Patent Abstract:
A fabric venetian window shade assembly including: an actuation system for a double panel window shading including opposing first and second facings coupled by a plurality of vanes, the actuation system comprising: a roller configured to receive the opposing first and second facings; a ratcheting mechanism mechanically coupled to at least the second facing through the roller; and a grip coupled exclusively to a lower end of the second facing, wherein, in response to a downward force being applied to the grip, the downward force is applied directly to the second facing without being applied directly to the first facing, and wherein the ratcheting mechanism is further configured to adjust a position of the opposing first and second facings and an orientation of the plurality of vanes relative to the opposing first and second facings.

Full Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/453,057, filed Aug. 6, 2014, which claims priority to previous U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/867,470, filed Aug. 19, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to window shades, and more particularly, to a cordless fabric venetian window shade assembly. An actuation system of the window shade assembly can include a spring-loaded ratchet system. 
     2. Background Art 
     Conventional venetian window shades include those as described in: U.S. Pat. No. 3,384,519 to Froget; FR1,521,488 to Demerson; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,287,908, 5,313,999, 5,320,154, 5,394,922 and 5,456,304, all assigned to Hunter Douglas, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,882 to Ren Judkins; U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,613 to Ralph Jelic, now assigned by acquisition to the present applicant&#39;s assignee Comfortex Window Fashions; U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,639 assigned to Newell Operating Co.; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,024,819; 6,171,424; 6,302,982; 6,377,384; 6,575,222; and 6,634,409 all assigned to the present application&#39;s assignee Comfortex Window Fashions, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Conventional fabric venetian window shade assemblies may include a roller that is mounted to a headrail and headrail to the wall or window frame in conventional manner. The fabric venetian window shade itself comprises a first, back fabric facing or layer and a second, front fabric facing or layer. Each fabric facing is usually of high transparency. A plurality of vanes, typically of less translucent fabric, are attached at regular intervals to each fabric facing. The window shade is mounted to the roller such that when the roller is rotated to a first position, the two fabric facings hang from opposite sides of the roller, spaced apart and with the vanes extending between them in an orientation substantially perpendicular to both facings&#39; planes, thus providing maximum view-through. When the roller is rotated in a first direction, it lowers the second, inner fabric facing (which may face internally toward the inside of the room where the shade is hung), and raises the other, first or ‘outer’ facing (which may face externally toward the window). The first effect of such rotation is to close the fabric vanes and bring the vanes and the two facings close together and parallel, to approximate a single quilted fabric. Further rotation of the roller in the same direction can then roll the flattened fabric onto the roller, lifting it from the window area as in a conventional roller shade. Unrolling the shade again reverses this process, with the flattened fabric first lowering to cover the window area, then, with a final partial turn of the roll, separating the first and second facings and tilting the vanes therebetween to provide view-through. Conventionally, this type of shade includes a single, rigid bottom rail connecting the lower, free ends of the facing fabrics. The single bottom rail acts to maintain the facings in smooth, level planes, by tension, and induces the vanes to flex as needed for their tilting by providing additional weight. 
     Most window shades (e.g., roller, cellular, pleated, or fabric-venetian) can be operated with a cord system, e.g., a cord lock with a pull cord, or a loop cord with a clutch and roller positioned at the top of the assembly. In particular, fabric venetians (sometimes called ‘window shadings’ or ‘window shade assemblies’) such as the Shangri-La™ by Comfortex or Silhouette™ by HunterDouglas, can provide specialty roller shades with multi-layered fabric that includes inner tiltable fabric vanes. These assemblies may include a loop-cord and clutch system to perform a roll rotation which actuates the tiltable vanes once the shade has reached full extension. These clutch systems are typically fitted to the end of the roller, outboard of the fabric width. As a result, the assembly may include an unsightly and undesirable gap located between the edge of the fabric and window opening. This gap may be especially problematic to opaque, light-blocking shade styles because light can travel through the gap between the window and the shade fabric. 
     Conventional window shade assemblies with cords may also create significant safety hazards. For example, cords and cord loops of conventional window shade assemblies may entangle young children playing in an environment which includes the corded window shade assembly. Many alternative systems without cords and cord loops have been proposed, but most are significantly more expensive than existing window shade assemblies. Actuating the shade with motorized components can also potentially eliminate the presence of cords, in addition to providing other benefits such as remote control or timer-driven deployment, but these alternatives are also more expensive than conventional assemblies. In addition, systems which can fit in place of (i.e., substitute for) the manual clutch and cord-loop most commonly used on large (more costly) shades. The cost of these motors is often as much as that of the shade itself and so these have been restricted to only the most expensive of applications. Further, because the motors fit where clutches would otherwise go, they do not improve the side gap characteristic of the clutch systems. 
     In conventional roller shades, a spring-balanced ratchet is commonly used. The spring-balanced ratchet can allow the bottom of the shade to be gripped by a user, pulled downward to a length beyond the desired deployment position, and slowly released to set a ratchet that catches the roller against a torsion spring in the roller. The ratchet can be energized by the rotation of the roller when the shade is pulled out. Such an actuator is inexpensive, intuitive to use, and safe. It has not been previously used with fabric venetians because motorized alternatives are installed where existing cords and clutches would be used to pull the shade beyond the desired extension to set (or release) the ratchet. In a conventional roller shade (with simple, single-layer fabric), there is no barrier to providing more fabric length than the window height to enable such over-draw, even when the desired holding position is equal to the entire window height. However, in a fabric venetian shade, this is not possible, because the exact fabric length must be provided to precisely match the window height, so that the final rotation of the roller provides the vane tilting and does not puddle excess fabric on the sill in such configuration. Although it is possible (if the fabric is not too long) to grip the bottom rail and pull down on its back edge (attached to the outer facing) while pushing upward on the inner edge (attached to the inner facing) in order to effect the tilting of the vanes, after the shade fabric is fully extended, such a motion is uncomfortable and unnatural. This motion may be especially inconvenient after merely pulling downward initially for the main deployment. These conventional shades may also continue to include a large gap between the window and the window shade fabric. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A first aspect of the disclosure provides an actuation system for a fabric venetian window shade having a pair of opposing first and second facings coupled by a plurality of vanes, the actuation system comprising: a roller configured to receive the fabric venetian window shade; a spring-loaded ratchet operatively coupled to the roller; a first weighted rail attached to a lower edge of the first facing; and a second weighted rail attached to a lower edge of the second facing, wherein the first weighted rail and the second weighted rail are separate. 
     A second aspect of the disclosure provides a fabric venetian window shade assembly including: a fabric venetian window shade including a pair of opposing first and second facings coupled by a plurality of vanes; an actuation system including: a roller configured to receive the fabric venetian window shade; a spring-loaded ratchet operatively coupled to the roller; a first weighted rail attached to a lower edge of the first facing; and a second weighted rail attached to a lower edge of the second facing, wherein the first weighted rail and the second weighted rail are separate. 
     A third aspect of the invention includes an actuation system for a fabric venetian window shade having a pair of opposing first and second facings coupled by a plurality of vanes, the system comprising: a ratchet system operatively coupled to a roller to which the fabric venetian window shade is rollably attached, the ratchet system operable to position the fabric venetian window shade in a plurality of positions including: a retracted position in which the fabric venetian window shade is fully rolled onto the roller; a plurality of partially deployed, non-transparent positions in which the fabric venetian window shade is partially deployed from the roller and the first and second facings are substantially parallel with the plurality of vanes so the window shade is non-transparent; a fully deployed, non-transparent position in which the window shade is fully deployed from the roller and the first and second fabric faces and the plurality of vanes are substantially parallel so the window shade is non-transparent; and a plurality of fully deployed, at least partially transparent positions in which the fabric venetian window shade is fully deployed from the roller and the first and second fabric faces are not parallel with the plurality of vanes so the window shade is at least partially transparent. 
     The illustrative aspects of the present disclosure are designed to solve the problems herein described and/or other problems not discussed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of this disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that depict various embodiments of the disclosure, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a fabric venetian window shade assembly in a fully deployed, non-transparent position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows an enlarged perspective view of a fabric venetian window shade assembly in one of a plurality of partially deployed, non-transparent positions according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a fabric venetian window shade assembly in one of a plurality of fully deployed, at least partially transparent positions (mostly non-transparent) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a fabric venetian window shade assembly in one of a plurality of fully deployed, at least partially transparent positions (mostly transparent) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a fabric venetian window shade assembly in one of a plurality of fully deployed, at least partially transparent positions being activated for retraction to a retracted position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a fabric venetian window shade assembly in a retracted position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a fabric venetian window shade assembly in one of a plurality of fully deployed, at least partially transparent positions (mostly non-transparent) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     It is noted that the drawings of the disclosure are not to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cordless actuator assemblies for window shades. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure combine the safety of cordless shades with a slip clutch for roller rotation beyond full-length deployment to tilt a set of internal fabric vanes. Embodiments of the present disclosure can also eliminate undesirable gaps between the shade edge and the window opening found in conventional, cord-based systems. This result is achieved with low cost and minimal installation volume (space), and can be a viable alternative for most cord-type fabric venetian shade actuators. 
     Embodiments of the invention include a fabric venetian window shade assembly and an actuation system therefor. As shown in  FIG. 1 , embodiments of the present disclosure implement an actuation system including a roller and a specialized ratchet for fabric venetian window shadings, including fabric venetian window shadings. In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure include a spring-loaded ratchet coupled to a roller for the window shade, and two separate weighted rails attached to one corresponding fabric facing. The weighted rails can provide increase the rigidity and weight of the assembly, such that the rails hold each facing taut when the window shade is unrolled from the roller. The position approximately where a conventional rail would attach to both facings still provides a net falling weight sufficient to actuate the vanes of the shade when the roller makes its last turn. However, the separation between the two weighted rails allows a user to grip the back (outer rail) alone and pull it downward for the entire actuation of the shade, whether during an unrolling of the shade fabric or the last, vane-tilting roller rotation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  and discussed herein, a spring-loaded ratchet can be positioned inside of the roller to hold the fabric facings in any desired amount of deployment from the roller, and to retract the fabric back onto the roller. To improve the function and operability of the roller, embodiments of the present disclosure also include attaching the fabric to the roller only at or near the tangency of the inner facing that occurs when the vanes are in a substantially horizontal position (e.g., perpendicular to the facings for maximum transparency). As a result, a user can pull the outer (back) bottom weighted rail downward, past the normal maximum condition (i.e., vanes substantially horizontal, maximum transparency), with another downward pull to set or release the ratchet in the roller. A view-through (substantially transparent) position can be achieved comfortably with the shade extending through exactly the full length of the corresponding window height. The ratchet can also include stops spaced no farther apart than the roller rotation angle associated with an over-draw length to enable an over-pulling motion to set or release the ratchet. The spacing of stops can also vary depending on the width of the vanes and the diameter of the roller. In a particular embodiment, the ratchet can include multiple stops within a single complete rotation, thereby allowing the vanes to be set at intermediate angles between fully open (i.e., substantially transparent) and shut (i.e., an opaque setting which approximates a flattened fabric). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a window shade assembly  100  according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Window shade assembly  100  may be embodied as a fabric venetian window shade. A venetian window shade refers to a window shade composed of several horizontal shade bars. As examples, window shade assembly  100  can include one or more window shades  102  composed of wood, plastic, a fabric, a composite material, or any other currently known or later developed type of shading material (whether substantially transparent, translucent, or opaque). Window shade assembly  100  can include a first facing  104  and an opposing second facing  106  coupled by a plurality of vanes positioned therebetween. As shown by example in  FIG. 1 , first and second facings  104 ,  106  can be oriented in a substantially vertical position, with vanes  106  being substantially horizontal to join first and second facings  104 ,  106  to each other. In the example of  FIG. 1 , vanes  106  are positioned substantially parallel to the corresponding window in a “closed” position. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a structure and method for adjusting the position of first and second facings  104 ,  106 , e.g., by rotationally positioning first and second facings  104 ,  106  to transmit or substantially prevent the passage of light through window shade assembly  100 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , an actuation system  110  can secure window shade assembly  100  to a surface of interest, such as a wall above a window and/or a window shade bracket mounted thereon. In embodiments of the present disclosure, actuation system  110  can include a roller  112  configured to retain window shade  102  in a retracted position, and from which window shade  102  can be unrolled to cover a corresponding area, window, etc. Roller  112  may have a diameter that is substantially identical to a width of each of plurality of vanes  108 , (i.e., the distance of a side of vane  108  separating first and second facings  104 ,  106 ) but this is not necessary in all instances. Actuation system  110  can include a spring-loaded ratchet  120  located, e.g., within the brackets of the headrail assembly for window shade  102  and operably connected to roller  112 . As is shown in  FIG. 2-6 , Spring-loaded ratchet  120  positions roller  112  and fabric venetian window shade  102  in a plurality of positions. As is discussed in further detail herein,  FIG. 6  shows a retracted position in which fabric venetian window shade  102  is fully rolled onto roller  112 .  FIG. 2  shows one of a plurality of partially deployed, non-transparent positions in which fabric venetian window shade  102  is partially deployed from roller  112  and first and second fabric facings  104 ,  106  are substantially parallel with the plurality of vanes  108  so the window shade is non-transparent. In this position, shade  102  acts to block the highest amount of light possible for the amount of window that it is extended in front of, but does not fully cover the window.  FIG. 1  shows a fully deployed, non-transparent position in which fabric venetian window shade  102  is fully deployed from roller  112  and first and second fabric faces  104 ,  106  and the plurality of vanes  108  are substantially parallel so the window shade is non-transparent. In this position, shade  102  can block the highest amount of light possible for the entire window where shade  102  is used. 
     The spring of spring-loaded ratchet  120  can expand as window shade  102  is pulled from roller  112  until the withdrawn length of window shade  102  reaches or exceeds a setting length. At this point, a catch point of the ratchet element of spring-loaded ratchet  120  can set, thereby holding the withdrawn window shade  102  in place. Through the setting of spring-loaded ratchet  120 , window shade  102  can remain in place after being withdrawn from roller  112  as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 7  show a plurality of fully deployed, at least partially transparent positions in which fabric venetian window shade  102  is fully deployed from roller  112 . These figures also show instances where first and second fabric faces  104 ,  106  are not parallel with plurality of vanes  108  so the window shade is at least partially transparent. As shown best in  FIG. 7 , in these positions, fabric venetian window shade  102  is attached to roller  112  at a single bond line  140  substantially at a tangency of one of the first and second fabric facings  104 ,  106  ( 104  as illustrated) only when the plurality of vanes are positioned substantially perpendicular to planes of the first and second fabric facings  104 ,  106 . The diameter of roller  112  and a spacing of catches of spring-loaded ratchet  120  can have predetermined values relative to the width of vanes  108 . These predetermined values can be chosen to cause at least one catch and release setpoint of spring-loaded ratchet  120  to occur within a full rotation of roller  112 . The ratchet element of spring-loaded ratchet  120  can also release when the corresponding spring is pulled to a predetermined distance after being set (i.e., over-draw). Actuation system  110  can therefore allow window shade  102  to return to roller  112  without the use of a cord loop, e.g., by releasing spring-loaded ratchet  120 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , actuation system  100  may also include a first weighted rail  130  attached to a lower edge  132  of first, rear fabric facing  104 ; and a second weighted rail  134  attached to a lower edge  136  of the second fabric facing  106 . As illustrated, first weighted rail  130  and second weighted rail  134  are separate. First weighted rail  130  may be larger than second weighted rail  134 , e.g., in size and/or weight. This is in contrast to conventional systems that employ a single weighted rail for reasons described herein. A lower edge  132  of first facing  104  opposing actuation system  110  can include first weighted rail  130 . First weighted rail  130  can include a shell composed of a different material from the remainder of window shade  102 , such as a plastic, metal, ceramic, or composite material. The shell of first weighted rail  130  can increase the size and/or weight of first weighted rail  130  in addition to providing a grip for users of window shade assembly  100 . First weighted rail  130 , in contrast to rails of other window shade assemblies, can be coupled exclusively to lower edge  132  of first facing  104  (or alternatively lower edge  134  of second front facing  106 ) without being coupled to the other facing. Thus, a user of window shade assembly  100  can pull on first weighted rail  130  to retract window shade  102  into roller  112  and/or switch vanes  108  from being opened or closed without applying a force to second facing  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a lower edge  134  of second facing  106  can include second weighted rail  136 . Second weighted rail  136  can include a shell composed of a different material than window shade  102 , e.g., a plastic, metal, ceramic, or composite material. The shell of second weighted rail  136  can provide an offsetting weight to first weighted rail  130  while providing another grip independent of first weighted rail  130 . Second weighted rail  136  can be coupled exclusively to lower edge  134  of second facing  106  without being coupled to the other facing (e.g., first facing  104 ). A user of window shade assembly  100  can pull second weighted rail  136  to unroll window shade  102  from roller  112  to set a catch point of spring-loaded ratchet  120 . Alternatively, first weighted rail  132  and second weighted rail  136  can perform opposite and/or additional functions from those described herein. First weighted rail  134  and second weighted rail  136  can be separate, distinct components, with different sizes. For example, second weighted rail  136  can be larger than first weighted rail  130 . Applying a force to first facing  104  via first weighted rail  130  can result in substantially no direct force to be applied to the opposing second facing  106 , and applying a force to second facing  106  via second weighted rail  136  can result in substantially no direct force to be applied to the opposing first facing  104 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4  together, a mostly non-transparent position of window shade assembly  100  is shown in  FIG. 3  and a mostly transparent position of window shade assembly is shown in  FIG. 4 . Applying a force to second weighted rail  136  can unroll window shade  102 , from window shade  102  being almost entirely on roller  112 , into a deployed or partially deployed position in which window shade  102  is unrolled from roller  112 . After window shade  102  is unrolled, vanes  108  can be oriented substantially in parallel with first and second facings  104 ,  106 , such that window shade  102  is substantially opaque or translucent. A user can apply a force (e.g., pull) first weighted rail  130  to actuate spring-loaded ratchet  120  of actuation system  110 . Pulling first weighted rail  130  can set the ratchet element of spring-loaded ratchet  120 , and first facing  104  can move to a lower position in closer horizontal alignment with second facing  106 . The closer horizontal alignment can cause vanes  108  to be substantially perpendicular to the planes of first and second facings  104 ,  106 , such that window shade assembly  100  is substantially translucent or transparent with respect to light passing therethrough. 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , applying a force to (i.e., pulling) first weighted rail  130  after vanes  108  are opened can release spring-loaded ratchet  120  ( FIGS. 1, 2 ), compressing the spring element therein to pull window shade  102  back onto roller  112 . To release spring-loaded ratchet  120 , a user can apply a force to first weighted rail  130  to pull the ratchet element of spring-loaded ratchet  120  to a release position. The release position may correspond to, e.g., first weighted rail  130  being unrolled to a position below second weighted rail  136  (over-draw). As shown in  FIG. 6 , spring-loaded ratchet  120  can be released from its set position by the force applied to first weighted rail  130  to compress the spring element of spring-loaded ratchet  120 , pulling window shade  102  onto roller  112 . Thus, pulling first weighted rail  130  ( FIG. 5 ) or second weighted rail  136  ( FIG. 5 ) can perform different functions when window shade  102  is unrolled from roller  112 . For example, pulling first weighted rail  130  ( FIG. 5 ) can retract window shade  102  into roller  112 , and pulling second weighted rail  136  ( FIG. 5 ) can adjust the orientation of vanes  108  ( FIG. 5 ) such that window shade  102  either substantially transmits or blocks light. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , actuation system  110  with window shade  102  retracted onto roller  112  is shown. As shown in  FIG. 6 , window shade  102  can be attached to roller  112  at single bond line  140  positioned substantially at a tangency of first and/or second facings  104 ,  106  when vanes  108  are positioned in a substantially parallel orientation to the planes of first and second facings  104 ,  106 . From this position, a user can grip second bottom rail  136  protruding from roller  112  to extend window shade  102 . First bottom rail  130 , in this position, can be positioned between roller  112  and second bottom rail  136 , with first bottom rail  130  resting on an external fixture (e.g., a bracket) to hold window shade  102  in place and position second bottom rail  136  below actuation system  110 . 
     Additional features of window shade assembly  100  in embodiments of the present disclosure are also shown in  FIG. 7  and discussed herein. The diameter of roller  112  and the spacing of catches in spring-loaded ratchet  120  can be predetermined such that at least one catch and release setpoint of spring-loaded ratchet  120  is within a full rotation of roller  112 . Further embodiments of window shade assembly  100  can include multiple catch and release set points within actuation system  100 . Specifically, each catch and release setpoint of actuation system  110  can be create a different angling of vanes  108  relative to first and second facings  104 ,  106  ranging from, e.g., a substantially parallel angling to a substantially perpendicular angling. Through multiple catch and release setpoints, spring-loaded bracket  120  can position roller  112  and window shade  102  in a plurality of positions. In a retracted position corresponding to one catch and release setpoint, window shade  102  can be fully rolled onto roller  112  (i.e.,  FIG. 6 ). In one of several partially deployed, non-transparent positions (i.e.,  FIG. 2 ) corresponding to respective catch and release setpoints. In each one of the partially deployed, non-transparent positions, window shade  102  can be partially deployed from roller  112  with first and second facings  104 ,  106  being substantially parallel with vanes  108  and thereby causing window shade  102  to be non-transparent (i.e., translucent or opaque). 
     One catch and release setpoint of spring-loaded bracket  120  can correspond to a fully deployed, non-transparent position (i.e., shown in  FIG. 1 ). This position may correspond to the last setpoint of actuation system  110  and may be positioned at a substantially full rotation of roller  112 . In the fully deployed, non-transparent position, window shade  102  can be fully deployed from roller  112  and the first and second faces  104 ,  106  can be substantially parallel with vanes  108  such that window shade  102  is non-transparent (i.e., translucent or opaque). Another group of positions for window shade  102  can include several fully deployed, at least partially transparent positions ( FIGS. 4, 5, 7 ). In a fully deployed, at least partially transparent position, window shade  102  can fully deployed from roller  102 , and first and second faces  104 ,  106  can be non-parallel with vanes  108 . This position can allow light to pass through window shade  102  between vanes  108 . Window shade  102  can be switched between non-transparent and at least partially transparent positions, e.g., through a user applying a force to first bottom rail  130  to move first facing  104 . 
     In addition to window shade assembly  100 , embodiments of the present disclosure include window shade  102  with first and second facings  104 ,  106  coupled with vanes  108  and actuation system  110  as shown in  FIG. 7 . In an embodiment, first facing  104  can be oriented to face a window, and second facing  106  can be oriented to face internally (i.e., into a room or particular space). Other embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to actuation system  110  of window shade assemblies  100  which include window shade  102 , first and second facings  104 ,  106 , and vanes  108 . Spring-loaded ratchet  120  of actuation system  110  can be coupled to roller  112  at single bond line  140 , with window shade  102  being rollably attached to roller  112  and spring-loaded ratchet  120  being operable to position window shade  102  in any one of the several positions discussed herein (e.g., retracted positions, partially deployed non-transparent positions, a fully deployed non-transparent position, and/or fully deployed, partially transparent positions, etc.) 
     Whether provided in the form of a separate activation system or a complete assembly with an associated shading material, embodiments of the disclosure can provide a safe, convenient, cordless actuation system for window shades, as discussed herein and shown in the accompanying  FIGS. 1-7 . Advantages of the embodiments described herein include low manufacturing costs comparable or even less than manual clutch systems, a simple installation or removal process, an unobtrusive appearance, reliable use over long periods, and the reduced requirement for a side-gap between the shade material and a window, e.g., by omitting the use of a loop-cord and clutch system, as found in a conventional window shade assembly. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a safe and convenient, cordless actuation system for fabric, venetian shades on rollers. The system described herein has cost near to that of manual clutch systems, with easy installation and unobtrusive appearance, with reliable ease of use, and with reduced requirement for a side-gap between shade and window opening. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4