is hinged at  74  to the top wall of the bracket so that the cover can be swung up to allow the right end of head rail  10  to be inserted into bracket  12   b  after the left end of the head rail has been plugged into bracket  12   a  as just described. After the right end of the rail  10  is seated in bracket  12   b,  the cover  72  may be swung down to close the front of the bracket. The lower end of the cover  72  may be formed with a lip (not shown) which underhangs the lower wall of bracket  12   b  to retain the corner in its closed position. 
     It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the modular construction of my assembly enables modules  9  to be joined so that the blind assembly as a whole can be made to fit a window of almost any size. Also, if one or another of the slats  18  should become damaged, it is easily replaced by disconnecting its upper end connection  18   a  at the associated housing  38  and disconnecting its ball  46  from the associated foot rail unit  14   a.  Alternatively, the housing may be separated at its socket  38   a  from the associated axle  34  and the associated foot rail segment  14   a  detached from its neighboring segments  14   a.  In a similar fashion, the slats  18  may be changed easily to suit a particular user&#39;s decorative intent. 
     It is apparent from the foregoing that the various modules  9  are easy to assemble and the overall assembly is easy to install in, and take down from, a window so that the blind assembly is particularly useful to people who move frequently or who rent apartments. When the assembly is in place, its blind  16  can be raised and lowered easily by lifting up and pulling down the foot rail  14  and even when the blind  16  is in a partially raised or extended position, the slats  18  still can be oriented to allow the desired amount of light to pass through the blind. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in some applications it may be desirable for the blind  16  ( FIG. 1A ) to comprise slats  18 ′ of a non-springy fabric or plastic material. In alternative embodiments, slats  18 ′ may be a bendable material such as bendable electronic display that allows for the display of video, television, and/or pictures. Advantageously, presentations or advertisements or other digital pictures, may be displayed on slats  18 ′. Further, the bendable material may be bendable solar panels, mirrors, and/or mosquito netting, as well as other bendable materials as known by those skilled in the art. Such a slat may be dispensed through a slot  80   a  of a cylindrical housing  80  comparable to housing  38  in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . In this case, however, housing  80  contains a roller  82  around which the slat  18 ′ may be wound. Roller  82  is similar to a conventional window shade roller except that it is quite short commensurate with the narrow width of the slat  18 ′. The roller  82  does contain the usual spring and ratchet found in a standard window shade roller so that the slat  18 ′ can be drawn from, and rolled up on, the roller. 
     Housing  80  has an end wall  80   b  formed with a rectangular hole  84  for receiving the usual flat end of the ratchet axle  82   a  projecting from one end of roller  82 . The other end wall  80   c  of housing  80  is hinged at  86  to the top of the housing so that it can be opened, enabling roller  82  to be inserted into the housing. The wall  80   c  is formed with a round hole  88  so that when the door is closed, hole  88  receives the round axle  82   b  that projects from the adjacent end of roller  82 . Thus, when the wall  80   c  is closed, roller  82  is rotatably supported within the housing  80  and when it is rotated to dispense slat  18 ′, the roller spring is wound up so that there is an upward bias on the slat  18 ′. However, upward movement of the slat is prevented by the ratchet in the roller unless the ratchet is released by pulling down, and then releasing, the slat as is done with the panel of a conventional window shade. The ratchets in the rollers  82  of all modules comprising the assembly should be aligned initially so that they all operate substantially in unison when blind  16  is raised and lowered. A window blind  16  incorporating the flexible slats  18 ′ can be adjusted to open and close the slats even when the blind is in a partially raised position in the same manner described above in connection with the assembly depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     In some instances, it may be desirable to positively secure the foot rail  14  when the shade  16  is at a desired elevation in window W particularly when the blind comprises fabric slats  18 ′. For this, one or more foot rail extensions  90  may be added to the opposite ends of the foot rail  14  as shown in  FIG. 1B  to extend the foot rail to the sides of the window casement. Also, a vertical strip  92  formed with a series of spaced apart keys or keyways  92   a  may be adhered or otherwise secured to the interior side walls of the window casement as shown in phantom in  FIG. 1B . In  FIG. 1B , the right hand strip  92  carries keyways to receive the key  14   b  at the extended right end of the foot rail  14  and the strip  92  at the left side of that figure has keys which can project into the keyway  14   c  at the extended left end of the foot rail  14 . In this way, the blind  16  can be secured at a variety of different elevations in the window W. Of course, when the shades are secured in this fashion, the brake and ratchet mechanisms in the housings  38  and  80  for controlling the vertical movement of the slats would not be required. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 5  illustrating another embodiment of my window blind assembly which includes a somewhat different mechanism for rotating the slats  18  or  18 ′. This embodiment is comprised of identical modules shown generally at  102 , each of which includes a channel-shaped head rail unit or segment  104   a  similar to unit  10   a  described above. The couplings  52  for joining adjacent units to form a complete head rail  104  have been omitted for ease of illustration. As before, each module  102  also includes a slat housing  38  or  80  pivotally connected by an axle  34  to the bottom wall of each unit  104   a  midway along its length. However, instead of providing a worm gear at the upper end of axle  34  to form the motion converter, that axle is topped off by a short lever arm  108  which extends laterally within the head rail unit or segment  104   a.  The free end of the lever arm  108  is pivotally connected at  109  to an actuator unit or segment  110  which extends along the length of that unit  104   a  and is slidably supported by slotted partitions  111 . Each actuator unit  110  is formed with a hook  110   a  at one end and an eye  110   b  at its opposite end, the hook and eye being adapted to mate with the eye and hook, respectively, of adjacent actuator units  110 . When the actuator units or segments  110  are secured together and moved one way or the other along the head rail  104 , the slats  18  or  18 ′ are rotated in unison between their open and closed positions as described above. 
     To facilitate moving the actuator units, an actuator extension  112  may be connected to the actuator unit at an end of the head rail  104 , e.g. the left end as shown in  FIG. 5 . The other end of the extension  112  connects to a vertical wand  114  by which a user may open and close the slats  18  or  18 ′, even when the slats are partially raised. Thus, the  FIG. 5  embodiment has all of the advantages described above in connection with the blinds depicted in the other drawing figures. It has an additional advantage in that it is less expensive to make than those other embodiments because it requires no gears. 
     Refer now to  FIG. 6 , which illustrates an embodiment of my window blind assembly which may be fitted to a bow window having substantially any curvature. This embodiment comprises a plurality of similar modules indicated at  120 , each of which includes a channel-shaped head rail unit or segment  122   a.  The units  122   a  of adjacent modules may be secured together by flexible couplings  124  to form a complete head rail  122 . A slat housing  38  or  80  (not shown) is suspended from each head rail unit by an axle  34 , which in this case is topped off by a lever arm  126 . 
     Positioned inside each head rail unit  122   a  is a segment  128  of coaxial cable similar to a speedometer cable. That is, cable segment  128  has a flexible outer sheath  130  which is secured at two points  132  along the sheath to the associated unit  122   a  and a flexible inner wire  134  which is movable relative to sheath  130 , both rotationally and longitudinally. The sheath  130  is cut away between points  132  to allow a connection at  136  of the cable wire  134  to the free end of the lever arm  126  in that unit or segment  122   a.  Preferably, each connection  136  is adjustable, e.g. a sleeve at the end of the lever arm with a set screw, so that the connections  136  can be adjusted along the wires  134 . In this way, the open and closed positions of all of the slats in the blind can be set, depending on the curvature of the bow window, so that all the slats open and close together. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , the wire component  134  of the cable segment  128  in each head rail unit or segment  122   a  is formed with a hook  134   a  at one end and an eye  134   b  at the other end, enabling those wires to be hooked to the eyes and hooks, respectively, of the wires  134  in the adjacent head rail units  122   a  comprising the head rail  122 . A wire extension  138  may be hooked to the wire  134  at one end of the head rail, e.g. the left end shown in  FIG. 6 , that extension leading to a wand (not shown), enabling a user to move all of the wires  134  in one direction or the other to rotate all of the housings  38  or  80  in unison to open and close the slats  18  or  18 ′, as described above. Due to the presence of the bow, the edges of adjacent slots may be spaced apart to some extent. However, the blind will still block most of the sunlight incident on the blind. To avoid such gaps, the slats can be designed to overlap as described above. 
     Of course, if each wire  134  were fitted with a worm gear along its length for meshing with a gear mounted to the top of axle  34  of the associated module  120 , the common wire could be rotated to turn the slats  18  or  18 ′ in the same manner described above in connection with  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
     Since the blind assembly shown in  FIG. 6  has a curved head rail, it should also have a curved foot rail as shown generally at  142  in  FIG. 6A . Rail  142  is composed of straight foot rail units or segments  142   a  which are similar to unit  14   a  depicted in  FIG. 2A  except that the key and keyways at the ends of the unit are replaced by a ball  144  and socket  146 , both of which have flats at their tops and bottoms as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  so that the adjacent keyed-together units  142   a  can pivot in a horizontal direction but not in a vertical direction. 
       FIG. 7  is a venetian accordion blind that may be utilized in a motor vehicle  75 , such as a car or boat, to deflect heat or provide privacy. It is noted that blind  16  can be adjusted in a similar manner, as described above, to be sized to fit within a windshield  70  by simply pulling or pushing foot rail  14   c  to a certain height. 
       FIG. 8  is a venetian accordion blind that may be utilized as a door or a room divider. Specifically, different materials may be utilized for the slats  18 ,  18   c,  and a user may attach head rail  10  or head rail unit  10   c  to a ceiling or wall. Advantageously, a user can join a plurality of assemblies and can utilize the venetian accordion blind(s) to divide or split a room or space. When the user does not wish to divide the room, the user can raise the foot rails  14  of the joined assemblies, as described above. It is noted that the blinds may be controlled by the electric motor, as described above, to easily and quickly allow the user to expose or hide the room divider. 
       FIG. 9  are venetian accordion blinds that may be utilized as a banner or advertisement. Specifically, the head rails  10  or head rail units  10   c,  may be pivoted in unison to expose or show the advertisement. For example, the advertisement may be displayed in a window, that for example, may be rounded, or from light posts that require a rounded view. Each assembly may be in the “open” position, so that the banner or advertisement is not shown. However, and as shown in  FIG. 9 , when the assemblies are pivoted, the banner or advertisement  94  that reads “SALE” may be displayed or exposed. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, differing text may be utilized. As such, the description of the banner reading “SALE” should be taken as exemplary only. In alternative embodiments and as described above, one or more slats  18   c,  may be a bendable electronic display to display the banner or advertisement digitally or utilizing a television, projector, or other device as known by those skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 10  are venetian accordion blinds that may be utilized as a lamp or light shade. Specifically, the head rail or head rail units  10   c  may be joined to make a square, circle or other shape that may surround a light source, such as a recessed light, lamp or light fixture  1000 . Specifically, and as seen in  FIG. 10 , the length of the blinds can be altered by raising rail  14   d.  Further, more light may be emitted or allowed to travel outwardly by pivoting the assembly utilizing string  16   c,  or different mechanism such as a tape measure style arrangement, that allows the assemblies to rotate or pivot in unison. 
       FIG. 11  are venetian accordion blinds that may be utilized as an awning. Specifically, the head rail or head rail units  10   c  may be joined and attached to a home or building or other frame  1105  as shown in  FIG. 11  to block or shade the sun. 
       FIG. 12  are venetian accordion blinds that may be utilized as a sunshade. Specifically, the head rail or head rail units  10   c  may be joined and attached to frames  1205  to block or shade the sun. It is noted that the slats  18  may be opened to allow sun to enter. 
       FIG. 13  are venetian accordion blinds that may be utilized to accommodate an object placed in a window. In  FIG. 13 , the object in the window is an air conditioning system  1300 . It is noted that one slat  18   c  or a plurality of slats  18   c  may be utilized to accommodate the air conditioning system  1300 . For example, a single slat  18   c  may be sized, (e.g., width and/or length), to accommodate the air conditioning system  1300  (not shown). Alternatively, and as shown in  FIG. 13 , a plurality of slats  18   c  may be of different sizes (e.g., width and/or length) to accommodate the air conditioning system  1300 . It is noted that housing unit  38   c  and/or  14   d,  may, in an embodiment, be secured to rail  1310  that is attached to the air conditioning system  1300 . It is also noted that the blinds of  FIG. 13  may be connected to a preexisting window shade or blind to then accommodate the air conditional system  1300 , or any device or object in the window space. 
       FIG. 14  is a front view of a modular roman shade  1400  that may be mounted at the top of a window W by means of brackets  1405   a  and  1405   b.  The modular roman shade  1400  includes a head rail unit  1401 , a foot rail unit  1402 , at least one intermediate rail unit(s)  1403 , and a plurality of slat components. Each head rail unit  1401  is coupled to a top slat component  1404 . For example, the head rail unit  1401  may be a tube, and portions of a first end of the top slat component  1404  may be inserted inside the head rail unit  1401 , as will be described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 16A . Alternatively, the first end of the top slat component  1404  may be clipped, or otherwise attached to the head rail unit  1401  in a variety of different ways, as known by those skilled in the art. The other end (“second end”) of top slat component  1404  may be coupled to the intermediate rail unit  1403  (as shown in phantom), and a first end of the intermediate slat component  1406  may also be coupled to the intermediate rail unit  1403 . For example, and as will be described in further details with respect to  FIG. 16A , the intermediate rail unit  1403  may be a tube wherein portions of the second end of the top slat component  1404  and the first end of the intermediate slat component  1406  may be inserted into the intermediate rail unit  1403 . The coupling of the top slat component  1404  and the intermediate slat component  1406  to the intermediate rail unit  1403  allows for the transition from the top slat component  1404  to the intermediate slat component  1406  to appear seamless and also appear as a single piece of fabric with a simple crease. 
     In addition, and as depicted in  FIG. 14 , a second end of the intermediate slat component  1406  may be coupled to an additional intermediate rail unit  1403 , and a first end of a bottom slat component  1407  may also be coupled to the additional intermediate rail unit  1403 . The intermediate slat component  1406  and the bottom slat component  1407  may be coupled to the additional intermediate rail unit  1403  in a similar manner as described above with reference to the coupling of the top slat component  1404  and the intermediate slat component  1406  to the intermediate rail unit  1403 . In addition, the coupling of the intermediate slat component  1406  and the bottom slat component  1407  to the additional intermediate rail unit  1403  allows for the transition from the intermediate slat component  1406  to the bottom slat component  1407  to appear seamless and also appear as a single piece of fabric with a simple crease. A second end of the bottom slat component  1407  may be coupled to the foot rail unit  1402  in a similar manner as described above with reference to the coupling of the first end of the top slat component  1404  to the head rail unit  1401 . 
     Thus, the modular roman shade  1400  includes at least one module  1409  that consists of the head rail unit  1401 , at least one intermediate head rail unit  1403 , and the foot rail unit  1402 . It is expressly contemplated that the head rail unit  1401 , at least one intermediate rail unit  1403 , and foot rail unit  1402  may be any size and/or shape, and that the individual rail units may be different sizes. For example, the head rail unit  1401  may be a different shape and/or size than that of the foot rail unit  1402  and further the foot rail unit  1402  may be a different size and/or shape than the at least one intermediate rail unit  1403 . In addition, although the modular roman shade  1400  as depicted in  FIG. 14  includes two intermediate rail units  1403  and a single intermediate slat component  1406 , it is expressly contemplated that the modular roman shade  1400  may include a single intermediate rail unit  1403  with no intermediate slat component where the top slat component  1404  and the bottom slat component  1407  are coupled to a single intermediate rail unit  1403 . Alternatively, any additional number of intermediate rail units  1403  and intermediate slat components  1406  may be added to the module  1409  of the modular roman shade  1400 . Further, although the modular roman shade  1400  as depicted in  FIG. 14  includes three modules  1409  that are coupled together, as will be described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 15 , it is expressly contemplated that the modular roman shade  1400  may include one module  1409 , or any number of modules  1409  coupled with one or more adjacent modules  1409 . 
     Each slat component (e.g., the top slat component  1401 , the bottom slat component  1406 , and the intermediate slat component  1407 ) may be individually removed between the individual rail units. For example, the individual slat components may be removed to be cleaned, or to be substituted with a different slat component (e.g., having a different pattern and/or being of a different material). For example, a user may desire to have a particular design make up the entire modular roman shade  1400  and thus may select particular materials and/or patterns for each slat component of the modular roman shade  1400 . Further, it is expressly contemplated that each slat component may be different sizes and/or shapes to fit any windows or enclosures. 
     In addition, it is noted that each head rail unit  1401  and foot rail unit  1402  may include a mechanism for attachment, such as an adhesive component or a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®) on a front portion of the head rail unit  1401  and a front portion of the foot rail unit  1402 , as will be described in further detail below. The adhesive component or hook and loop fastener, may, for example, be utilized to allow a user to add a design to the top and bottom of the modular roman shade  1400  in the form of a valence. 
       FIG. 15A  is a rear view of the modular roman shade  1400 . It is noted that the modular roman shade  1400  includes three modules (e.g.,  1507 ,  1508 , and  1509 ), where respective components of the three modules are coupled to make up the single modular roman shade  1400 . It is expressly contemplated that although the modular roman shade  1400  depicted in  FIG. 15A  includes three modules, it is expressly contemplated that the modular roman shade  1400  may include a single module or additional modules. In addition, although the modular roman shade  1400  includes two intermediate rails (e.g.,  1504 ), it is expressly contemplated that the modular roman shade  1400  may include a single intermediate rail or any other number of intermediate rails. Specifically, a user may add any number of intermediate rail units to change the overall size and shape of the modular roman shade  1400 . For example, for a window that is long in length, the user may add a particular number of intermediate rail units and additional intermediate slats to change the size of the modular roman shade  1400 . Further, for a window that is extremely wide, the user may add additional modules to increase the overall width of the modular roman shade  1400 . Furthermore, if the window is bow shaped, or a different shape, the user may customize the modular roman shade  1400  by adding or removing particular slat components and rail units. Advantageously, a user can alter the size (e.g., length and/or width) and/or shape of the modular roman shade  1400  in an efficient and easy manner. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 15A , each head rail unit may be connected to or coupled to one or more adjacent head rail units utilizing a rail unit fastener  1502  to form a single head rail  1503 . Specifically, and as depicted in  FIG. 15A , the head rail unit of the left most module  1507  and the head rail unit of the right most module  1508  are coupled to opposing ends of the head rail unit of the middle module  1509  through use of respective rail unit fasteners  1502 . In addition, adjacent foot rail units and adjacent intermediate rail units may also be coupled utilizing rail unit fasteners  1502  to form one or more single intermediate rails  1504  and a single foot rail  1505 . 
     It is noted that the respective head rail units, foot rail units, and the intermediate rail units  1403  may be made of any type of material, such as, but not limited to, metal, wood, bamboo, plastic, etc. In addition, the rail unit fasteners  1502  may comprise any of a variety of fastener, such as, but not limited to, a male/female coupling system, clips, zipper(s), adhesive, etc. As further depicted in  FIG. 15A , each slat component may be coupled to an adjacent slat utilizing slat fasteners  1506 . The slat fasteners  1506  may be a variety of fastener, such as, but not limited to, a male/female coupling system, clips, zipper(s), adhesive, etc. Thus, when the adjacent rail units and adjacent slat components are coupled utilizing respective rail unit fasteners  1502  and slat fasteners  1506 , to couple the components of the adjacent modules (e.g.,  1507 ,  1508 , and  1509 ), the modular roman shade  1400  is formed. 
     In addition, the modular roman shade  1400  may include a pulley system  1510  that is housed in the single head rail  1503  that may be utilized to raise and lower the modular roman shade  1400 . Specifically, the pulley system  1510  may include a string that may be threaded from the single head rail  1503 , through a connector  1511 , such an eye hook connector, of the one or more single intermediate rails  1504 , and eventually to the single foot rail  1505 . Thus, and in operation, a user may pull on initiator cord  1512  of the pulley system  1510  to cause the string to coil up or uncoil to raise and lower the modular roman shade  1400 , thus allowing light to enter/leave the window area, for example. Alternatively (not shown), the pulley system  1510  may not be attached to the single foot rail  1505  and may be coupled to the one or more single intermediate rails  1504 , thus raising the modular roman shade  1400  at a position of the particular single intermediate rail  1504  at which the pulley system  1510  is ultimately connected to. Advantageously, the modular roman shade  1400  can be raised or lowered to any height, utilizing, for example, the pulley system  1510 . It is expressly contemplated that a variety of mechanisms may be utilized to raise and lower the modular roman shade  1400 , as known by those skilled in the art. 
     Alternatively, the single head rail  1503  may hold a bail retraction mechanism, not shown, to allow for the modular roman shade  1400  to be raised or lowered, by pulling or lifting the single foot rail  1505 , as known by those skilled in the art. Specifically, the modular roman shade  1400  may be a cordless balanced roman shade with consistent variable spring motion. Advantageously, minimal force (e.g., by pulling or lifting) is required to position the modular roman shade  1400  at the desired height (e.g., open, closed, midway) with no required pulley system or “locking mechanism.” 
       FIG. 15B  is a rear view of the modular roman shade  1400  where intermediate rail units pieces are utilized, and wherein the intermediate rail units do not form a single rail. Specifically, the modular roman shade  1400  may include a single head rail  1503 , a single foot rail  1505 , intermediate rail unit pieces  1514 , and slat components. As depicted in  FIG. 15B , intermediate rail unit pieces  1514  may be positioned at the ends and also positioned where two slat components meet. Specifically, the intermediate rail unit pieces  1514  on the ends of the modular roman shade  1400  may include the eye hook  1511 , while the intermediate rail unit pieces  1514  on the interior of the modular roman shade  1400  may be a fastener to connect two adjacent slat components. The intermediate rail unit pieces  1514  may be, for example, a variety of fasteners utilized to provide rigidity or structure to the overall modular roman shade  1400 . In addition, the slat components that utilize the intermediate rail unit pieces  1514  (e.g., a top slat component and an intermediate slat component) may be coupled to each other utilizing, for example, zipper mechanism  1513  to provide further rigidity or structure. Although reference is made to zipper mechanism, it is expressly contemplated that a variety of coupling mechanisms may be utilized. Thus, and in operation, a user may pull on initiator cord  1512  of the pulley system  1510  to cause the string to coil up or uncoil to raise and lower the modular roman shade  1400 , thus allowing light to enter/leave the window area, for example. 
     Although  FIG. 15B  is described to include single foot rail  1505 , it is expressly contemplated that the modular roman shade  1400  may include a single head rail  1503 , intermediate rail unit pieces  1514 , and slat components. As such, the bottom portions of the bottom most slat component may be rigid or include a material that provides structure to the bottom of the overall modular roman shade  1400 . That is, in alternative embodiments, a modular roman shade  1400  may be constructed without a single foot rail  1505 . In such embodiments, the description of the single foot rail  1505  should be construed as any structure that provides structure to the bottom of the overall modular roman shade  1400 . 
       FIG. 16A  is a side view of the modular roman shade  1400 . Specifically,  FIG. 16A  shows the individual slats (e.g., top slat component, intermediate slat component, and bottom slat component) being inserted in the head rail unit  1401 , intermediate rail units  1403 , and foot rail unit  1402 . In one embodiment, the rail units are tubes  1601  what include a rod (e.g., a fastener)  1602  to hold the individual slat components within the tubes  1601 . Specifically, the individual ends of the slat components may be inserted into the tubes  1601  and the rod  1602  may be snapped within the tube  1601  to hold the ends of the respective slat components within the tube  1601 . For example, the head rail unit  1401  and foot rail unit  1402  may each hold an end of a single slat component, and specifically a first end of the top slat component  1404  and a second end of the bottom slat component  1407 . In addition, each intermediate rail unit  1403  may hold or house respective ends of two slat components. Specifically, an intermediate rail unit  1403  may hold a second end of the top slat component  1404  and a first end of the intermediate slat component  1406 , while the additional intermediate rail unit  1403  may hold a second end of the intermediate slat component  1406  and a first end of the bottom slat component  1407 . 
     In addition, the slats of the modular roman shade  1400  may be layered and may include one or more additional slat components  1603  (shown in phantom). The additional slat components  1603  may be of any material, such as, but not limited to, vinyl or any other materials to add rigidity to the modular roman shade  1400 , or to act as a liner to the modular roman shade  1400 . It is noted that the one or more additional slat components  1603  can be any size and do not have to match the size of the other slat components (e.g., top slat component, intermediate slat component, and bottom slat component). 
     Although reference is made to the rails units being hollow tubes, it is expressly contemplated that the rail units may be solid tubes, or any shaped rails where the respective slats may be coupled to the rail units. For example, the rail units may be solid tubes  1604  and have a clipping fastener  1605  on the front as shown in  FIG. 16B , to allow for the respective slat components  1606  to be coupled to the rail units to form the entire modular roman shade  1400 . 
       FIG. 17  is a detailed depiction of the connections between slat components and the manner in which the slat components may be coupled to each other through use of the rail units to form the modular roman shade  1400 . Specifically, and with reference to  FIG. 17 , it is noted that there may be excess material associated with the slat component  1706  of the left most module  1701  and the slat component  1707  of the right most module  1702 . More specifically, there may be excess material  1709  on the left side of slat component  1706  of left most module  1701 , and excess material  1704  at the top of the slat component  1706  of the left most module  1701 . The excess material  1709  may be folded over to size the left side of the slat component  1706  to have the appropriate width to match the size of the head rail unit and intermediate rail unit of the left most module  1701 . In addition, the excess material  1704  on the top of the slat component  1706  may be inserted within the respective rail unit such that the excess material is hidden within the respective rail unit. 
     Advantageously, the user can size the slat component to be any size by simply folding the side and/or “tucking” the top and/or bottom excess material within the rail units. In an alternative embodiment, the excess material  1709  may not be folded over such that the slat component is greater in length or shorter in length than the head rail unit. The slat component  1707  of the right most module  1702  may be altered in size in a similar manner as described with respect to the left most module  1701 . In addition, the top and bottom excess material of middle module  1703  may be sized in a similar manner as described above, where the excess material is tucked into the rail units. 
     In addition, the slat component  1706  of the left most module  1701  and the slat component  1707  of the right most module  1702  are coupled to the slat component  1708  of middle module  1703  utilizing clipping fasteners  1711 . Although reference is made to clipping fasteners  1711 , it is expressly contemplated that a variety of fasteners may be utilized to couple the slat components together. In addition, and as depicted in the FIG.  17 , a valence  1705  may be attached to the adhesive or hook and loop fastener  1706  to add a decoration to the modular roman shade  1400 . Although  FIG. 17  depicts valence  1705  on the top of the modular roman shade  1400 , it is expressly contemplated that the bottom of the modular roman shade  1400  (e.g., on foot rail unit(s)) may also include a valence  1705  to add a decoration to the bottom of the modular roman shade  1400 . 
       FIG. 18  is a front view of the modular roman shade  1400  where particular slat components have been removed. Specifically, and as shown in  FIG. 18 , the three individual slat component of the right most module  1801  have been removed, while the individual slat components of the left most module  1802  and the middle module  1803  remain intact. Advantageously, a user can remove any number of slat components and have those slat components washed, for example, and/or replaced with a different slat having a different pattern. Thus, a user can design the modular roman shade  1400  to have any number of patterns, materials etc. In addition, for example, a window opening may include an object, such as an air conditioner, and the user can remove the particular slat components where the air condition is positioned, such that the modular roman shade  1400  surrounds the air condition that is in the window. Advantageously, the size and shape of the modular roman shade  1400  can be dynamically altered in an user friendly way by allowing the user to simply attach or remove particular slat components. 
       FIG. 19  is a front view of the modular roman shade  1400  where particular slat components have a different pattern than other slat components. Specifically, and as shown in  FIG. 19 , the left most module  1901  and the right most module  1902  includes slat components with a first pattern, while the middle module  1903  includes slat components with a second pattern. Advantageously, a user can easily and efficiently change the overall look and appearance of the modular roman shade  1400 . Although  FIG. 19  depicts particular patterns with respect to particular slat components, it is expressly contemplated that any pattern or material may be used for each slat component. 
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  are respectively a front view and a side view of the modular roman shade  1400  in a retracted or raised position. Specifically, a user may pull initiator cord  1512  to initiate the pulley system, as described with respect to  FIG. 15 , to cause the modular roman shade  1400  to raise or lower as shown in  FIG. 20A , thereby allowing light to enter at the bottom of the window W. It is noted that  FIGS. 20A  shows a top valence  2010  and a bottom valence  2020  that are added for decoration. Alternatively (not shown), a bail retraction mechanism may be utilized to allow the user to simply pull or push the foot rail unit(s) to raise and lower the modular roman shade  1400 .  FIG. 20B  show the modular roman shade  1400  raised from the side view. As shown in  FIG. 20B , the modular roman shade  1400  includes valences  2010  and  2020 . In addition, the bottom slat  1407  is raised shortened based on the raising of the modular roman shade  1400 . 
       FIG. 21  is a front view of the modular shade  1400  that includes head rail units  1401  that may be coupled together and slat components  1404  that may be coupled together. For example, each slat component  1404  of module  1407  (that includes the head rail unit  1401  and slat component  1404 ) may be a venetian type blind including a plurality of elements  2100 . Specifically, each of the plurality of elements  2100  may be coupled to an element  2100  of an adjacent slat component  1404 . That is, each of the plurality of elements  2100  may “snap into” or “slide into” an element  2100  of an adjacent slat component  1404 . Advantageously, the overall width or size of the modular shade  1400  may be altered, by a user, for example, by simply sliding an element  2100  of slat component  1404  a selected distance within an element  2100  of an adjacent slat component  1404 . Alternatively, any of a variety of coupling mechanisms may be utilized to couple an element  2100  to an element  2100  of an adjacent slat component  1404 . Although the modular shade  1400  as described with reference to  FIG. 21  includes head rail units  1401  and slat components  1404 , it is expressly contemplated that the modular shade  1400  may also include intermediate rail units and foot rail units. 
     In addition, additional module  2101  (including a head rail unit  1401  and a slat component  1404 ) may be added to the module  1407  to increase the size of the modular shade  1400 . For example, and with reference to  FIG. 21 , the additional module  2101  may be attached to the slat component  1404  of the module  1407  utilizing a male/female connector  1408 . Alternatively, the additional module  2101  may be attached to a bottom of the slat component  1404  of the module  1407  utilizing a clipping mechanism (not shown). It is expressly contemplated that a variety of different connecting mechanisms may be utilized to couple the additional module  2101  to the bottom of the slat component  1404  of the module  1407 . Further, wand  1515  may be utilized to open/close the elements  2100  of the slat components  1404 , as known by those skilled in the art. In addition, the modular shade  1400  may be raised and lowered by pulling on initiator cord  1512 , as described above. 
       FIG. 22  is a front view of the modular shade  1400  that includes head rail units  1401  that may be coupled together and slat components  1404  that may be coupled together. For example, each slat component  1404  of module  1407  may including one or more element  2201 . It is expressly contemplated that the one or more elements  2201  may be bamboo, wood, faux wood, plastic, or any number of materials. Specifically, the one or more elements  2201  of the slat component  1404  may be coupled to the one or more elements  2201  of an adjacent slat component  1404 . That is, each of the one or more elements  2201  may “snap into” or “slide into” an element  2201  of an adjacent slat component  1404 . Alternatively, any of a variety of coupling mechanisms may be utilized to couple the one or more elements  2201  to an element  2201  of an adjacent slat component  1404 . 
     In addition, additional module  2202  (including a head rail unit  1401  and a slat component  1404 ) may be added to the module  1407  to increase the size of the modular shade  1400 . For example, and with reference to  FIG. 22 , the additional module  2202  may be attached to a bottom of the slat component  1404  of the module  1407  utilizing a male/female connector  1408 . Alternatively, the additional module  2202  may be attached to the slat component  1404  of the module  1407  utilizing a clipping mechanism (not shown). It is expressly contemplated that a variety of different connecting mechanisms may be utilized to couple the additional module  2202  to the slat component  1404  of the module  1407 . Further, the modular shade  1400  may be raised and lowered by pulling on initiator cord  1512 , as described above. Although the modular  1400  as described with reference to  FIG. 22  includes head rail units  1401  and slat components  1404 , it is expressly contemplated that the modular shade  1400  may also include intermediate rail units and foot rail units. 
       FIGS. 23A and 23B  are detailed depiction of an adjustable roman shade attachment that included a plurality of components. The assembled adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  is shown in  FIG. 23A , while an exploded view of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  is shown in  FIG. 23B . The Adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  includes a center tube  2305 , two bracket clips  2320 , two adjustment arms  2310 , and two edge inserts  2315 . The two bracket clips  2320  attach to the exterior of the center tube  2305 . The components may be made of plastic, steel, or any of a variety of materials. Specifically, the two bracket clips  2320  may be positioned at any location on the center tube  2305 . For example, when a user moves the two bracket clips  2320  to desired locations on the center tube  2305 , the user may tighten adjustment screws  2325 , that are illustratively positioned in an opening in the bracket clips  2320 , such that the two bracket clips  2320  are secured at the desired locations. Thus, the adjustment screws  2325  act as securing devices that secure the bracket clips  2320  on the center tube  2305 . Although  FIGS. 23A and 23B  are depicted with two bracket clips  2320 , it is expressly contemplated that the adjustable roman shade attachment may include one or any number of bracket clips  2320 . In addition, each of the components (e.g., the center tube  2305 , the two bracket clips  2320 , the two adjustment arms  2310 , and the two edge inserts  2315 ) include a slit or opening that is utilized to secure or hold onto the material of the roman shade, such as slat components, as will be described in further detail below. In addition, the adjustment screws  2325  are tightened to close the slits to securely clamp portions of the slat component within the slits, as will be described in further detail below. That is, and since the bracket clips  2320  are on the exterior of the center tube  2305 , when the adjustment screws  2325  are tightened, the slit of the bracket clips  2320  becomes smaller (i.e., closes), thus causing the slits of the center tube  2305 , the adjustment arms  2310 , and/or the edge inserts to becomes smaller, which in turn causes the slat components to be lodged and clamped within the silts of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . 
     The center tube  2305  may be hollow and have a circumference that is greater than the circumference of the two adjustment arms  2310 , such that the two adjustment arms  2310  may be inserted and housed inside respective ends of the center tube  2305 . Specifically, the adjustment arms  2310  may be inserted at different depths on either side of and within the center tube  2305  to adjust the overall size of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 , to, for example, accommodate window openings of different sizes and shades of different widths. 
     The adjustment arms  2310  may also be hollow and have a circumference that is less than the circumference of at least a portion of the two edge inserts  2315 , such that the other ends of the adjustment arms  2310 , that are not inserted in the center tube  2305 , may be inserted and housed inside respective edge inserts  2315 . The edge inserts  2315  include curved portions that are utilized to hold excess material associated with the slat components, such that the excess material is wrapped around to the back of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 , as will be described in further detail below. In addition, and as will be described in further detail below with respect to  FIG. 27B , the edge inserts  2315  may be hinged. The assembled adjustable roman shade attachment, including the assembled components as described above, can be seen in  FIG. 23B . 
       FIG. 24  is a detailed depiction and a close up view of an end of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  where a first end of the adjustment arm  2310  is inserted into the center tube  2305  and a second end of the adjustment arm  2310  is inserted into an edge insert  2315 . The first end of the adjustment arm  2310  may be inserted at different depths within the center tube  2305  to adjust the overall size of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . The edge insert  2315  includes the curved portion (that also includes the slit or opening) that is utilized to accommodate the excess material associated with the slat components. Although not shown in  FIG. 24 , the edge insert  2315  may be hinged, as will be described in further detail with respect to  FIGS. 27B and 27C . In addition, and as depicted in  FIG. 24 , the bracket clip  2320  is secured to the center tube  2305  at the end of the center tube  2305  utilizing the adjustment screw  2325 . However, it is expressly contemplated that the bracket clip  2320  may be position and secured at any location on the center tube  2305 . The bracket clip  2320  includes a protruding eye hook  2322  that may be utilized to couple a plurality of adjustable roman shade attachments  2300  together, so that the plurality of adjustment roman shade attachments  2300  act in unison as part of a mechanism, to, for example, raise and/or lower the shade that will be described in further detail below. Further, it is noted that in an illustrative embodiment, the slits or openings of the components (e.g., the adjustment arm  2310 , the center tube  2305 , the edge insert  2315 , and the bracket clip  2320 ) line up such that when the slat components are inserted into the slits, a crease or fold is created that looks uniform and straight. It is noted that although  FIG. 24  is a close up view of a single end of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 , the other end of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  may be configured and operated in a similar manner. 
       FIG. 25  is a detailed depiction of an exemplary assembled adjustable roman shade attachment  2500  from a top view. The two adjustment arms  2310 , which are inserted into the center tube  2305 , may be positioned at different selected depths within the center tube  2305  by a user, for example, to alter the overall size of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2500 , such that the adjustable roman shade attachment  2500  matches a size of a window. After the adjustable roman shade attachment  2500  has been adjusted to a selected size, the adjustable roman shade attachment  2500  may be attached to the slat components (e.g., shade material) by inserting the material in the slits/openings of each component, such that the slat components are secured to the adjustable roman shade attachment  2500 . Specifically, the slit of each component acts as a clamp that holds onto a portion of the slat components after inserting the slat components in the slits and then tightening the adjustment screws  2325  such that the material is secured in the slits, as will be described in further detail below. 
       FIG. 26A  is a detailed depiction according to an embodiment of a cross-sectional view an assembled adjustable roman shade attachment with two slat components positioned within the slits of the components of the adjustable roman shade attachment. As shown, the slits of the center tube  2305 , the adjustment arm  2310 , the edge inserts (not shown), and bracket clip  2399  (in an embodiment and without an eye hook) that are on the exterior of the center tube  2305  are aligned, such that the slat components  2359  may be inserted within the slits. Specifically, particular ends of two different slat components  2359  are inserted into the slits of the assembled adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . In an embodiment, there may be a plurality of half circles  2359  that run along the entire length of one side of each slat component  2359 , and specifically, along the side of the slat component that is not exposed. In an alternative embodiment, the half circles  2359  may only be located at the edges of each slat component  2359  that are to be inserted into the slits of the components of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . When the particular ends of the two different slat components  2359  are inserted into the silts, the half circles of the two different slat component  2359  form a full circle that acts as a securing mechanism to hold the slat components  2359  within the components of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . It is noted that in  FIG. 26A , the adjustment screws  2325  are not tightened. As such, the slits as depicted in  FIG. 26A  are at their maximum and not clamped down on the slat components  2359 . 
       FIG. 26B  shows a cross-sectional view with the silts closed or clamped down on the slat components  2359 . Specifically, and to ensure that the two slat components  2359  stay secured in the slits, the adjustment screws  2325  may be tightened to close the slits or make the opening of the silts smaller such that the components of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  clamp down on the slat components  2359 . It is noted that although  FIGS. 26A and 26B  do not depict the edge inserts  2315 , it is expressly contemplated that the two different slat components  2359  are inserted and clamped down in the slits of the edge inserts  2315  in a similar manner. 
       FIG. 26C  is a detailed depiction of a cross-sectional view of an assembled adjustable roman shade attachment with two slat components positioned within the slits of the components of the adjustable roman shade attachment. In the embodiment that is depicted in  FIG. 26C , two slat components  2359  are coupled to each other through use of a zipper mechanism  2363 . Specifically, each end of the slat components  2359  may include “teeth” associated with a zipper mechanism  2363 , and one of the slat components may include a “slide” that may be slid in one direction to bring the two row of teeth on the ends of the slat components  2359  together to secure the two slat components together. The slide may also be slid in the opposite direction to disengage the two rows of teeth to detach the two slat components  2359 . Although reference is made to utilizing of the zipper mechanism  2363 , it is expressly contemplated that a variety of other securing mechanisms may be utilized. Such other securing mechanisms, may include, but are not limited to, clips, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, etc. Once the two slat components are secured utilizing the zipper mechanism  2363 , for example, the two slat components  2359  may be inserted into the center tube  2305 , the adjustment arm  2310 , the edge inserts (not shown), and bracket clip  2399  that are on the exterior of the center tube  2305  as depicted in  FIG. 26C . In addition, and as depicted in  FIG. 26D , the adjustment screws  2325  may be tightened to close the slits or make the opening of the silts smaller such that the components of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  clamp down on the slat components  2359 . 
       FIG. 26E  is a detailed depiction of a cross-sectional view of an assembled adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  that may be positioned at the bottom of the roman shade. Specifically, and as shown in  FIG. 26E , the two slat component  2359  may be inserted and secured in the slits in a similar manner as described with respect to  FIGS. 26A through 26D . In addition, the bottom most slat component  2359  may be folded and inserted into the slits such that the bottom slat component  2359  hangs below to act as a valence, such that the bottom portion of the bracket clip  2399 , the adjustment arm  2305 , the center tube  2310 , and edge inserts  2315  are not exposed or in view. It is noted that although  FIG. 26E  depicts the half circles as described with reference to  FIGS. 26A and 26B , it is expressly contemplated that  FIG. 26E  may be utilized with a zipper mechanism, or other mechanism, as described with reference to  FIGS. 26C and 26D . 
       FIG. 26F  is a detailed depiction of an assembled adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  that may be positioned at the top of the roman shade. Specifically, and as shown in  FIG. 26F , the slits of the components may be positioned at a downward angle. In addition, the top slat component  2359  may be inserted and secured in the slits in a similar manner as described with respect to  FIGS. 26A through 26E . Further, the top slat component  2359  may be folded such that excess material  2379  may be wrapped around the top adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . The excess material  2379  of the top most slat component  2359  may be rolled over and clipped on the top most adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  utilizing clip  2403 , such that the excess material  2379  of the top most slat component is in the back of the shade out of view. In addition, a mechanism utilized to raise and lower the shade, such as a motor, a bail retraction mechanism, or a pulley system as described above (not shown) may be attached to the top most adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . 
     Further, a valence  2406  may be attached to the top most adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 , to hide the mechanism to raise and lower the roman shade and the clip  2403  used to secure the top most slat component  2359  to the top adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . In addition, and similarly, the clip  2403  may be used to secure the bottom most slat component, as depicted in  FIG. 26E , to the bottom most adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . It is noted that although  FIG. 26F  depicts the half circles as described with reference to  FIGS. 26A and 26B , it is expressly contemplated that  FIG. 26F  may be utilized with a zipper mechanism as described with reference to  FIGS. 26C and 26D . Although reference is made to utilizing an adjustment with respect to  FIGS. 26A-26F , it is expressly contemplated that no screws may be utilized and the slat component may be secured within the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  their natural weight and/or friction. 
       FIG. 27A  is a detailed depiction of a back view of a roman shade  2900  including an adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  with inserted slat components. It is noted that excess material of the slat components  2359  are inserted in the slits of the edge inserts  2315  such that the excess material wraps around on the curved portion of the edge inserts  2315  so that the excess material, that, for example, is wider than a window opening, can be hidden. As such, the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  can be sized to fit any sized window, and the excess material of the slat components  2359  can be hidden on the back side of the shade by utilizing the silts of the edge inserts  2315  that are curved. 
       FIGS. 27B and 27C  are detailed depictions of a back view of a roman shade  2700  including an adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  with edge inserts  2315  that include hinges  2361 . As depicted in  27 B, the hinges  2361  are in a first configuration such that the edge inserts  2315  are straight and not curved. Having the edge inserts  2315  in a straight configuration gives a user the ability to more easily insert the slat components  2359  into the slits of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . After the slat components are secured in the slits of the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 , a user may manipulate the hinges  2361  such that the edge inserts  2315  are then curved such that the excess material of the slat components is in the back of the shade as depicted in  FIG. 27C . 
       FIGS. 28A and 28B  are detailed depiction of a back view of a roman shade  2800  having a plurality of adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  coupled together. Specifically, the coupling is achieved through use of cords  2329  that are fed through the protruding eye hooks  2322  of each of the adjustable roman shade attachments  2300 . For example, there may be a pull string (shown in  FIGS. 24A and 24B ) on the front of the roman shade such that when a user pulls the pull string associated with a pulley system, and the cords  2329  retract such that the bottom portion of the roman shade raises to let light within the window, as described above. Alternatively a motor or a bail and retraction mechanism may be utilized, as described above, to cause the cords  2329  to shorten or retract such that the bottom of the shade is raised. That is, the eye hook  2322  of the bottom most adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  is tied to, or secured such that when the user wants to raise the shade, the bottom adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  moves up and closer to the adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  that is directly above the bottom most adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . In addition, and as shown in  FIGS. 28A and 28B , the clip  2403  may be utilized to secure the bottom most slat component to the bottom most adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . 
       FIGS. 29A and 29B  are detailed depictions of a front of a roman shade  2900  having plurality of adjustable roman shade attachment  2300 . Specifically, the roman shade may be placed in a window opening in a similar manner as described above.  FIGS. 29A and 29B  show the plurality of slat components  2359  with four creases or folds  2347 . The four creases or folds  2347  are formed based on the insertion of two slat components in the slits of the adjustable roman shade attachments  2300 , as described above.  FIG. 29A  shows the roman shade  2900  in its extended state and covering the entire window opening, prior to, for example, a user raising the roman shade  2900  utilizing a particular mechanism. 
     Specifically, pull string  2349  may be utilized to activate a pulley system, as described above, to cause the cords  2329  in the back of the roman shade  2900  to be pulled up to raise the shade  2900  a selected distance that allows light to enter the window area from below. Alternatively, the user may press a button that causes a motor to raise the shade, or the user may simply push or pull the bottom most adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  to raise or lower the shade (e.g., a bail retraction mechanism).  FIG. 29B  shows a shade  2900  that has been raised a selected distance. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 29A and 29B , the excess material is inserted in the slit of the edge insert  2315  (not shown) such that the excess material wraps around and is hidden in the back of the shade. The shade may also include a valence  2406 , for example, at the top of the shade as a decorative feature such that the mechanism that is utilized to raise/lower the shade  2900  is hidden. In addition, the bottom most adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  includes an extra fold (not shown) such that the bottom portion of the bottom most adjustable roman shade attachment  2300  is hidden. Thus, the valence  2406  and extra fold are decorative features that allow the shade to look more aesthetically pleasing and to hide the adjustable roman shade attachments  2300  from the front view. 
       FIG. 30  is a detailed depiction of an alternative embodiment of a back of a roman shade. The plurality of slat components  2359  may be coupled to each other with a zipper mechanism  2363 , as described above with respect to  FIGS. 26C and 26D , or a variety of other securing mechanism, such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Each of the plurality of slat components  2359  may include alternating males and female buttons  2367  that run along the bottom and top edges of each slat component  2359 . The alternating male and female buttons  2367  may run along the entire edges or only on the outer portions of the edges. Thus, the excess material  2379  may be folded and buttoned to a corresponding button on the back of a slat component of the plurality of slat component  2359 . Alternatively, the excess material may be attached to the back of the roman shade utilizing any of a variety of different securing mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, hooks, clips, etc. 
     In addition, one or more dowels  2381  may be positioned at various points along the back of a roman shade  2900  to provide rigidity or structure to the overall roman shade  2900 . Further, the one or more dowels  2381  may cause creases or folds to form at the position at where the dowels are positions and holds the folds, based on, for example, a user pulling a pull string  2349  associated with a pulley system, as described above. The one or more dowels  2381  may be secured to the back of the roman shade  2900  in a variety of different ways. For example, the one or more dowels  2381  may be secured to the back of the roman shade  2900  utilizing clips, fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, a zipper mechanism, strings, etc. As depicted, in  FIG. 30 , a dowel acceptor  2383  may be fastened, clipped or secured to the back of the roman shade  2900 . The dowel acceptor  2383  includes two openings on either side such that two dowel may be screwed into either sides of each openings to adjust the overall length of the dowel. For example, the dowel is screwed into the screw structure causes the dowel to be shorter in length. Advantageously, a user can alter the length of the dowel to a variety of desired lengths on the back of the roman shade based on for, example, the type, size, or shape of the window. It is noted that the dowels may be any shape, such as, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangle, flat, etc. 
     Further, draw string  2385  may extend the length of the roman shade  2900  and may be stitched or secured to the top most portion of the roman shade  2900 . In addition, a plurality of eye hooks  2389  may be position on the back of the roman shade  2900 . The eye hooks  2389  may be stitched to the back of the roman shade  2900 , or attached utilizing hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, a clip, a hook, etc. Each eye hook  2389  may have the draw string  2385  go through it. By having the drawing string  2385  go through the eye hooks  2389  a clean and uniform retraction of the roman shade  2900  is provided when the pull string  2349  is utilized to raise the roman shade  2900 . Specifically, when a user pulls pull string  2349 , it may activate a pulley mechanism (not shown) that is also coupled to the draw strings  2385  in housing  2391 , which raises the shade a desired height as described above. As such, the draw strings  2385  cause the shade to be raised in a uniform manner as described above. 
       FIG. 31A  is a detailed depiction of an embodiment of a back of a roman shade. The plurality of slat components  2359  may be coupled to each other utilizing any of the above described mechanism, such as, but not limited to a zipper mechanism  2363 , as described above with respect to  FIGS. 26C and 26D , or a variety of other securing mechanism, such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. In addition to the dowels  2381  and dowel acceptor  2383 , each of the plurality of slat components  2359  may include a plurality of through holes  3150  that run along the bottom and top edge of each slat component  2359 . The through holes  3150  may run along the entire edge or only on selected portions of the edges as depicted in  FIG. 31A . Thus, the excess material  2379  may be folded and tied to the back of the shade utilizing the through holes  3150 . For example, and after the excess material  2379  has been folded over a particular amount, a user may feed the string  3175  between the through holes  3150  and tie the string  3175  to ensure the excess material  2359  stays folder over. 
     In addition, the through holes  3150  may be utilized to secure the one or more dowels  2381  and/or the dowel acceptor  2383  to the back of the roman shade  2900 . For example, the strings  3175  may be fed between the through holes  3150  to and tied to secure the one or more dowels  2381  and/or the dowel acceptor  2383  to the back of the roman shade  2900 . Alternatively, the one or more dowels  2381  and/or the dowel acceptor  2383  may include device holes  3176  such that the string  3175  can be fed through holes  3150  and device holes  3176  to secure the one or more dowels  2381  and/or the dowel acceptor  2383  to the back of the roman shade  2900  in a more rigid manner. In addition, one or more other strings, clips, etc. may be utilized to secure the components such that if the strings  3175 , there is added securing mechanisms to hold the components together. 
       FIG. 31B  is a detailed depiction of an embodiment of a back of a roman shade. The plurality of slat components  2359  may be coupled in a similar manner as described with respect to  FIG. 31A . Further,  FIG. 31B  includes dowels  2381  but does not include dowel acceptor  3150 . Instead, the two dowels  2381  overlap to adjust the overall width of the roman shade  2900 . Specifically, the roman shade  2900  becomes smaller in width the more the two dowels  2381  overlap. Conversely, the roman shade  2900  becomes larger in width the less the two dowels  2381  overlap. In addition, the string  3175  is fed through the holes  3150  and through the device holes  3176  of the dowels to secure the dowels  2381  to the back of the roman shade  2900 . 
       FIG. 31C  is a detailed depiction of an embodiment of a back of a roman shade. Different than  FIG. 31A , the roman shade  2900  of  FIG. 31C  does not include dowels  2381  and dowel acceptor  2383 . Instead, the plurality of slat components  2359  are coupled to each other utilizing the plurality of through holes  3150  that run along the bottom and top edge of each slat component  2359 . The through holes  3150  may run along the entire edge or only on selected portions of the edges as depicted in  FIG. 31C . In addition to being utilized to couple the slats together, the through holes  3150  may be utilized to fold over the excess material  2379  as described with respect to  FIG. 31A . Although  FIG. 31C  only illustrates utilizing the strings  3175  that is fed through the through holes  3150 , it is expressly contemplated that an additional securing mechanism, such as a zipper, may be utilized with or in place of the strings  3175  and through holes  3150  to couple the slats together. 
       FIG. 31D  is a detailed depiction of an illustrative embodiment of a back of a roman shade. Similar to  FIG. 31C , the plurality of slat components  2359  are coupled to each other and the excess material  2379  is folded over utilizing the plurality of through holes  3150  and strings  3175 . In addition, and as illustrated in  FIG. 31D , the edges of each of the plurality of slat components  2359  include through holes  3150  that run vertically. The through holes  3150  that run vertically on the edges of slat components  2359  may be utilized to couple a slat component  2359  to an adjacent slat component  2357  to alter the overall width of the roman shade, to, for example, fit window openings of differing widths. Specifically, and as illustrated in  FIG. 31D , the strings  3175  may be fed through the through holes  3150  on the edges of the slat component  2359  and the adjacent slat component  2357  to alter the overall width and/or length of the roman shade. 
     Although  FIG. 31D  shows the slat component  2349  being coupled to the adjacent slat component  2357  on the right side and the excess material  2379  being folded over on the left side, it is expressly contemplated that the adjacent slat component  2357  may be coupled to either, both, or neither side of the slat component  2359 . Further, and although the adjacent slat component  2357  is coupled to the bottom most slat component  2359 , it is expressly contemplated that the adjacent slat component  2357  may be attached to any of the slat components  2359  (e.g., top, middle or bottom) and that the depiction in  FIG. 31D  is for illustrative purposes only. Further, and although  FIG. 31D  depicts utilization of string  3175  and through holes  3150  to couple the slat component  2359  to the adjacent slat component  2357 , it is expressly contemplated that the slat component  2359  and adjacent slat component  2357  may be coupled to each other utilizing a variety of other securing mechanism, such as, but not limited to buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Moreover, it is expressly contemplated that the adjacent slat component  2357  as described with respect to  FIG. 31D  may be utilized with any of the shades as described herein. 
       FIG. 31E  is a detailed depiction of an embodiment of a front of a roman shade secured to a window opening W. Specifically, one or more brackets  3177  that are secured to the window opening W utilizing, for example, screws or a variety of different type of fasteners. With the one or more brackets  3177  secured to the window opening W, the housing  2391  may be “snapped” or secured within the openings of the bracket to secure the roman shade  2900  to the window opening W. Although  FIG. 31E  depicts the one or more brackets  3177  being placed on the top of the window opening W, it is expressly contemplated that the brackets  3177  may be placed anywhere. It is expressly contemplated that the housing  2391  may be adjusted in width to accommodate a window of a variety of sizes. Thus, for example, the brackets  3177  may be placed on the sides of the window opening such that the housing  2391  slides within the openings of the brackets  3177 , in a similar fashion to inserting a rod within an opening of a hollow tube. Thus, In addition, the brackets  3177  may be of any width and size to accommodate a variety of window frames. 
       FIG. 32  is a detailed depiction of an embodiment of a back of a roman shade. The plurality of slat components  2359  may be coupled to each other with a zipper mechanism  2363 , as described above with respect to  FIGS. 26C and 26D , or a variety of other securing mechanism, such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Casing  3205  is utilized to house a portion of the one or more dowels  2381  and the entirety of the dowel acceptor  2383 . As explained above, the dowels  2381  and screw structure are utilized to alter change the overall width to match that of the desired shade. Each of the plurality of slat components  2359  may include a cylindrical sheath  3202  that extends horizontally along one or more edges of the slat component. That is, the cylindrical sheath  3202  may be positioned on one or all of the slat components. Further, the casing  3205  may be stitched or attached to the exterior of the sheath  3202  in a variety of different ways and the casing  3205  may be of any size such that it can accommodate the dowels  2381  and/or dowel acceptor  2383 . The sheath  3202  may extend from, for example, the entire length of the slat component. 
     Thus, when the excess material  2379  is folded over, the end of the dowels  2381  closest to the edges of the slats (e.g., left and right sides of the slat), that are not within the casing  3205  and not secured to the dowel acceptor  2383 , are inserted into the sheaths  3202 . The dowels  2381  may then be secured inside the sheaths  3202  utilizing a clip  3204  or other fastener that is positioned on the exterior of the sheath  3202 . Thus, when the dowels  2381  are secured inside the sheaths  3202 , the fold over is secured to ensure the shade remains at the desired width. It is expressly contemplated that clip  3204  and eye hook  2389  may be coupled to each other, or may be a single piece, such that single piece adds more rigidity to the structure. 
       FIG. 33  is a detailed depiction of an embodiment of a roman shade. The roman shade  2900  in  FIG. 33  is similar to the shade in  FIG. 31 , however the roman shade  2900  in  FIG. 33  includes one or more clips  2390 , wherein the draw string  2385  is fed through the eye hooks  2389 . In addition, the one or more clips  2390  may be utilized to secure a particular point on the drawstring  2385  to the eye hooks  2389  such that the roman shade can be altered in overall length. 
     Specifically, and when no clips  2390  are utilized, the roman shade  2900  appears as one seamless shade to, for example, cover a window open (as seen in phantom) of a particular size as shown in  FIG. 34A . However, if the roman shade  2900  is to be shortened to allow light to enter or to fit a smaller window, the one or more clips  2390  may be utilized to secure the draw string  2385  to the eye hooks  2389  to shorten the length of the roman shade as shown in  FIG. 34B . Alternatively, and not shown, the clips  2390  may be utilized to secure two eye hooks  2385  together to shorter the overall length of the roman shade  2900 . It is expressly contemplated that any number of clips  2390  may be secured to any number of eye hooks  2389  to change the overall size of the roman shade  2900 . 
       FIGS. 35A and 35B  are detailed depiction of an embodiment of a roman shade. The roman shade  2900  in  FIG. 35A  is similar to the shade in  FIG. 33 , however the roman shade  2900  in  FIG. 35A  includes looped string  2392  that includes one or more loops  2393 . The looped string  2392  may be attached to the housing  2391  or be secured within the housing  2391 . The other end of the looped string  2392  may be, for example, attached to the bottom most eye hook  2389 . In addition, the loop string  2392  may include any number of loops  2393  and the draw string  2385  may be fed through each loop  2393  of the looped string  2392 . Further, one or more clips  2390  may be secured to each eye hook  2389 . Specifically, the clips  2390  may be utilized to secure the looped string  2392  to the eye hook  2389  as shown in  FIG. 35B , to, for example, change the length of the roman shade  2900 . Specifically, the clip  2390  may be utilized to secure a particular eye hook  2389  to a particular loop  2393  (that does not have drawstring  2385  fed through it) such that the length of the roman shade  2900  is altered to include a crease, for example. It is noted that although the clips  2390  are shown as a separate structure, it is expressly contemplated that clip  2390  may be part of the eye hook  2389  such that the eye  2389  and the clip  2390  are one single structure. 
       FIG. 36A  is a detailed depiction of an alternative embodiment of a roman shade. The plurality of slat components  2359  may be coupled to each, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 31C and 31D , or utilizing a variety different of securing mechanisms, such as, but not limited to buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), etc. In addition, it is expressly contemplated that a combination of different types of securing mechanisms may be utilized together to secure the slat components  2359  to each other. Further, the roman shade may include a roller  2400  that may be smaller or larger in width than the slat components  2359 . The roller illustratively contains a sheath  2402  that exits the roller and retracts into the roller  2400 . Specifically, a user, may, for example, pull the sheath  2402  that exits the roller  2400  to make the sheath  2402  longer in length. By pulling on the sheath  2402  a second time, the sheath  2402  may roll back into the roller  2400  to shorten the length of the sheath  2402 , as is known by those skilled in the art and in a similar fashion to that of a retractable tape measure configuration. In an alternative embodiment, a pull string, motor, or counter-balance (not shown) may be utilized to manipulate the sheath  2402 , such that the sheath  2402  extends from and retracts into the roller  2400 . 
     The slat components  2359  individually or as attached as a single slat unit may be coupled to the sheath  2402  utilizing a variety of different securing mechanism, such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. For example, a first portion  2404  of a zipper mechanism may be sewn and/or attached to the slat component  2359 . In addition, a second portion  2406  of the zipper mechanism may be sewn or attached to the sheath  2402 . Thus and when a user wants to attach the slat components  2359  to the sheath  2402 , the two different portions ( 2404  and  2406 ) of the one or more zipper mechanisms may be zipped together, as known by those skilled in the art. 
     Although reference is made to utilization of a zipper mechanism, it is expressly contemplated that any of a variety of securing mechanisms may be utilized such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Advantageously, if the slat components need to be cleaned or washed, a user can simply disengaging the slat components  2359  from the sheath  2402  and simply put the slat components  2359  in a laundry machine, or may wash the slat components  2359  in any manner. 
     In addition, it is expressly contemplated that the securing mechanism may be positioned anywhere on the sheath  2402  and the depiction in  FIG. 36A  is for illustrative purposes only. Further, and although  FIG. 36A  depicts a single slat components  2359  on top of each other, it is expressly contemplated that a first slat component  2359  and second slat component  2359  may both attach to the sheath  2402  at the same height such that the first slat component and the second slat component are adjacent to each other, and such that there is excess material from both slat components that extend a width that exceeds the sheath  2402 . Further, the slat components may include holes  2408 , for example, on the edges of the slat components such that the slat component  2359  may be coupled to an adjacent slat component  2359 , as described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 36B . In addition, the holes  2408  may be utilized to secure excess material as will be described in further detail below. In addition, and for the top most slat component  2359 , holes  2408  in the roller  2400  may be utilized with holes  2408  in the slat component  2359  to couple the top most slat component  2359  to the roller  2400 . Specifically, a string may be fed through the holes to secure the top most slat component  2359  to the roller  2400 . Alternatively, the top most slat component  2359  may be attached to the sheath  2402  such that when the sheath  2402  rolls into and exits the roller  2400 , the slat components  2359  also roll into and exit the roller  2400 . 
     The roman shade may further include one or more dowels  2381  that are secured to the sheath  2402  at any position on the sheath  2402 , where the one or more dowels  2381  may overlap to alter the overall width of the roman shade. The dowels  2381  may be attached to the sheath  2402  utilizing, for example, a hook and loop fastener. For example, a Velcro® patch  2382  may be sewn to the sheath  2402 , wherein a front flap of the patch  2402  includes a hole such that the two dowels  2381  may be sent through the holes and the dowels  2381  may be secured to the sheath  2402 . In addition, the slat components  2359  may be secured to the sheath  2402  when the back of the slat components  2359  make contact with the patch  2382  that is the exemplary hook and loop fastener. Although reference is made to the use of hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), it is expressly contemplated that a variety of other securing mechanisms such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, clips, etc. may be utilized. In addition, the amount that the one or more dowels  2381  overlap may be based on the desired width of the shade. For example, the total width of the overlapping dowels  2381  may be based on the overall width of a window opening. That is, when the window open is smaller in width, the dowels will overlap more than when the window opening is larger in width. 
     In addition, the slat components  2359  may be attached to the dowels  2381  utilizing, for example, a Velcro®. Specifically, a first portion  2386  of the hook and loop fastener may be coupled to the dowel  2381  and a second portion  2387  of the Velcro® may be sewn to the back of the slat component  2359  such that the dowel  2381  can be coupled to the slat component  2359 . For example, for the portion of the slat component  2359  that extends beyond the width of the sheath  2402  but not the dowels  2381 , the portion of the slat component  2359  may be secured to the dowel  2381 , utilizing the two portions ( 2386  and  2387 ) of the hook and loop fastener. Although the second portion  2387  of the hook and loop fastener is depicted as being a single rectangle, it is expressly contemplated that the second portion  2387  of the hook and loop fastener may be a variety of different configurations, such as, but not limited, a plurality of stripes, etc. In addition, although reference is made to the utilization of the hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®), it is expressly contemplated that a variety of mechanisms may be utilized to couple the slat component  2359  and the dowel  2381 . Such mechanisms may be, but are not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners clips, etc. 
     Further, additional excess material of the slat components  2359  that extends even further than the width of the dowel  2381  may be folded over and attached to the back of the dowel  2381  and/or sheath  2402  such that the width of the roman shade may be altered, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 30-35 . Specifically, the excess material may simply be folded over and a securing mechanism, such as a hook and loop fastener, for example, may be utilized to secure the excess material to the back of the dowel  2381  and/or back of the sheath  2402 . Specifically, a first portion  2388  of the hook and loop fastener may attach to the second portion  2387  (that also attaches to the first portion  2386 ) of the hook and loop fastener to secure the excess material to the back of the slat component  2359 . Although reference is made to the utilization of the hook and loop fastener, it is expressly contemplated that a variety of mechanisms may be utilized to couple the slat component  2359  and the dowel  2381 . Such mechanisms may be, but are not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners clips, etc. For example, the holes  2408  may be utilized to secure the excess material to the back of the shade as described with respect to  FIG. 31D . 
     In addition, it is expressly contemplated that the excess material may be folded over to form various shapes. For example, a user may fold over the excess material such that the excess material fits a round window opening. Advantageously, and by utilizing the roller  2400  with sheath  2402  and the attached slat components  2359 , a user can simply change the overall length and width of the roman shade. Although  FIG. 36A  depicts a single layer of slat components  2359  being coupled to the sheath  2402 , it is expressly contemplated that a plurality of layers of slat  2359  may be coupled to the sheath  2402 . Further, although  FIG. 36A  illustrates the slat components  2359  being coupled to a single side of the sheath  2402 , it is expressly contemplated that the slat components  2359  may be coupled to both sides of the sheath  2402 . 
     Further, and although  FIG. 36A  depicts a single sheath  2402  and a plurality of slat components  2359  being secured to the sheath  2402 , it is expressly contemplated that the sheath  2402  may be secured to an adjacent sheath  2402  to extend the width of the sheath  2402 , to, for example, fit a window that is larger in width as depicted in  FIG. 36C . For example, the dowels  2381  associated with each of the adjacent sheaths  2402  and/or the adjacent sheaths  2402  may be secured together. Specifically, the dowels  2381  may be secured together utilizing a junction connector  2399 . Alternatively, a variety of mechanisms, such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc., may be utilized to connect adjacent dowels  2381 . In addition, adjacent slats, associated with the adjacent and different sheaths  2402 , may be coupled together as described with respect to  FIGS. 31D and 36B  utilizing a variety of mechanisms, such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
       FIG. 36B  is a detailed depiction of the roman shade in  FIG. 36A  wherein a slat component is attached to adjacent slat components. Specifically, and as depicted in  FIG. 36B , a plurality of adjacent slat components  2359  are coupled to each other through use of holes  2408 . More specifically, a string may be fed through holes  2408  of adjacent slat components to attach the slat components to each other, wherein the adjacent slat components may also be coupled to sheath  2402 , as described with reference to FIG.  36 A. It is expressly contemplated that the adjacent slat components may be coupled to each other utilizing a variety of different mechanisms such as, but not limited to, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Further, for the material of the slat component  2359  that extends past the width of the sheath  2402  but does not extend past the width of the dowels, the portion of the slat component  2359  may be secured to the dowel  2381 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 36A . 
     In addition, the slat components  2359  on the ends may have excess material  2410  that may be folded and attached to the back of the slat component  2359  to fit window width W, as described above with reference to  FIG. 36A . In addition, it is expressly contemplated that the excess material  2410  may be folded over in any shape to, for example, accommodate a window of a different shape such as a circle. 
       FIG. 37A  is a detailed depiction of an alternative embodiment of a roman shade. The plurality of slat components  2359  may be coupled to each, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 31C and 31D , or utilizing a variety different of securing mechanisms, such as, but not limited to buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), etc. In addition, it is expressly contemplated that a combination of different types of securing mechanisms may be utilized together to secure the slat components  2359  to each other. Further, the roman shade includes a cellular extension  2500  that includes a plurality of cells  2506  (e.g., honeycombs). Specifically, a user, may, for example, pull and push the cellular extension  2500  to alter the overall length of the cellular extension, as known by those skilled in the art. Specifically, and by pulling on the cellular extension  2500  again, the cellular extension  2500  may be increased in length, as known by those skilled in the art. Conversely, and by pushing the cellular extension  2500 , the cellular extension  2500  may be reduced in length, as known by those skilled in the art. In an alternative embodiment, a pull string, motor, or counterbalance (not shown) may be utilized to manipulate the cellular extension  2500  such that the cellular extension  2500  changes in length. In addition, other various mechanisms may be utilized to change the overall length of the cellular extension. 
     The slat components  2359  individually or as attached as a single slat unit may be coupled to cellular extension  2500  utilizing a variety of different securing mechanism, such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. For example, a first portion  2502  of a zipper mechanism may be sewn or attached to the slat component  2359 . In addition, a second portion  2503  of the zipper mechanism may be sewn or attached to the cellular extension  2500 . Thus and when a user wants to attach the slat components  2359  to the cellular extension  2500 , the two different portions ( 2502  and  2503 ) of the zipper mechanisms may be zipped together, as known by those skilled in the art. Although reference is made to utilization of a zipper mechanism, it is expressly contemplated that any of a variety of securing mechanisms may be utilized such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Advantageously, if the slat components need to be cleaned or washed, a user can simply disengage the slat components  2359  from the cellular extension  2500  and simply put the slat components  2359  in a laundry machine, or may wash the slat components  2359  in any manner. 
     In addition, it is expressly contemplated that the securing mechanism may be positioned anywhere on the cellular extension and the depiction in  FIG. 37A  is for illustrative purposes only. Further, and although  FIG. 37A  depicts a single slat components  2359  on top of each other, it is expressly contemplated that a first slat component  2359  and second slat component  2359  may both attach to the cellular extension  2500  at the same height such that the first slat component and the second slat component may be adjacent to each other, and such that there is excess material from both slat components that extend a width that exceeds the cellular extension  2500 . 
     Further, one or more dowels  2381  may be secured to the cellular extension  2500  at any position on the cellular extension  2500 . For example, the one or more dowels  2381  may be inserted in a particular cell  2506  and secured to the cellular extension  2500  utilizing, for example, a clip, string, etc. Specifically, the depth the dowels  2381  are inserted into a particular cell  2506  may be based on the desired width of the roman shade and/or a window opening size. Alternatively, the one or more dowels  2381  may be attached to the exterior of the cellular extension  2500 , as shown in  FIG. 37A , in a similar manner as described with respect to  FIG. 36A , and specifically utilizing a hook and loop fastener patch  2382  to secure the dowels  2381  to the cellular extension  2500 . Alternatively, any of a variety of securing mechanism may be utilized, such as, but not limited to, such as, but not limited to, magnets, buttons, etc. 
     In addition, the portion of the slat components  2359  that extends past the width of the cellular extension  2500  but that does not extend past the dowel  2381  may be attached to the dowels  2381 , as described above with respect to  FIG. 36A . Specifically, a first portion  2386  of a hook and loop fastener may be attached to the dowel  2381  and a second portion  2387  of a hook and loop fastener may be attached to the slat component  2359  to couple the dowel  2381  to the slat component  2359 . Alternatively, any of a variety of securing mechanism may be utilized, such as, but not limited to, magnets, buttons, etc. 
     In addition, excess material that extends past the dowels  2381  may be folded over such that the width of the roman shade may be altered. Specifically, a first portion  2388  of the hook and loop fastener may attach to the second portion  2387  of the hook and loop fastener (that is also attached to the first portion  2386 ), as described with reference to  FIG. 36A . Specifically, the excess material may simply be folded such that the overall width of the roman shade fits window opening. Alternatively, any of a variety of securing mechanism may be utilized, such as, but not limited to, such as, but not limited to, magnets, buttons, etc. For example, the holes  2408  may be utilized to secure the excess material to the back of the shade as described with respect to  FIG. 31D . In addition, and for the top most slat component  2359 , holes  2408  in the cellular extension may be utilized with holes  2408  in the slat component  2359  to couple the top most slat component  2359  to the cellular extension  2500 . Specifically, a string may be fed through the holes  2408  to secure the top most slat component  2359  to the cellular extension. Advantageously, and by utilizing the cellular extension  2500 , a user can simply change the overall length and width of the roman shade. 
     Further, and if the slat components need to be cleaned or washed, a user can simply disengage the slat components from each other and the one or more dowels  2381  and simply put the slat components  2359  in a laundry machine, or may wash the slat components  2359  in any manner. Although  FIG. 37A  depicts a single layer of slat components  2359  being coupled to the cellular extension  2500 , it is expressly contemplated that a plurality of layers of slat  2359  may be coupled to the cellular extension  2500 . Further, although  FIG. 37A  illustrates the slat components  2359  being coupled to a single side of the cellular extension  2500 , it is expressly contemplated that the slat components  2359  may be coupled to both sides of the cellular extension  2500 . 
     Further, and although  FIG. 37A  depicts a single cellular extension  2500  and a plurality of slat components  2359  being secured to the cellular extension  2500 , it is expressly contemplated that the cellular extension  2500  may be secured to an adjacent cellular extension  2500  to extend the width of the cellular extension  2500 , to, for example, fit a window that is larger in width as depicted in  FIG. 36C . For example, the dowels  2381  associated with each of the adjacent cellular extensions  2500  and/or the adjacent cellular extensions  2500  may be secured together. Specifically, the dowels  2381  may be secured together utilizing a junction connector  2399 . Alternatively, a variety of mechanisms, such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc., may be utilized to connect adjacent dowels  2381 . In addition, adjacent slats, associated with the adjacent and different cellular extensions  2500 , may be coupled together as described with respect to  FIGS. 31D and 37B  utilizing a variety of mechanisms, such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
       FIG. 37B  is a detailed depiction of the roman shade in  FIG. 37A  wherein a slat component is attached to adjacent slat components. Specifically, and as depicted in  FIG. 37B , a plurality of adjacent slat components  2359  are coupled to each other through use of holes  2408 . More specifically, a string may be fed through holes  2408  of adjacent slat components to attach the slat components to each other, wherein the adjacent slat components may also be coupled to cellular extension  2500 . It is expressly contemplated that the adjacent slat components may be coupled to each other utilizing a variety of different mechanisms such as, but not limited to, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. In addition, and as illustrated in  FIG. 37B , the slat component on the end may have excess material  2410  that may be folded and attached to the back of the roman shade, as described above with reference to  FIG. 37A . In addition, it is expressly contemplated that the excess material  2410  may be folded over in any shape to, for example, accommodate a window of a different shape, such as a circle. 
       FIG. 38A  is a perspective view of a slat component for one or more embodiments described herein. The slat component  3800  may include a first layer  3801  and a second layer  3802 . The first layer  3801  and the second layer  3802  may be coupled to each other at a top edge and a bottom edge where the first layer  3801  and the second layer  3802  meet as depicted in  FIG. 38A . The first layer  3801  and the second layer  3802  may be coupled to each other in a variety of different ways, such as, but not limited to utilizing strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
     Each of the first layer  3801  and the second layer  3802  may include a first portion of a securing mechanism  3803  located on the exterior of each of the first layer  3801  and the second layer  3802 . The first portion of the securing mechanism  3801  may be of any size. For example, the first portion of the securing mechanism  3801  may run the entire length of the slat component  3800  or a smaller length of the slat component  3800 . The first portion of the securing mechanism may be the same or different for the first layer  3801  and the second layer  3802 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 38A , the first portion of the securing mechanism  3803  is located at the top of the layer of the slat component  3800 , however it is expressly contemplated that the first portion of the securing mechanisms  3803  may be located at any location on the exterior of the layers  3801  and  3802 . In addition, although  FIG. 38A  depicts a single first portion of the securing mechanism  3803  on the exterior of the slat component, it is expressly contemplated that the slat component may include a plurality of the first portions of the securing mechanism  3803 . The first portion of the securing mechanisms  3803  may be utilized to secure the slat component  3800  to the exterior of a sheath, that includes the other or second portion of the securing mechanism, as described in further detail below with respect to  FIG. 38C . 
     In addition, each layer may include one or more interior clasps  3804  that are utilized to hold or secure one or more strips  3805  to the interior of the layer, as will be described in further detail below. In an embodiment, the one or more strips  3805  may be curved or any shape. In addition, the one or more strips  3805  do not have to be uniform and may be wider at some locations and narrower at other locations along the length of the one or more strips  3805 . 
       FIG. 38B  is an interior view of first layer  3801 , however it is expressly contemplated that the description of the interior view of the first layer  3801  can be applied to the second layer  3802  or any other layer. As depicted in  FIG. 38B , there are a plurality of interior clasps  3804  that secure the strips  3805  to the interior of the layer  3801 . 
     Specifically, the strips  3805  may sit on the interior clasps  3804  such that the strips  3805  remain within the interior of the slat component  3800 . It is noted that  FIG. 38B  depicts a single strip  3805  being inserted within the three interior clasps  3804  on the top and bottom of the first layer  3801 , however it is expressly contemplated that two or more strips  3805  may overlap and be coupled together, in a similar manner as described above with respect to the dowels  2381  in  FIG. 36A , and sit on any number of interior clasps  3804  such that the width of the overall first layer  3801  may be altered. Specifically, the two or more strips  3805  may be secured to each other in a variety of different ways, such as, but not limited to utilizing strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. For example, the width of the overall layers may be altered based on any different size windows, for example. 
     In addition, excess material  3806  of the first layer  3801  may be folded over and secured to the interior of the first layer  3801  in a variety of different ways, such as, but not limited to utilizing strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
       FIG. 38C  is a perspective view of a slat component for one or more embodiments described herein, wherein excess material  3806  of the first layer  3801  and second layer  3802  are secured to the interior of the slat component  3800  and the strips  3805  are secured to the interior of the first layer  3801 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 38B and 38C , the excess material  3806 , that extends past the length of the strips  3805 , is folded over and inserted within the opening created by the coupling of the first layer  3801  and the second layer  3802 . In an embodiment, the excess material  3806  may then be secured to the interior of the sheath  3800  using any of a variety of securing mechanisms such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Advantageously, the overall width of the slat component, and thus the shade, can be altered. 
     The first layer  3801  and the second layer  3802  may include one or more additional layers  3807  that are coupled to the exterior of the first layer  3801  and/or second layer  3802 . The additional layers  3807  may be of any material, such as, but not limited to, vinyl or any other materials to add rigidity or a different look to the slat component  3800 . It is noted that the one or more additional layers  3807  can be any size and do not have to match the size of the first layer  3801  or second layer  3802 . The additional layers  3807  may be attached to the first layer  3801  and/or second layer  3802  using any of a variety of securing mechanisms such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
       FIG. 38D  is a detailed depiction of a shade  3818  including the slat component  3800  as depicted in  FIGS. 38A-38C . The slat components  3800 , each including at least a first layer  3801  and second layer  3802 , are secured to sheath  3809 . Specifically, the first portion of the securing mechanism  3803  on the exterior of the first layer  3801  engages with the second portion of the securing mechanism  3817  that is attached to exterior of the sheath  3809  such that the slat components  3800  are secured to the exterior of the sheath  3809 . For example, the first portion of the securing mechanism  3803  may be a first portion of a zipper mechanism and the second portion of the securing mechanism  3817  may be a second portion of the zipper mechanism, such that the engagement (e.g., “zipping”) of the first and second portions causes the slat component  3800  to be secured to or attached to the sheath  3809 . Therefore, the sheath  3809  connects to at least one point on a slat component  3800 . 
     In addition, a head rail unit  3810  may be located at the top of the shade  3818 . The head rail unit  3810  may be coupled to the sheath and a slat component  3800  may be attached the the exterior of the head rail unit  3810 . For example, the slat component  3800  may be secured to the head rail unit  3810  using any of a variety of securing mechanisms such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. In addition, the head rail unit  3810  may be coupled to a roller spring system, counterbalance system, cord system, or motor that is utilized to raise and lower the shade as will be described in further detail below. 
     In addition, although  FIG. 38D  depicts a plurality of slat components  3800  being utilized, it is expressly contemplated that a single slat component  3800  may be utilized. For example, a single slat component  3800  may be secured at a top of the sheath  3809  at one or more different locations on the sheath  3809  (e.g., where each of the second portions of the securing mechanisms  3817  are located) or at the head rail unit  3810  such that the single slat component  3800  covers the entire sheath  3809  or a portion of the sheath  3809 . The single slat component  3800  may be coupled to the sheath  3809  and/or head rail unit  3810  in the manner described above. 
     In addition, it is expressly contemplated that the slat components  3800  may be disengaged from the sheath  3809  (e.g., “unzipped”) and/or head rail unit  3810 , and the slat components  3800  may be reversed such that the second layer  3802  is attached to the sheath  3809  and/or head rail unit  3810  in a similar manner as described above. As such, the first layer  3801  and second layer  3802  may be different patterns or materials and thus provide a user with the ability to alter or change the appearance of the shade  3818  by simply reversing the slat component  3800 . 
     Specifically,  FIG. 38D  depicts the second layer  3802  facing outward from the window opening (W) such that the second layer is in view of a user who is located indoors, for example. If the user wanted to have the first layer  3801  in view, the user would simply disengage the securing mechanism between the sheath  3809  and the first layer  3801 , and then engage the securing mechanism between the sheath  3809  and the second layer  3082 . As such, the second layer  3802  would be hidden and the first layer  3801  would be in view of the user who is located indoors, for example. 
     Although reference is made to utilizing a zipper mechanism, it is expressly contemplated that any of a variety of securing mechanisms may be utilized such as, but not limited to strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Advantageously, if the layers  3801  and  3802  need to be washed or replaced, a user can simply disengage the slat component  3800  from the sheath  3809  and place the slat component  3808  in a laundry machine, or may wash the slat component  3800  in any manner. 
     In addition, the sheath  3809  may include one or more rods  3811  that travel horizontally across the sheath  3809  to provide rigidity to the sheath. The one or more rods  3811  may be secured to sheath  3809  in a variety of different ways, such as, but not limited to utilizing strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Although  FIG. 38D  shows a single rod  3811  traveling across the the sheath  3809 , it is expressly contemplated that two or more rods  3811  may be coupled together, in a similar manner as described above with respect to the dowels  2381  of  FIG. 36A , and secured to the sheath  3809 . 
     Further, the sheath  3809  may be coupled to an additional sheath  3809  (not shown) which allows the user to increase the width and/or length. For example, and with reference to  FIG. 38D , a zipper may be included at the bottom of the sheath  3809  such that the sheath  3809  may be coupled to an additional sheath to adjust the overall length. In addition or alternatively, a zipper may be included at the left and/or right side of the sheath  3809  such that the sheath  3809  may be coupled to an additional sheath to adjust the overall width. 
     In an embodiment, sheath  3809  may be controlled by roller spring system (as seen in  FIG. 38F ) that is connected to a head rail unit  3810 , such that the roller spring system may allow the sheath  3809  to be raised and lowered based on a user pulling or pushing the sheath  3809  and/or slat components  3800 , as known by those skilled in the art. Specifically, a user may push up on the sheath  3809  and/or slat component  3800  to raise the shade  3818  and may pull down on the sheath  3809  and/or slat component to lower the shade  3818 . Alternatively, the sheath  3809  may be controlled by a counterbalance system and/or a different type of system that allows the user to push up or pull down the sheath  3809  and/or slat component  3800  to raise or lower the shade  3818 . Alternatively, the sheath  3809  may be controlled by a cord system or an electric motor as described above or other types of systems, as know by those skilled in the art, for raising and lowering a shade. 
     For example,  FIG. 38E  depicts the shade  3818  in a raised configuration, where the slats components  3800  “collapse” or “bunch” up at the top of the shade  3818  and the window opening is exposed. As shown in  FIG. 38E , the top most slat component  3800  may be coupled to the head rail unit  3810  and the other slat components  3800  may be coupled to the sheath. 
       FIG. 38F  shows a side view of the shade  3818  when the shade is in the raised configuration and the slat components are collapsed. As depicted in  FIG. 38F , the sheath  3809  is also collapsed when the shade  3818  is in the raised configuration. In addition, the roller spring system  3819  is coupled to the head rail unit  3810  such that the roller spring system  3819  is hidden from view. 
     In addition,  FIG. 38G  depicts the shade  3818  in the lowered configuration, where the slat components  3800  are not collapsed. Further,  FIG. 38H  depicts a back view of the shade  3818  in the lowered configuration, where the slat components  3800  are not “collapsed” and may cover the entire window opening. As can be seen in  FIG. 38H , the slat components  3800  may be wider than the sheath  3809  and/or head rail unit  3810 . 
     In an embodiment, the sheath  3809  may be coupled to an adjacent sheath  3812  as depicted in  FIG. 38I . As depicted in  FIG. 38I , rod  3811  extends past one end of the sheath  3809  and is coupled to an adjacent rod  3813  that extends past one end of the adjacent sheath  3812 . For example, the rod  3811  may be coupled to the adjacent rod  3813  utilizing strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. As such, the front of the overall shade may appear or look like a single shade. 
     In addition or alternatively, the slat components  3800  may be coupled to each other as depicted in  FIG. 38I . Specifically, the ends of the slat components  3800  that is coupled to sheath  3809  may be coupled to the slat component  3800  of the adjacent sheath  3812 . For example, the slat component  3800  of the sheath  3809  may be coupled to the slat component  3800  of the adjacent sheath  3812  utilizing strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. As such, the front of the overall shade may appear or look like a single shade. 
     In an embodiment, and as depicted in  FIG. 38J , the strip  3805  within the slat component  3800  of sheath  3809  may be coupled to a strip  3805  within the slat component  3800  of the adjacent sheath  3812 , utilizing strings, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. As such, the front of the overall shade may appear or look like a single shade. 
     In an embodiment, and as depicted in  FIG. 38K , the first portion of the securing mechanism  3803 , of the slat component  3800 , may be located at a position parallel to the opening created by the coupling of the first layer  3801  and  3802 . The slat component  3800  may be coupled to the sheath and/or head rail unit  3801  and the excess material  3806  may be secured to interior of the slat component  3800  in a similar manner as described above. However, because the excess material is running horizontally instead of vertically as depicted in  FIG. 38A  when the slat component  3800  is attached to the sheath  3809  and/or head rail unit  3810 , the overall length of the shade  3818  may be adjusted utilizing the excess material. 
     Specifically, and as depicted in  FIG. 38L , a plurality of slat components  3800  as depicted in  FIG. 38K  are coupled to sheath  3809  where the width of the shade  3818  is based on the width of each individual slat component  3800  as depicted in  FIG. 38K  and the number of slat components  3800  attached to the sheath  3809  and/or head rail unit  3810 . The length of the shade  3818  is based on the the excess material  3806  and the how much excess material  3806  the user decides to insert into the opening created by the two layers  3801  and  3802  of the slat component  3800  that are coupled together. As depicted in  FIG. 38L  each the slat components  3800  may be the same length or a different length based on the user&#39;s choice. For example, the user may change the lengths of particular slat components  3800  such that the shade  3818  surrounds an air conditioner or other object in a window. Alternatively, the shade  3818  may be coupled to a wall and the user may change the lengths of particular slat components  3800  such that the shade surrounds books on a book case or other items attached to the wall or that lie against a wall. 
     In addition, although  FIG. 38L  depicts a single sheath  3809 , it is expressly contemplated that a plurality of sheaths  3809  (not shown) may be utilized. For example, each slat component  3800  may be attached to a different sheath  3809  and the plurality of different sheaths  3809  may be coupled together and attached to a common head rail unit  3810 , as described above. 
       FIG. 39A  is a perspective view of a slat component for one or more embodiments described herein. The slat component  3900  may include a first layer  3901  and a second layer  3902 . The first layer  3901  and the second layer  3902  may be coupled to each other at a top edge and a bottom edge where the first layer  3901  and the second layer  3902  meet as depicted in  FIG. 39A . The first layer  3901  and the second layer  3902  may be coupled to each other in a variety of different ways, such as, but not limited to utilizing one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
     Each of the the plurality of slat components  3900  may be coupled to each other utilizing a plurality of through holes  3950  that run along the bottom and top edge of each slat component  3900 . For example, the first layer  3901 , the second layer  3902 , or the first layer  3901  and the second layer  3950  may include the through holes  3950 . The through holes  3950  may run along the entire edge or only on selected portions of the edges of the slat components. Specifically, and as depicted in  39 D,  39 F, and  39 G, string  3951  may be fed through respective through holes of the slat components  3900  to couple the slat components together. Although reference is made to utilizing through holes  3950  and string  3951 , it is expressly contemplated that any of a variety of different securing mechanism may be utilized to couple the slat components  3900  together. For example, such securing mechanisms may include, but are limited to one or more or a combination of zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
     In addition, each layer may include one or more interior clasps  3904  that are utilized to hold or secure one or more strips  3905  to the interior of the layer, as will be described in further detail below. In an embodiment, the one or more strips  3905  may be curved or any shape. In addition, the one or more strips  3905  do not have to be uniform and may be wider at some locations and narrower at other locations along the length of the one or more strips  3905 . 
       FIG. 39B  is an interior view of first layer  3901 , however it is expressly contemplated that the description of the interior view of the first layer  3901  can be applied to the second layer  3902  or any other layer. As depicted in  FIG. 39B , the plurality of through holes  3950  run along the top and bottom of the first layer  3901 . 
     In addition, there are a plurality of interior clasps  3904  that secure the strips  3905  to the interior of the layer  3901 . Specifically, the strips  3905  may sit on the interior clasps  3904  such that the strips  3905  remain within the interior of the slat component  3900 . It is noted that  FIG. 39B  depicts a single strip  3905  being inserted within the three interior clasps  3904  on the top and bottom of the first layer  3901 , however it is expressly contemplated that two or more strips  3905  may overlap and be coupled together, in a similar manner as described above with respect to the dowels  2381  in  FIG. 36A , and sit on any number of interior clasps  3904  such that the width of the overall first layer  3901  may be altered. Specifically, the two or more strips  3905  may be secured to each other in a variety of different ways, such as, but not limited to utilizing one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. For example, the width of the overall layers may be altered based on any different size windows, for example. Although  FIG. 39B  depicts the utilization of clasps  3904 , it is expressly contemplated that the strips  3905  may be secured to the slat component  3900  without the use of clasps  3904 . 
     For example, a single strip  3905  may have a height that is substantially similar to the height of the slat component  3900 , such that the single strip  3905  may be inserted and secured to the interior of the slat component  3900  without using the clasps  3904 . That is, because the single strip  3905  is substantially similar in height to the slat component  3900 , the single strip  3905  can be securely fit inside the interior open of the slat component  3900  and provide rigidity to the slat component  3900 . The overall width of the single strip  3905  may, for example, be less than the overall width of the slat component  3900  such that the single strip  3905  is only in a middle portion of the slat component  3900 . Alternatively, the overall width of the single strip  3905  may be substantially similar in size to the width of the slat component  3900 . 
     In addition, excess material  3906  of the first layer  3901  may be folded over and secured to the interior of the first layer  3901  in a variety of different ways, such as, but not limited to utilizing one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
       FIG. 39C  is a perspective view of a slat component for one or more embodiments described herein, wherein excess material  3906  of the first layer  3901  and second layer  3902  are secured to the interior of the slat component  3900  and the strips  3905  are secured to the interior of the first layer  3901 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 39B and 39C , the excess material  3906 , which extends past the length of the strips  3905 , is folded over and inserted within the opening created by the coupling of the first layer  3901  and the second layer  3902 . In an embodiment, the excess material  3906  may then be secured to the interior of the slat component  3900  using any of a variety of securing mechanisms such as, but not limited to one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Advantageously, the overall width of the slat component  3900 , and thus the shade, can be altered. 
     The first layer  3901  and the second layer  3902  may include one or more additional layers  3907  that are coupled to the exterior of the first layer  3901  and/or second layer  3902 . The additional layers  3907  may be of any material, such as, but not limited to, vinyl or any other materials to add rigidity or a different look to the slat component  3900 . It is noted that the one or more additional layers  3907  can be any size and do not have to match the size of the first layer  3901  or second layer  3902 . The additional layers  3907  may be attached to the first layer  3901  and/or second layer  3902  using any of a variety of securing mechanisms such as, but not limited to one or more or a combination of strings, zippers buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
       FIG. 39D  is a detailed depiction of a shade  3918  including the slat component  3900  as depicted in  FIGS. 39A-39C . The slat components  3900 , each including at least a first layer  3901  and second layer  3902 , are secured to each other utilizing the through holes  3950  and strings  3950  to make up the shade  3918 . Specifically, a user may couple a plurality of slat components  3900  into any user desired configuration. In addition, the top most slat component  3900  is attached to a head rail unit  3910  utilizing a securing mechanism, such as, but not limited to one or more or a combination of strings, zippers buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
     Although  FIG. 39D  depicts the securing mechanism (e.g., through holes  3950  and strings  3950 ) being visible, it is expressly contemplated that the securing mechanism may be hidden from view. Specifically, the second layer  3902  of a top slat component may be coupled to the first layer  3901  of a bottom slat component such that the securing mechanism is hidden. For example, if the securing mechanism is a zipper, a first portion of the zipper may be located on the bottom exterior portion of the second layer  3902 , of a top slat component, that is facing a window. In addition, the second portion of the zipper may be located on a top exterior portion of the first layer  3902 , of a bottom slat component, that is not facing the window. As such and when the top slat component and bottom slat component are coupled to each other, the two portions of the zipper are hidden from view. 
     Alternatively, the securing mechanism between two slat components may be hidden in a variety of different ways. For example, the additional layer  3907  may have one or more flaps  3970  that extend past the securing through holes  3950 , or other securing mechanism (not shown), as shown in  FIG. 39E  such that the through holes  3950  and/or string  3951  utilized with the through holes are not visible to the user. It is noted that the flaps  3970  may be the same or different material from the additional layer  3907 . For example, the flaps  3970  may be a material with enough rigidity (e.g., vinyl, plastic, cloth, etc.) such that the top flap  3970  can stay up to hide the through holes  3950  and/or strings  3951 . As such the securing mechanism, utilized to couple the slat components  3900  together, are not visible when, for example, the shade is within a window opening. 
     A head rail unit  3910  may be located at the top of the shade  3918 . The head rail unit  3910  may be coupled to a top slat component  3900 . Specifically, the top slat component  3900  may be attached the the exterior of the head rail unit  3910 . For example, the top slat component  3900  may be secured to the head rail unit  3910  using any of a variety of securing mechanisms such as, but not limited to, one or more or a combination of strings, zippers buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. In addition, the head rail unit  3910  may be coupled to a roller spring system, counterbalance system, cord system, or motor that is utilized to raise and lower the shade as will be described in further detail below. 
     In addition, although  FIG. 39D  depicts a plurality of slat components  3900  being utilized, it is expressly contemplated that a single slat component  3900  may be utilized. For example, a single slat component  3900  may be secured to the head rail unit  3910  in the manner described above. 
     In addition, it is expressly contemplated that the slat components  3900  may be disengaged from each other, by removing the strings  3951  form the through holes  3950  and/or also disengaging a slat component  3900  from the head rail unit  3910 . Further, the slat components  3900  may be reversed such that the second layer  3902  is facing outward from the window opening (W). As such, the first layer  3901  and second layer  3902  may be different patterns or materials and thus provide a user with the ability to alter or change the appearance of the shade  3918  by simply reversing the slat component  3900 . 
     Advantageously, if the layers  3901  and  3902  need to be washed or replaced, a user can simply disengage the slat components  3900  from each other and place the slat component  3900  in a laundry machine, or may wash the slat component  3900  in any manner. 
     In an embodiment, the slat components  3900  may be controlled by roller spring system (as seen in  FIG. 39G ) that is connected to a head rail unit  3910 , such that the roller spring system  3919  may allow the slat components  3900  to be raised and lowered based on a user pulling or pushing the bottom most slat component  3900 , for example and as known by those skilled in the art. Specifically, a user may push up on the bottom most slat component  3900  to raise the shade  3918  and may pull down on the bottom most slat component  3900  to lower the shade  3918 . Alternatively, the slat components  3900  may be controlled by a counterbalance system and/or a different type of system (not shown) that allows the user to push up or pull down the slat component  3900  to raise or lower the shade  3918 . Alternatively, the slat components  3900  may be controlled by a cord system or an electric motor as described above or other types of systems, as know by those skilled in the art, for raising and lowering a shade. 
     For example,  FIG. 39F  depicts the shade  3918  in a raised configuration, where the slats components  3900  “collapse” or “bunch” up at the top of the shade  3918  and the window opening is exposed. As shown in  FIG. 39F , the top most slat component  3900  may be coupled to the head rail unit  3910  while all the slat components  3900  are coupled to each other to make up the shade  3918 . 
       FIG. 39G  shows a side view of the shade  3918  when the shade is in the raised configuration and the slat components  3900  are collapsed. Specifically, a string  3909  of the roller spring system  3919  may be attached to the bottom most slat component  3900  such that when the string is drawn into the roller spring system  3919 , the plurality of slat components  3900  collapse to raise the shade  3918 . As depicted in  FIG. 39G , the roller spring system  3919  is also coupled to the head rail unit  3910  such that the roller spring system  3919  is hidden from view. Although  FIG. 39G  shows the string  3909  attached to only the bottom most slat component  3900 , it is expressly contemplated that the string  3909  may be attached to a plurality of slat components  3900 . 
     Alternatively, the roller spring system  3919  may be utilized without the string  3909 , where the plurality of slat components  3900  roll onto a roller shade (mot shown) when the shade  3918  is to be raised and roll off the roller shade when the shade  3918  is to be lowered, as known by those skilled in the art. 
     In addition,  FIG. 39H  depicts the shade  3918  in the lowered configuration, where the slat components  3900  are not collapsed. Further,  FIG. 39I  depicts a back view of the shade  3918  in the lowered configuration, where the slat components  3900  are not collapsed and may cover the entire window opening. As can be seen in  FIG. 39I , the slat components  3900  may be wider than the head rail unit  3910 . In addition, and as mentioned above, the second layer that is visible in  FIG. 39I  may have a different look/pattern than the first layer that is visible in  FIG. 39H . 
     In an embodiment, a slat components  3900  may be coupled to an adjacent or different slat component  3900  as as depicted in  FIG. 39J . Specifically, the ends of the slat component  3900  may be coupled to an adjacent or different slat component  3900  to alter the overall width the shade. For example, adjacent or different slat components  3900  may be coupled utilizing one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. As such, the front of the overall shade may appear or look like a single shade. 
     In an embodiment, and as depicted in  FIG. 39K , the strip  3905  within the slat component  3900  may be coupled to a strip  3905  within the adjacent or different slat component  3900  utilizing one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. As such, the front of the overall shade may appear or look like a single shade. 
     In an embodiment, and as depicted in  FIG. 39L , a securing mechanism  3960  may be located at a position parallel to the opening created by the coupling of the first layer  3901  and  3902 . The slat component  3900  may be coupled to head rail unit  3910  utilizing the securing mechanism  3960  and the excess material  3906  may be secured to interior of the slat component  3900  in a similar manner as described above. However, because the excess material is running horizontally, when the slat component  3900  is attached to the head rail unit  3910  the overall length of the shade  3918  may be adjusted utilizing the excess material. In addition, the slat component  3900  of  FIG. 39L  may include the additional layer  3907  with flaps  3970  that run vertically to hide the through holes  3950  and/or strings  3951  as depicted in  FIG. 39M  that also run vertically. 
     Specifically, and as depicted in  FIG. 39M , a plurality of slat components  3900  as depicted in  FIG. 39L  are coupled to the head rail unit  3910 , which may be a bar, utilizing the securing mechanism  3960 , where the width of the shade  3918  is based on the width of each individual slat component  3900  as depicted in  FIG. 39L  and the number of slat components  3900  attached to the head rail unit  3910 . In addition, the plurality of slat components  3900  may be coupled to each other utilizing the through holes  3950  and strings  3951  as described above. Although not shown in  FIG. 39M , the through holes  3950  and strings  3951  may be hidden from view of the additional layer  3907  with the flaps  3970  that are coupled to the exterior of the slat components  3900  as described above with reference to  FIG. 39L . The length of the shade  3918  is based on the the excess material  3906  and how much excess material  3906  the user decides to insert into the opening created by the two layers  3901  and  3902  of the slat component  3900  that are coupled together. As depicted in  FIG. 39M , each the slat components  3900  may be the same length or a different length based on the user&#39;s choice. For example, the user may change the lengths of particular slat components  3900  such that the shade  3918  surrounds an air conditioner or other object in a window. Alternatively, the shade  3918  may be coupled to a wall and the user may change the lengths of particular slat components  3900  such that the shade surrounds books on a book case or other items attached to the wall or that lie against a wall. 
       FIG. 40A  is a perspective view of a slat component for one or more embodiments is described herein. The slat component  4000  may be a single layer instead of two layers as describe with respect to  FIGS. 39A-39M . The slat component  4000  may include a plurality of through holes  3950  at the top and bottom edge that may be utilized to couple a plurality of slat components  4000  together in a similar manner as described above. In addition, the slat component  4000  may include an additional layer  3907  that includes flaps  3970  to hide, from view, the securing mechanism utilized to couple the slat components  4000  together. The flaps  3970  may be the same or different material from the additional layer  3907 . For example, the flaps may be vinyl, plastic, cloth, etc. 
       FIG. 40B  is a backside view of the the slat component  4000  that is a single layer. As depicted in  FIG. 40B , the plurality of through holes  3950  run along the top and bottom of the slat component  4000 . In addition, the backside of the slat component  4000  may include a single clasp  4004  that runs vertically from the top to the bottom of the slat component  4000 . The single clasp  4004  may, for example, hold a single strip  4005  to the backside of the slat component  4000  to provide rigidity to slat component  4000 . That is, the single strip  4005  may be positioned to rest on the clasp  4004 . Although reference is made to a single strip  4005  and a single clasp  4004 , it is expressly contemplated that any number of strips  4005  and/or clasps  4004  may be utilized. For example, the single strip  4005  may be attached to the backside of the slat component  4000  utilizing a securing mechanism (e.g., hook and loop fastener), such that no clasp  4004  is required or utilized. 
     In addition, excess material  4006  may be attached to the backside of the slat component  4000  and/or the single strip  4005 . For example, and as depicted in  FIG. 40B , the single strip  4005  may include one or more slits  4007 . The excess material  4006  may be weaved in and out of consecutive slits  4007  to attach the excess material  4006  to the single strip  4005 , to thus adjust the overall width of the slat component  4000 . Alternatively, the excess material  4006  may be attached to the backside of the slat component  4000  and/or strip  4005  utilizing a securing mechanism, such as, but not limited to, one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
       FIG. 40C  is a detailed depiction of a shade  4018  including the slat component  4000  as depicted in  FIGS. 40A and 40B . The top most slat component  4000  may be attached to head rail unit  3910  utilizing a securing mechanism, such as, but not limited to one or more or a combination of strings, zippers buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. The slat components  4000  may be coupled together such that the shade  4018  covers a window opening (W). For example, a user may alter the width of the slat components  4000  utilizing the excess material  4006  as described above with reference to  FIG. 40B  such that the shade  4018  fits the window opening W. In addition, the shade  4018  may be raised/lowered in any of a variety of ways as described above and as known by those skilled the art. Further, although  FIG. 40C  depicts the plurality of slat components  4000  being coupled together utilizing through holes  3950  and strings  3951 , it is expressly contemplated that the slat components  4000  may be coupled together utilizing any of a variety of different securing mechanisms, such as, but not limited to one or more or a combination of strings, zippers buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
     Moreover, the slat components  4000  in  FIG. 40C  may include additional layer  3907  with flaps  3970 . For example and with reference to  FIG. 40C , the third slat component  4000  from the top of the shade  4018  includes the additional layer  3907  with flaps  3970  that hide from view the through holes  3950  and string  3951 . Although  FIG. 40C  depicts the third slat component  4000  including the additional layer  3907  with flaps  3970 , it is expressly contemplated that any number of slat components  4000  may include the additional layer  3907  with flaps  3970 . 
     In an embodiment, and in a front view as depicted in  FIG. 41 , a shade  4100  may include a head rail unit  4105  that travels horizontally. A raising system  4110  also traveling horizontally and may be attached to the head rail unit  4105 . For example, the raising system may include, but is not limited to, a roller spring system, a counterbalance system, cord system, a motor, or another raising/lowering mechanism that is utilized to raise and lower the shade  4100  as known by those skilled in the art and/or as described above. The head rail unit  4105  and the raising system  4110  may be mounted on a top part of a window (W) or mounted to a front part of the window (W). 
     A top portion of one or more sheaths  4120  that travel vertically may be attached to the head rail unit  4105 . Although  FIG. 41  depicts three sheaths  4120  traveling vertically and attached to the head rail unit  4105 , it is expressly contemplated that the shade  4100  may include less or more sheaths  4120  that are attached to the head rail unit  4105 . The one or more sheaths  4120  may be attached to the head rail unit  4105  utilizing one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. 
     The one or more sheaths  4120  may include one or more exterior securing mechanisms  4115  that are positioned at one or more points on the exterior of the sheaths  4120 . The one or more exterior securing mechanisms  4115  may include one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. Further, each of the one or more exterior securing mechanisms may include a slot opening  4138 . In addition, the one or more exterior securing mechanisms may be attached and removed from the one or more sheaths in a variety of different ways as know by those skilled in the art. For example, and if the exterior securing mechanism  4115  is a clip, the clip may be tied, sewn, or hook and loop fastened to the exterior of the sheaths  4120 . 
     In addition, one or more slat components  4130  as depicted in  FIG. 42  may be secured to the shade  4100  through engagement of the exterior securing mechanisms  4115  of the sheaths  4120  with the slat component  4130  and/or one or more inserts  4132  positioned within the slat component  4130 . For example, the exterior securing mechanism  4115  may attach to a top portion of the slat component, a bottom portion of the slat component, a middle portion of the slat component, and/or the slat component  4130  may have notches  4139  as depicted in  FIG. 42  such that the one or more inserts  4132  inside the slat component  4130  are visible and the exterior securing mechanism  4115  may attach to the one or more inserts  4132 . For example, the one or more exterior securing mechanisms  4115  may be a clip that clips onto a portion of the one or more inserts  4132  that is exposed in the notches. Alternatively, the exterior securing mechanism  4115  may be attached directly to the top portion, the bottom portion, and/or the middle portion of the slat component  4130 . 
     In addition, a valence or additional sheath  4170  may be attached to the head rail unit  4105  and/or raising system  4110  to hide the roller from the view of a user (as depicted in  FIG. 46 ) utilizing one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. In addition, the height of the slat component  4130  and the positions of the exterior securing mechanisms  4115  may be configured such that the lower portion of a first slat component  4130  hides or covers the securing mechanism(s) associated with a second slat component that is secured to the sheaths  4120  and located directly underneath the first slat component. Although  FIG. 41  depicts three slat components  4130  being attached to the sheaths  4120 , it is expressly contemplated that any number of slat components may be attached to the sheaths  4120 . 
       FIG. 42  depicts slat component  4130  that includes include a first layer  4133  and a second layer  4134 . The first layer  4133  and the second layer  4134  may be coupled to each other at a top edge and a bottom edge where the first layer  4133  and the second layer  4134  meet such that an opening is created between the first layer  4133  second layer  4134 , as depicted in  FIG. 42 . In addition, the first layer  4133  and the second layer  4134  may be coupled to each other in a variety of different ways, such as, but not limited to utilizing one or more or a combination of strings, zippers, buttons, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®, clips, etc. In addition, the slat component  4130  may include one or more slot opening  4138  and the notches  4139 . 
     The one or more inserts  4132  may have a height that is substantially similar to the height of the slat component  4130 , such that the one or more inserts  4132  may be inserted and secured to the interior of the slat component  4130 . Alternatively, the one or more inserts  4132  may have adjustable heights. Because the one or more inserts  4132  are substantially similar in height to the slat component  4130 , the one or more inserts  4132  can be securely fit inside the interior open of the slat component  4130  and provide rigidity to the slat component  4130 . The overall width of the one or more inserts  4130  may, for example, be less than the overall width of the slat component  4130  such that the one or more inserts  4132  are only in a middle portion of the slat component  4130 . Alternatively, the overall width of the one or more inserts  4132  may be substantially similar in size to the width of the slat component  4130 . Alternatively, the one or more insets  4132  may have an adjustable width. 
     The one or more inserts  4132  may be any of a variety of different shapes and sizes. For example, the one or more inserts  4132  may have rounded ends such that when the slat component  4130  is folded over, the shade  4100  has rounded edges. With rounded edges, the shade  4100  appears as a rounded window shade/blind. 
     The first and second layers of the slat components  4130  may be any of a variety of different materials such as, but not limited to, vinyl, plastic, bamboo, cloth, etc. In addition, the first and second layers of the slat component  4130  may be different designs, patterns, etc. For example, a front layer of the slat component  4130  that is facing a user may be a first pattern/material while a back layer of the slat component  4130  that is not facing the user may be a second pattern/material. 
     In addition, the slat components  4130  may include excess material  4140  that may extend beyond the width of the headrail unit  4105 , the roller  4110 , and/or the window opening (W). The excess material  4140  of the first layer  4133  and second layer  4134  may be secured to the interior opening of the slat component  4130  as described above with reference to  FIG. 39C . Advantageously, the width of the slat components  4130  may be altered to any size as desired by a user (e.g., to match the width of the head rail unit  4105 , the roller  4110 , and/or the window opening (W)). In addition, the user can remove any number of slat components  4130  and have those slat components washed or replaced, for example. In addition or alternatively, the slat components  4130  may be turned around to view a different pattern (e.g., the second layer  4134 ). In addition or alternatively, the slat components  4130  can even be replaced with entirely new slat components  4130 . 
     The raising system  4110  is utilized to raise and lower the shade  4100  as known by those skilled in the art and/or as described above. The raising system  4110  may include one or more pull strings  4125 , wherein each pull string  4125  is associated with a different sheath  4120  of the one or more sheaths  4120 . Specifically, a first end of each pull string  4125  may be secured to the raising system  4110 . The pull string  4125  may then be fed through the one or more slot opening  4138  of each exterior securing mechanism  4115  associated with a particular sheath  4120 , but at least the slot opening  4138  of the bottom most exterior securing mechanism  4115  associated with the particular sheath  4120 . The second end of the pull string  4125  is knotted to form knot  4150  at a location where the pull string  4125  passes the slot opening  4138  of the bottom most exterior securing mechanism. The knot  4150  of the pull string  4125  is greater in size than the slot opening  4138  of the bottom most exterior securing mechanism  4115  such that when the raising system  4110  is activated to raise the shade  4100 , the knot  4150  catches the slot opening  4138  of the bottom most exterior securing mechanism  4115  to raise the shade  4100 . 
     Specifically, and when the shade  4100  is activated to be raised utilizing the raising system  4110 , the pull string  4125  rises upwardly and towards the raising system  4110 , and the knots  4150  of the pull strings  4125  make contact with the underside of the slot openings  4138  of the exterior securing mechanisms, thus causing the sheaths  4120  and slat components  4130  to rise. 
     In an embodiment and when the exterior securing mechanism  4115  is attached to the bottom portion of the slat component  4130 , the pull string  4125  rises upwardly and towards the raising system  4110 . As such, the knots  4150  of the pull strings  4125  make contact with the underside of the slot openings  4138  of the exterior securing mechanism  4115 , thus causing the sheath  4120  to rise and also the slat components to rise from the bottom in a venetian-blind type manner. 
     In an embodiment, when the exterior securing mechanism  4115  is attached to the bottom portion of the last slat component  4130 , the pull string rises upwardly and towards the raising system  4110 . As such, the knots  4150  of the pull strings  4125  make contact with the underside of the slot openings  4138  of the exterior securing mechanism  4115 , thus causing the slats  4130  to sequentially rise from the bottom in a venetian-blind type manner. 
       FIG. 43  depicts a front view of the shade  4100  in a lowered configuration with a plurality of slat components  4130  without a valence, while  FIG. 44  depicts a back view of the shade  4100  in a lowered configuration with a plurality of slat components  4130  and a valence  4170 . As can be seen in  FIG. 43 , the lower portions of the slat components  4130  cover/hide the securing mechanism(s) utilized to secure the slat component  4130  located directly underneath. In addition, and as depicted in  FIG. 44 , the sheaths  4120  may be tied up or knotted as sheath knots  4180  such that the vertical length of the sheaths may be altered to, for example, match a vertical height of different sized window openings (W). 
     In addition,  FIG. 45  depicts a front view of the shade  4100  in a partially raised configuration, while  FIG. 46  depicts a front view of the shade  4100  in a fully raised configuration. Further,  FIG. 47  depicts a back view of the shade  4100  in a fully raised configuration. As can be seen in  FIGS. 45, 46, and 47 , the slat components  4130  rise up in a uniform manner where, for example, the slat components  4130  are positioned one after the other with the lowest slat component  4130  in the back and the highest slat component  4130  in the front in a raised configuration. 
     It should be apparent from the foregoing that all of my vertical blind assembly embodiments have great versatility and can be adapted to many window configurations. In addition, it is expressly contemplated that the different features of the different embodiments described herein, can be utilized each of the other embodiments described herein. For example, although an exemplary clip  2403  is depicted in relation to an illustrative embodiment described in reference to  FIG. 28B , the clip  2403  can be utilized with all embodiments in various alternative embodiments. Similarly, the other components described with respect to particular figures in the application, can be utilized with all figures and embodiments described in this application. The various modules comprising the blind assembly can be made and sold separately and connected together to fit most window dimensions and shapes. Also, since the assembly can be sold as individual parts/components, it allows individual components to be cleaned, moved, packaged and stored in a minimum amount of space for easy shipment, etc. Moreover, it is easy to install by the average homeowner without requiring any special tools. In addition, although reference is made to the foot rail being lowered and raised to expand and retract the one or more slats, it is expressly contemplated that the foot rail may remain stationary, and the housing units may be lowered (to retract the slat) and raised (to extend the slat) to manipulate the slats. 
     It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above among those made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained. Also, since certain changes may be made to the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention described herein.