Patent Description:
Coverings, such as horizontal/Venetian blinds and other similar blinds, typically include a headrail, a bottom rail, and a plurality of horizontally oriented slats configured to be supported between the headrail and the bottom rail via two or more sets of cord ladders. Additionally, one or more lift cords typically extend between the headrail and the bottom rail for adjusting the position of the bottom rail relative to the headrail. In many instances, each lift cord passes through a set of aligned route holes defined in the slats.

Moreover, traditional Venetian blinds typically include an operating cord extending downwardly along one of the sides of the blind that must be manipulated by the user to raise and lower the blind relative to the adjacent architectural structure. However, more recently, cordless Venetian blinds have been developed that eliminate the external operating cords. For instance, Venetian blinds are commercially available from Turnils North America that include a LIFT & LOCK™ cordless operating system, with the various components of the blind's lift system (e.g., the lift stations, spring motor, and associated drive shaft) being housed within the bottom rail. To raise and lower a blind including the above-described cordless operating system, the user presses a push button positioned along the exterior of the bottom rail to actuate a braking mechanism operatively coupled to the drive shaft, thereby unlocking the drive shaft and allowing the lift system to operate when raising/lowering the blind. With such a configuration, the associated spring motor is typically underpowered and, thus, the braking mechanism may be used to assist in holding the bottom rail in position when released by the user.

While the above-described cordless Venetian blinds provide various operating and consumer-related advantages, such blinds present some challenges during manufacturing and assembly. Specifically, the above-described cordless Venetian blinds include an elongated filler strip to which the various components of the blind's lift system are mounted. During assembly, the lift system components, such as the lift stations and the braking mechanism, are initially mounted on the filler strip. In addition, the various cords of the blind, such as the lift cords and cord ladders, are assembly relative to the filler stip. Thereafter, the bottom rail of the blind must be assembled relative to the filler strip and the other components mounted thereto (the strip and other components being collectively referred to as the "filler strip assembly") by sliding the bottom rail along the length of such filler strip assembly. Such a sliding-based installation of the bottom rail relative to the pre-assembled filler strip assembly presents some challenges. For example, this assembly process requires a work space within a manufacturing environment that is dimensionally at least twice as long as the width of the blind being assembled (i.e., at least twice as long as the length of the bottom rail) given that the bottom rail and the filler strip assembly must be placed end-to-end to allow the sliding process to be initiated. Moreover, as the bottom rail is slid along the length of the filler strip assembly, various clearance issues typically exist between the bottom rail and the various components that have been pre-assembled onto the filler strip. For example, an assembly worker may have to stop several times to adjust the positioning of one or more of the lift system components to allow the bottom rail to be slid past such component(s). Furthermore, given its pre-assembled state on the filler strip, it is often quite difficult to ensure that the braking mechanism is properly positioned relative to the bottom rail once the rail has been slide entirely onto the filter strip assembly.

In addition to developments in cordless Venetian blinds, efforts have also been made to address the route holes defined in the slats. Specifically, as indicated above, each lift cord of a Venetian blind is typically passed through a set of aligned route holes defined in the slats. Unfortunately, given their shape and typical dimensions, conventional route holes generally allow for light to pass through a blind when the slats have been tilted to their fully closed position. Additionally, the light gaps defined between the lift cord and the outer perimeter of conventional route holes often allow for a view through the blind when the blind is closed, thereby creating privacy concerns for homeowners with such blinds. To address such light-blocking and privacy concerns, "privacy" Venetian blinds have been developed that eliminate the route holes from the slats and include front and rear lift cords that extend along the front and rear sides of the slats to allow the bottom rail to be raised and lowered relative to the headrail.

The challenges associated with the sliding-based assembly process for the above-described commercially available cordless Venetian blind are further compounded when attempting to apply such a process to a "privacy" Venetian blind. Specifically, the lift cords positioned along the front and rear sides of the blind present further obstacles when attempting to slide the bottom rail along the length of a pre-assembled filler strip assembly. For example, once assembled relative to the filler strip, the front and rear lift cords are positioned at the front and rear edges, respectively of the filler strip. As a result, one or more of the lift cords may catch on the leading edge of the bottom rail or other features of the rail as the rail is being slid relative to the filler strip assembly.

Accordingly, an improved configuration for a bottom rail assembly for a covering, such as a Venetian blind, as well as related methods for assembling such a bottom rail assembly, would be welcomed in the technology. <CIT> discloses a venetian blind. <CIT> discloses a brake for a cordless blind. <CIT> discloses a curtain assembly.

Aspects and advantages of the present subject matter will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the present subject matter.

In various aspects, the present subject matter is directed to a covering for an architectural structure that includes a bottom rail assembly that can be efficiently and effectively assembled during manufacturing of the covering. Specifically, in several embodiments, the bottom rail is configured such that one or more operating system components of the covering can be mounted within and supported directly by the bottom rail.

Additionally, in various aspects, the present subject matter is also directed to a bottom rail assembly for a covering for an architectural structure that includes a separate cover configured to be coupled to the bottom rail of the assembly. Specifically, in several embodiments, the cover comprises a snap-on component of the bottom rail assembly that is configured to be snapped into position relative to the bottom rail, thereby allowing for quick and efficient assembly of the cover/rail.

Moreover, the present subject matter is also directed to methods for assembling one or more embodiments of the covering disclosed herein, including one or more embodiments of the bottom rail assembly disclosed herein.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood with reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present subject matter and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present subject matter.

This Brief Description is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Brief Description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:.

In general, the present subject matter is directed to an improved bottom rail assembly configured for use with a covering for an architectural feature or structure (referred to herein simply as an architectural "structure" for the sake of convenience and without intent to limit). In addition, the present subject matter is directed to related assembly methods for assembling the disclosed covering, including methods for assembling the various operating system components of the bottom rail assembly as well as methods for assembling additional components of the covering (e.g., various cords) relative to the bottom rail assembly. It should be appreciated that, for purposes of discussion, the disclosed covering will generally be described herein as a Venetian blind and numerous advantages associated with the present subject matter will be described in the context of improvements over conventional Venetian blinds and their related assembly methods. However, one of ordinary skill in the art should readily appreciate that various aspects of the present subject matter may also incorporated into other types of coverings. For example, aspects of the disclosed bottom rail assembly may be used in connection with various types of coverings beyond Venetian blinds.

In several embodiments, a bottom rail of the disclosed bottom rail assembly is configured such that one or more operating system components of the related covering are capable of being mounted within and supported directly by the bottom rail. As a result, the operating system components can be pre-assembled directly within the bottom rail, thereby eliminating the need to separately assemble such system components onto a filler strip that must then be properly installed relative to the bottom rail by sliding the rail along the length of the filler strip (and the various components mounted thereto). Accordingly, the overall assembly process may be greatly simplified, particularly in comparison to conventional assembly methods for cordless Venetian blinds.

In addition, the ability to couple operating system components directly to the bottom rail allows for more accurate positioning of each individual component within the interior of the rail as compared to when such components are fixed to a separate filler strip and then slidably installed as an assembly relative to the rail. Such accurate placement of the operating system components relative to the bottom rail may be particularly advantageous for cordless blinds that include a user-actuatable component (e.g., a button) positioned along the exterior of the bottom rail that must be properly aligned with a brake or braking mechanism positioned within the interior of the rail. For instance, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the brake may be inserted directly within the interior of the bottom rail and properly positioned relative to the location at which the button will be installed on the rail prior to securing the brake to the rail. As a result, the brake/button may be precisely aligned in a more consistent manner during the assembly process.

Additionally, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the disclosed bottom rail assembly also includes a separate cover configured to be coupled to the bottom rail. In several embodiments, the cover comprises a snap-on component of the bottom rail assembly that is configured to be snapped into position relative to the bottom rail, thereby allowing for quick and efficient assembly of the cover/rail (e.g., as compared to a sliding-based installation). For example, in one embodiment, the cover may include opposed retention elements configured to engage corresponding retention elements defined along opposed sides of an open end of the bottom rail. In such an embodiment, the retention elements of the cover may snap into position relative to the retention elements of the rail as the cover is pressed against the bottom rail or vice versa.

In one embodiment, the bottom rail includes a top wall forming the top side of the rail and first and second sidewalls extending outwardly from the top wall to form the front and rear sides of the rail. In such an embodiment, when assembling the bottom rail assembly, one or more operating system components of the covering may be secured directly to the top wall of the bottom rail such that the component(s) is supported by the top wall within the interior of the bottom rail between its opposed sidewalls. For instance, one or more components of the lift system, such as the brake and lift stations, may be coupled directly to the top wall via suitable mounting structure associated with the top wall (e.g., mounting apertures defined through the top wall). In such an embodiment, the various other lift system components, such as the lift rod and spring motor, may then be installed within the bottom rail relative to the components secured to the top wall.

For example, in one embodiment of the present subject matter, a covering for an architectural structure includes a headrail assembly and a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the headrail assembly via one or more lift cords. The bottom rail assembly includes a bottom rail have a top wall extending along a top side of the bottom rail, and opposed first and second sidewalls extending from the top wall along respective first and second sides of the bottom rail towards a bottom side of the bottom rail. In addition, the bottom rail assembly includes a lift system positioned within an interior of the bottom rail and operable to raise and lower the bottom rail assembly relative to the head rail assembly by adjusting an effective length of the one or more lift cords extending between the headrail and bottom rail assemblies, with the lift system including at least one system component mounted to the top wall of the bottom rail. Moreover, the bottom rail assembly includes a user actuatable component positioned relative to one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall along an exterior of the bottom rail. The user actuatable component is configured to be actuated to control an operation of the lift system.

In one embodiment, the system component comprises a braking mechanism or brake and the user actuatable component comprises a button. In such an embodiment, the button is configured to actuate the brake between a locked position, at which the brake engages a lift rod of the lift system to prevent rotation of the lift rod within the bottom rail, and an unlocked position, at which the brake disengages the lift rod to allow the lift rod to rotationally drive an associated lift station of the lift system.

In embodiments in which the various system components are configured to be coupled to the top wall of the bottom rail, the separate cover of the bottom rail assembly may be configured to be mounted to the bottom side of the rail. For instance, in one embodiment, the bottom rail may have an upside-down "U-shaped" profile defined by the top wall and opposed sidewalls such that an open bottom end is defined along the bottom side of the rail. In such an embodiment, the cover may be configured to be installed along the bottom side of the rail in order to cover the open bottom end, such as by pressing the cover against the bottom end to snap the cover into position relative to the bottom rail.

Moreover, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the disclosed snap-on cover may also be used as the structure to which one or more of the operating system components are mounted. Specifically, as an alternative to mounting the system components directly to the bottom rail, such components may be mounted or pre-assembled onto the cover. The cover and associated components assembled thereon may then be snapped directly onto the bottom rail. Such an assembly method provides a significant improvement over the conventional sliding-based installation process described above.

For example, in one embodiment of the present subject matter, a covering for an architectural structure includes a headrail assembly and a bottom rail assembly supported relative to the headrail assembly via one or more lift cords. The bottom rail assembly includes a bottom rail having a first wall, a second wall, and first and second rail retention elements provided in operative association with the first and second walls, respectively. In addition, the bottom rail assembly includes a separate cover configured to be coupled to the bottom rail such that the bottom rail and the cover at least partially define an interior volume of the bottom rail assembly. The cover includes first and second cover retention members configured to be snapped into position relative to the first and second rail retention elements, respectively, of the bottom rail to secure the cover to the bottom rail. Moreover, the bottom rail assembly includes a lift system comprising at least one system component mounted to one of the bottom rail or the cover such that the at least one system component is supported within the interior volume of the bottom rail assembly by one of the bottom rail or the cover.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, by eliminating the sliding-based installation, the disclosed bottom rail assembly and related assembly methods may be particularly advantageous for use with a "privacy" Venetian blind. Specifically, any issues associated with the front and rear lift cords catching on the bottom rail as the rail is slid past/across the lift cords and the components of a conventional filler strip assembly can be avoided completely. Rather, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the front and rear lift cords can be routed directly though the component of the bottom rail assembly to which the lift system components have been mounted (e.g., the top wall of the bottom rail or the cover depending on the configuration/orientation of the bottom rail assembly). Moreover, in doing so, the locations at which the lift cords are routed through bottom rail assembly may be selected so as to provide for optimal operation of the related covering, such as by ensuring that the entry locations or apertures for the lift cords along the bottom rail assembly are properly spaced so that the cords extend substantially vertically along the front and rear sides of the covering. For instance, in one embodiment, each pair of entry locations or apertures for the front and rear lift cords may be spaced apart from each other as far as possible across the bottom rail to allow for desired routing of the lift cords from the outer edges of the slats into the bottom rail.

As indicated above, the present subject matter is also directed to methods for assembling a covering for an architectural structure. In one embodiment, the method includes inserting at least one system component of a lift system of the covering between first and second sidewalls of a bottom rail of the covering and into an interior of the bottom rail. In addition, the method includes securing the system component(s) to a top wall of the bottom rail such that the system component(s) is supported between the first and second sidewalls of the bottom rail via the top wall. Moreover, the method includes installing a user actuatable component relative to one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall along an exterior of the bottom rail, wherein the user actuatable component is configured to be actuated to control an operation of the lift system.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, differing views of one embodiment of a covering <NUM> for an architectural structure (not shown) are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the covering <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view of a bottom rail assembly of the covering <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In general, the covering <NUM> may be configured to be installed relative to a window, door, or any other suitable architectural structure as may be desired. In one embodiment, the covering <NUM> may be configured to be mounted relative to an architectural structure to allow the covering <NUM> to be suspended or supported relative to the architectural structure. It should be understood that the covering <NUM> is not limited in its particular use as a window or door shade, and may be used in any application as a covering, partition, shade, and/or the like, relative to and/or within any type of architectural structure.

In several embodiments, the covering <NUM> may be configured as a cordless Venetian-blind-type extendable/retractable covering. For example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the covering <NUM> includes a headrail assembly <NUM>, a bottom rail assembly <NUM>, and one or more covering elements <NUM> extending between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly<NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the headrail assembly <NUM> generally includes a headrail <NUM> and one or more operating system components configured to be positioned within the headrail <NUM> (e.g., one or more tilt system components). Similarly, as shown in <FIG>, the bottom rail assembly <NUM> generally includes a bottom rail <NUM> and one or more operating system components configured to be positioned within the bottom rail <NUM> (e.g., one or more lift system components). As will be described below, in several embodiments of the present subject matter, one or more of the operating system components provided in operative association with the bottom rail <NUM> may be configured to be directly mounted or coupled to a portion of the bottom rail <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the covering element(s) <NUM> comprises a plurality of horizontally disposed parallel slats <NUM> configured to be supported between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly<NUM> via one or more cord ladders <NUM>. As is generally understood, the slats <NUM> may be rotatable or tiltable about their longitudinal axes by manipulating the cord ladders <NUM> to allow the slats <NUM> to be tilted between a horizontal or open position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) for permitting light to pass between the slats <NUM>, and a closed position (not shown), wherein the slats <NUM> are substantially vertically oriented in an overlapping manner to occlude or block the passage of light between the slats <NUM> and through the covering <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the cord ladders <NUM> may be manipulated to allow for the slats <NUM> to be tilted between their open and closed positions using, for example, a suitable tilt wand <NUM> or any other suitable control device forming part of a tilt system <NUM> provided in operative association with the covering <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, one or more components of the tilt system <NUM> are positioned within the headrail <NUM> and form part of the head rail assembly <NUM>, such as a tilt station <NUM> provided in operative association with each cord ladder <NUM>, and a tilt rod <NUM> operatively associating the tilt wand <NUM> with the tilt stations <NUM>. In such an embodiment, as the tilt wand <NUM> is manipulated by the user (e.g., by rotating the tilt wand <NUM> relative to the headrail <NUM>), the tilt rod <NUM> may be rotated to rotationally drive the tilt stations <NUM>, thereby allowing a front ladder run <NUM> (<FIG>) or a rear ladder run <NUM> (<FIG>) of each cord ladder <NUM> to be raised or lowered relative to the other to adjust the tilt angle of the slats <NUM>. It should be appreciated that each tilt station <NUM> may generally have any suitable configuration, including any conventional tilt station configuration and/or any other suitable configuration that allows the tilt stations <NUM> to function as described herein.

It should also be appreciated that, although the covering <NUM> is shown in the illustrated embodiment as including slats <NUM>, the covering <NUM> may instead including any other suitable covering element(s) configured to extend between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly <NUM>.

Moreover, the covering <NUM> may also include one or more lift cords (separate from the cord ladders <NUM>) for moving the covering <NUM> between a lowered or extended position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) and a raised or retracted position (not shown). In several embodiments, the covering <NUM> may be configured as a "privacy" Venetian blind and, thus, may include one or more pairs of front and rear lift cords extending between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the covering <NUM> includes two pairs of front and rear lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> extending between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly <NUM>. Each lift cord pair in <FIG> includes a front lift cord <NUM> extending along a front side <NUM> of the covering <NUM>, and a rear lift cord <NUM> extending along a rear side <NUM> of the covering <NUM>. Specifically, each front lift cord <NUM> may be configured to extend between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly <NUM> along a front edge <NUM> of each slat <NUM>, while each rear lift cord <NUM> may be configured to extend between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly <NUM> along an opposed rear edge <NUM> of each slat <NUM>. In one embodiment, the front side <NUM> of the covering <NUM> may generally be defined by a vertical plane in which the front edges <NUM> of the slats <NUM> lie and which extends between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly <NUM>. Similarly, in one embodiment, the rear side <NUM> of the covering <NUM> may generally be defined by a vertical plane in which the rear edges <NUM> of the slats <NUM> lie and which extends between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the covering <NUM> may only include a front lift cord <NUM> or a rear lift cord <NUM> at the locations of the lift cord pairs shown in <FIG>. For example, in one embodiment, the covering <NUM> may include a front lift cord <NUM> extending between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly <NUM> along the front edge <NUM> of each slat <NUM> at the location of one of the cord ladders <NUM> and a rear lift cord <NUM> extending between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly <NUM> along the rear edge <NUM> of each slat <NUM> at the location of the other cord ladder <NUM>. It should also be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the covering <NUM> may be configured as a non-privacy-type Venetian blind, with one or more lift cords extending between the headrail assembly <NUM> and the bottom rail assembly <NUM> through route holes defined in the slats <NUM>.

In several embodiments, each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to be provided in operative association with one or more components of a lift system <NUM> of the covering <NUM>, with such lift system components configured to be positioned within the bottom rail <NUM> of the bottom rail assembly <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the lift system <NUM> includes a lift station <NUM> for each corresponding pair of lift cords <NUM>, <NUM>. In such an embodiment, each pair of lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> may be operatively coupled to its respective lift station <NUM> within the interior of the bottom rail <NUM>. For instance, a bottom end (not shown) of each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to its associated lift station <NUM> while an opposed end (not shown) of each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to the headrail <NUM>.

In one embodiment, each lift station <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> and one or more lift spools for winding and unwinding the respective pairs of lift cords <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, as shown in the view of <FIG> in which an upper housing component 64A of the housing <NUM> of one of the lift stations <NUM> has been exploded away from an associated lower housing component 64B of the housing <NUM>, each lift station <NUM> includes a pair of lift spools (e.g., a first or front lift spool <NUM> and a second or rear lift spool <NUM>) for winding and unwinding the respective lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> of each pair of lift cords. Thus, as the bottom rail assembly <NUM> is raised relative to the headrail assembly <NUM>, each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> may be wound around its respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM>. Similarly, as the bottom rail assembly <NUM> is lowered relative to the headrail assembly <NUM>, each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> may be unwound from its respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, an effective length of each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., the length of each cord <NUM>, <NUM> extending directly between the bottom rail assembly <NUM> and the headrail assembly <NUM>) may generally vary as the bottom rail assembly <NUM> is raised and lowered relative to the headrail assembly <NUM>. Specifically, the effective length of each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> decreases as the bottom rail assembly <NUM> is raised towards the headrail assembly <NUM> and increases as the bottom rail <NUM> is lowered away from the headrail assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lift system <NUM> of the covering <NUM> also includes a lift rod <NUM> operatively coupled to the lift stations <NUM> and a spring motor <NUM> operatively coupled to the lift rod <NUM>, with the lift rod <NUM> and the spring motor <NUM> configured to be positioned within the interior of the bottom rail <NUM>. As is generally understood, the spring motor <NUM> may be configured to store energy as the bottom rail assembly <NUM> is lowered relative to the headrail assembly <NUM> and release such energy when the bottom rail assembly <NUM> is being raised relative to the headrail assembly <NUM> to assist in moving the covering <NUM> to its retracted or raised position. For instance, as the bottom rail assembly <NUM> is being raised relative to the headrail assembly <NUM>, the spring motor <NUM> may transfer a driving torque to the lift rod <NUM> for rotationally driving the lift stations <NUM> in a manner that causes each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> to be wound around its respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM> of the associated lift station <NUM>. Specifically, as the lift rod <NUM> rotates in one direction about its axis of rotation, each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> may wind around its respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM> to retract the covering <NUM>. Similarly, as the lift rod <NUM> rotates in the opposite direction, each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> may unwind from its respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM> to extend the covering <NUM>.

Additionally, in several embodiments, the lift system <NUM> may include a brake <NUM> provided within the bottom rail <NUM>. In general, the brake <NUM> may be operatively coupled to the lift rod <NUM> in a manner that allows the brake <NUM> to selectively engage the lift rod <NUM>. Specifically, in several embodiments, the brake <NUM> may be configured to be actuated between a locked or engaged position, at which the brake <NUM> engages the lift rod <NUM> so as to prevent rotation of the lift rod <NUM>, and an unlocked or disengaged position, at which the brake <NUM> disengages the lift rod <NUM> to allow rotation of the lift rod <NUM> (and, thus, allow the rod <NUM> to rotationally drive the lift stations <NUM> via the driving torque provided by the spring motor <NUM>). As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, to actuate the brake <NUM>, an operator or user-actuatable component is positioned along the exterior of the bottom rail <NUM>. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the user-actuatable component comprises an actuator button <NUM> configured to be supported relative to the bottom rail <NUM> along its exterior (e.g., via an optional button housing <NUM> associated with the button <NUM>). For example, as shown in <FIG>, the button housing <NUM> may be configured to be inserted through a button opening <NUM> defined through the bottom rail <NUM> and subsequently coupled to a portion of the brake (e.g., via fasteners <NUM> inserted through the housing <NUM> and into corresponding fastener openings <NUM> defined in the brake <NUM> along its front face), with the button <NUM> being supported within the button housing <NUM> along the exterior of the bottom rail <NUM>. Alternatively, the button <NUM> may be configured to be installed relative to the bottom opening <NUM> without use of the associated button housing <NUM>. In one embodiment, when the actuator button <NUM> is depressed by the user, the brake <NUM> may be actuated to its unlocked or disengaged position so as to release or disengage from the lift rod <NUM>, thereby allowing the lift rod <NUM> to be rotated in a manner that permits the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> to be wound around or unwound from their respective lift spools as the bottom rail assembly <NUM> is lowered or raised, respectively, relative to the headrail assembly <NUM>. Similarly, when the actuator button <NUM> is released by the user, the brake <NUM> may move back to its locked or engaged position (e.g., via operation of a biasing spring or other mechanism) so as to engage the lift rod <NUM>, thereby preventing rotation of the lift rod <NUM> and, thus, maintaining the position of the bottom rail assembly <NUM> relative to the headrail assembly <NUM>. Embodiments of exemplary brake/button arrangements are described, for example, in <CIT>) and <CIT>). It should be appreciated that, in embodiments including the button housing <NUM>, the housing <NUM> may have any suitable configuration that allows the button <NUM> to be supported relative to the bottom rail <NUM> along the exterior of the rail <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the button housing <NUM> may be configured as a handle mounted along the exterior of the of the bottom rail <NUM>, with the button <NUM> being supported by the handle relative to the rail <NUM>.

As particularly shown in <FIG>, the bottom rail <NUM> of the bottom rail assembly <NUM> includes a first lateral end <NUM> and a second lateral end <NUM> and extends longitudinally in a lateral direction of the covering <NUM> (indicated by arrow L in <FIG> and <FIG>) between the first and second lateral ends <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom rail <NUM> defines an upside-down "U-shaped" profile and includes both a top wall <NUM> and an opposed open bottom end <NUM> extending in the lateral direction L between the first and second lateral ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>. The top wall <NUM> may generally be configured to define a top side <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> that generally faces in the direction of the opposed headrail assembly <NUM> of the covering <NUM>. Similarly, the bottom end <NUM> is generally defined along a bottom or lower side <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> that is configured to face away from the headrail assembly <NUM>. Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the bottom rail <NUM> includes opposed first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> spaced apart from each other in a depthwise direction of the covering <NUM> (indicated by arrow D in <FIG> and <FIG>) and extending directly between the top wall <NUM> and the bottom end <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>. Specifically, the first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to extend in a heightwise direction of the covering <NUM> (indicated by arrow H in <FIG> and <FIG>) between the top and bottom sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> so as to define opposed front and rear sides <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) of the bottom rail <NUM>. For instance, in one embodiment, the first sidewall <NUM> may be configured to define the front side <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> and, thus, may generally extend in the heightwise direction H along the front side <NUM> (<FIG>) of the covering <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the second sidewall <NUM> may be configured to define the rear side <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> and, thus, may generally extend in the heightwise direction H along the rear side <NUM> (<FIG>) of the covering <NUM>.

As will be described in greater detail below, in several embodiments, one or more of the components of the lift system <NUM> may be configured to be mounted to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> such that each component is suspended or supported within the interior of the bottom rail <NUM> between the opposed sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> via the top wall <NUM>. Specifically, in several embodiments, a plurality of mounting and/or assembly features may be defined in or otherwise provided in operative association with the top wall <NUM> for both mounting the lift system components to the bottom rail <NUM> and for receiving the various cords of the covering <NUM>. Such a configuration allows the lift system components to be assembled relative to one another directly within the bottom rail <NUM>, with the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> passing through the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> and into the respective lift stations <NUM>. Accordingly, the need to separately assemble the lift system components and corresponding lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> relative to a separate filler strip that must then be attached to the bottom rail <NUM> by sliding the rail <NUM> along the length of the filler strip and across the various lift system components and lift cords assembled relative thereto is completely eliminated, thereby greatly simplifying the overall assembly process for the bottom rail assembly <NUM>. It should be appreciated that, when mounting and/or assembly features (e.g., apertures or through-holes) are defined in or otherwise provided in operative association with the top wall <NUM>, a cover strip or slat may be provided to hide such features from view. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, a bottom slat 32A of the covering <NUM> may serve as a cover slat configured to cover any mounting and/or assembly features provided in operative association with the top wall <NUM> (<FIG>) of the bottom rail <NUM>.

In several embodiments, as particularly shown in <FIG>, the bottom rail assembly <NUM> also includes a cover <NUM> configured to be installed along the bottom side <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> to cover the open bottom end <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. Specifically, as will be described in greater detail below, the cover <NUM> may, in one embodiment, be installed relative to the bottom side <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> once the various lift system components have been assembled within the bottom rail <NUM> (e.g., via mounting one or more such components to the top wall <NUM> of the rail <NUM>), thereby enclosing the lift system components within the interior of the rail <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may, in one embodiment, define a length <NUM> between opposed lateral ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the cover <NUM> that is generally equal or substantially equal to the length of the bottom rail <NUM> defined in the lateral direction L between the corresponding lateral ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. As such, the cover <NUM> may extend entirely or substantially entirely between the opposed lateral ends <NUM>, <NUM> along the bottom side <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. Additionally, as will be described below, in one embodiment, the cover <NUM> may be configured as a snap-on component of the bottom rail assembly <NUM>, thereby allowing the cover <NUM> simply to be pressed, pushed or otherwise snapped into engagement with the bottom rail <NUM>. As will be apparent from the disclosure provided herein, such a snap-on cover may further enhance the ease with which the bottom rail assembly <NUM> may be assembled during manufacturing of the disclosed covering <NUM>.

Moreover, the bottom rail assembly <NUM> may, in several embodiments, include a pair of endcaps <NUM>, <NUM> installed on the bottom rail <NUM> at its opposed lateral ends <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, a first endcap <NUM> is configured to be installed at the first lateral end <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> while a second endcap <NUM> is configured to be installed at the second lateral end <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>. The endcaps <NUM>, <NUM> may generally be configured to cover the openings defined at the lateral ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> to prevent dust and other contaminates from being introduced into the interior of the bottom rail <NUM>. In addition, the endcaps <NUM>, <NUM> may help in providing the bottom rail <NUM> with a desired aesthetic appearance.

It should be appreciated that, although the bottom rail assembly <NUM> has been described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> as including a combination of specific components (e.g., the bottom rail <NUM>, the cover <NUM>, the endcaps <NUM>, <NUM>, and the various components of the lift system <NUM>, such as the lift stations <NUM>, the lift rod <NUM>, the spring motor <NUM>, the brake <NUM>, the button <NUM>, and the optional button housing <NUM>), such components should be understood to be independent of and separate from one another and, thus, are shown together for the sake of convenience and without intent to limit the present subject matter to requiring the components to always be present and used together in the combination shown in the illustrated embodiment. For instance, one or more of the components of the bottom rail assembly <NUM> may be removed and/or substitute for a different component, as would be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, it should be appreciated that, although the lift system <NUM> has been described above with reference to <FIG> as including a combination of specific components (e.g., the lift stations <NUM>, the lift rod <NUM>, the spring motor <NUM>, the brake <NUM>, the button <NUM>, and the optional button housing <NUM>), such components should be understood to be independent of and separate from one another and, thus, are shown together for the sake of convenience and without intent to limit the present subject matter to requiring the components to always be present and used together in the combination shown in the illustrated embodiment.

Referring now to <FIG>, differing views of the bottom rail <NUM> of the bottom rail assembly <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the bottom rail <NUM> (with the cover <NUM> installed thereon) while <FIG> illustrates a top view of a portion of the bottom rail <NUM> contained within the dashed circle IV-IV of <FIG>. In addition, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the bottom rail <NUM> with the various lift system components and cords of the disclosed covering <NUM> installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM>.

As indicated above, a plurality of mounting and/or assembly features may be defined in or otherwise provided in operative association with the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> for both mounting the lift system components to the bottom rail <NUM> and receiving the various cords of the covering <NUM>. For example, in several embodiments, suitable mounting structure may be defined in or otherwise provided in association with the top wall <NUM> for mounting or coupling one or more of the lift system components to the bottom rail <NUM>. In one embodiment, the mounting structure corresponds to a plurality of mounting apertures defined through the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, one or more station mounting apertures <NUM> (e.g., a pair of station mounting apertures, such as a first station mounting aperture 126A and a second station mounting aperture 126B) are defined through the top wall <NUM> of the rail <NUM> at the location at which each lift station <NUM> is configured to be installed within the bottom rail <NUM>. In one embodiment, each station mounting aperture 126A, 126B is configured to receive a corresponding mounting feature or component of the lift station <NUM> intended to be coupled to the rail <NUM> at the location of such aperture 126A, 126B. For example, referring back to <FIG>, each lift station includes a pair of mounting projections or hooks (e.g., a first mounting 65A and a second mounting hook 65B) extending outwardly from the housing <NUM> of each lift station <NUM> (e.g., the upper housing component 64A of each housing <NUM>). In such an embodiment, the mounting hooks 65A, 65B may be configured to be inserted through the station mounting apertures 126A, 126B from the interior of the bottom rail <NUM> to allow the hooks 65A, 65B to engage an outer surface <NUM> of the top wall <NUM>. For example, each lift station <NUM> may be configured to be inserted within the interior of the bottom rail <NUM> via the open bottom end <NUM> of the rail <NUM> and pushed towards the top wall <NUM> of the rail <NUM> until the associated mounting hooks 65A, 65B snap into the respective pair of station mounting apertures 126A, 126B or are otherwise engaged with the top wall <NUM> of the rail <NUM> via the station mounting apertures 126A, 126B. As shown in <FIG>, upon installing each lift station <NUM> relative to the bottom rail <NUM>, a portion of each mounting hook 65A, 65B extends outwardly from the top wall <NUM> and engages the outer surface <NUM> of such wall <NUM>. As an alternative, a suitable fastener (e.g., pin) may be inserted through each station mounting aperture 126A, 126B and into engagement with a corresponding feature of the associated lift station <NUM> to allow the lift stations <NUM> to be coupled to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the lift station mounting structure on the bottom rail <NUM> and/or the associated mounting features of the lift stations <NUM> may be configured such that each lift station <NUM> may only be coupled to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> in a specific orientation relative to the rail <NUM>. For example, the station mounting apertures 126A, 126B of the bottom rail <NUM> and/or the mounting hooks 65A, 65B of the lift stations <NUM> may be sized and/or shaped so as to require installation of each lift station <NUM> in the desired orientation relative to the rail <NUM>. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the mounting projections or hooks 65A, 65B of each lift station <NUM> are sized differently, such as by configuring the first mounting hook 65A to be larger than the second mounting hook 65B. In such an embodiment, the first and second station mounting apertures 126A, 126B of the bottom rail <NUM> may be similarly sized to receive the first and second mounting hooks 65A, 65B, respectively. For example, as particularly shown in <FIG>, the first station mounting aperture 126A is sized relative to the second station mounting aperture 126B (e.g., by being larger than the second station mounting aperture 126B) so as to allow the larger first mounting hook 65A to be inserted through the first station mounting aperture 126A. In such an embodiment, the smaller second station mounting aperture 126B may be sized such that the first mounting hook 65A cannot be inserted through such aperture 126B, thereby ensuring that each lift station <NUM> is installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM> in the desired orientation. Such dimensioning of the mounting structure provides a poka-yoke feature for installation of the lift stations <NUM> relative to the rail <NUM> to avoid errors or mis-assembly during the assembly process. It should be appreciated that, in addition to using different sizes for the station mounting apertures 126A, 126B (or as an alternative thereto), the first and second station mounting apertures 126A, 126B may be configured to define different shapes to ensure that each lift station <NUM> is installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM> in the desired orientation, such as by configuring the first station mounting aperture 126A to have a square or rectangular shape while configuring the second station mounting aperture 126B to have a different shape (e.g., a circular or triangular shape or any other differing polygonal shape).

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, one or more brake mounting apertures <NUM> may be defined through the top wall <NUM> for coupling the brake <NUM> of the lift system <NUM> to the bottom rail <NUM>. For instance, in one embodiment, a suitable fastener (e.g., the pin <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) may be inserted through the brake mounting aperture <NUM> and into a corresponding feature of the brake <NUM> (e.g., a mounting flange <NUM> (<FIG>) of the brake <NUM>) to couple the brake <NUM> to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>. As particularly shown in <FIG>, upon installing the brake <NUM> relative to the bottom rail <NUM>, a portion of the pin <NUM> extends outwardly from the top wall <NUM> and engage the outer surface <NUM> of such wall <NUM>. Alternatively, similar to the mounting hooks 65A, 65B of each lift station <NUM>, the brake <NUM> may include a mounting feature configured to be received through the brake mounting aperture <NUM> to allow the brake <NUM> to be coupled to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that, although not shown, suitable mounting structure may also be provided in association with the bottom rail <NUM> to allow the spring motor <NUM> to be mounted to the rail <NUM>. For instance, in one embodiment, one or more suitable motor mounting apertures may be defined through the top wall <NUM> of the rail <NUM> for coupling the spring motor <NUM> to the rail <NUM>.

It should also be appreciated that, although the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> has generally been described above as including mounting apertures <NUM>, <NUM> for coupling the lift system components to the bottom rail <NUM>, the top wall <NUM> may, in alternative embodiments, include or otherwise be associated with any other suitable mounting structure that allows the lift system components to be coupled thereto. For instance, suitable mounting structure may include recesses or other recessed features defined in or coupled to the top wall <NUM>, dimples, projections, or other mounting features extending from the top wall <NUM>, and/or any other suitable mounting structure that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Moreover, in addition to the various mounting apertures <NUM>, <NUM> for coupling the lift system components to the bottom rail <NUM>, the top wall <NUM> may also define a plurality of cord apertures through which the various cords of the covering <NUM> are passed. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, front and rear lift cord apertures <NUM>, <NUM> may be defined through the top wall <NUM> for passing each corresponding pair of front and rear lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> through the top wall <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. In such an embodiment, each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> may, for example, be inserted or routed through its respective lift cord aperture <NUM>, <NUM> prior to being coupled to the appropriate lift spool <NUM>, <NUM> of the lift station <NUM> configured to be mounted to the top wall <NUM> via the adjacent pair of station mounting apertures 126A, 126B. Additionally, as particularly shown in <FIG>, in one embodiment, eyelets <NUM> or other friction-reducing components may be installed within each lift cord aperture <NUM>, <NUM> to prevent wear on the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> due to potential rubbing between the cords <NUM>, <NUM> and the bottom rail <NUM>.

As particularly shown in the top view of <FIG>, the front and rear lift cord apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from each other along the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> by a given depthwise distance <NUM> in the depthwise direction D of the covering <NUM>. In several embodiments, the depthwise distance <NUM> may be selected so as to be equal or substantially equal to a depthwise cord spacing <NUM> (<FIG>) defined between the front and rear cords <NUM>, <NUM> when the slats <NUM> are tilted to their fully opened position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In such embodiments, the front and rear lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> may be routed through the top wall <NUM> with the same or similar depthwise spacing as that defined between the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> as the cords <NUM>, <NUM> extend along the fully opened slats <NUM>. As a result, the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> may extend substantially vertically along the front and rear sides <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) of the covering <NUM> between the headrail <NUM> and the bottom rail <NUM> with the slats <NUM> at the opened position, which may reduce the tension within the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> (particularly within the portions of the cords <NUM>, <NUM> extending between the top wall <NUM> of the rail <NUM> and the tilt stations <NUM>). However, in other embodiments, the depthwise distance <NUM> defined between the front and rear lift cord apertures <NUM>, <NUM> may be less than or greater than the depthwise cord spacing <NUM> defined between the front and rear cords <NUM>, <NUM> when the slats <NUM> are tilted to their fully opened position. It should also be appreciated that the maximum depthwise distance <NUM> defined between the front and rear lift cord apertures <NUM>, <NUM> will be limited by the overall depth of the bottom rail <NUM>. For instance, in one embodiment, the depth or width of the bottom rail <NUM> may be equal or substantially equal to the width of the slats <NUM> defined between their front and rear edges <NUM>, <NUM>. In such an embodiment, it may be desirable to space the front and rear lift cord apertures <NUM>, <NUM> as far apart as possible along the width/depth of the bottom rail <NUM> to allow the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> to maintain a substantially vertical orientation as they are routed through the bottom rail <NUM>.

Additionally, cord ladder apertures <NUM> may be defined through the top wall <NUM> for receiving the front and rear runs <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) of each cord ladder <NUM>. For example, as particularly shown in <FIG>, in one embodiment, each cord ladder aperture <NUM> is configured as an elongated opening including an enlarged central region <NUM> and front and rear narrowed regions <NUM>, <NUM> extending outwardly from the central region <NUM> in the depthwise direction D of the covering <NUM>. In such an embodiment, when the ends of the front and rear runs <NUM>, <NUM> of each cord ladder <NUM> are knotted, grommeted, or otherwise enlarged, the enlarged ends of the ladder runs <NUM>, <NUM> may be inserted through the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> via the central region <NUM> of the associated cord ladder aperture <NUM>. As particularly shown in <FIG>, the front and rear ladder runs <NUM>, <NUM> may then be moved from the central region <NUM> into the front and rear narrowed regions <NUM>, <NUM> of the aperture <NUM>, respectively, such that the enlarged ends of the ladder runs <NUM>, <NUM> engage the inner surface of the top wall <NUM> along such narrowed regions <NUM>, <NUM>, thereby securing the cord ladder <NUM> to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>. For example, the narrowed regions <NUM>, <NUM> may be sized such that the enlarged ends of the ladder runs <NUM>, <NUM> cannot pass through such regions <NUM>, <NUM>.

As indicated above with reference to <FIG>, the bottom rail <NUM> may also define a button opening <NUM> for installing the actuator button <NUM> and associated button housing <NUM> relative to the bottom rail <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the button opening <NUM> is defined through the first sidewall <NUM> along the front side <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> at or adjacent to the location at which the brake <NUM> is configured to be coupled to the top wall <NUM> of the rail <NUM> (e.g., via the associated brake mounting aperture <NUM>). Specifically, as will be described below in relation to the related assembly method, the lateral positioning of the brake <NUM> may be selected such that, when the brake <NUM> is properly installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM>, the portion of the brake <NUM> configured to be secured to the button/housing <NUM>, <NUM> is aligned with the button opening <NUM> in both the lateral direction L and the heightwise direction H of the covering <NUM>, thereby allowing the button/housing <NUM>, <NUM> to be at least partially inserted through the opening <NUM> and subsequently coupled to the brake <NUM> (e.g., via the fasteners <NUM> (<FIG>) and associated fastener openings <NUM> (<FIG>) of the brake <NUM>) without requiring any significant additional adjustment of the relative positioning of such components. Additionally, in several embodiments, the button/housing <NUM>, <NUM> may be installed within and/or relative to the button opening <NUM> such that the button <NUM> extends outwardly from the first sidewall <NUM> and is accessible along the exterior of the bottom rail <NUM>, thereby allowing the user to push or press the button <NUM> inwardly relative to the bottom rail <NUM> to actuate or move the brake <NUM> from its locked/engaged position to its unlocked/disengaged position. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, when installed along the front side <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>, a portion of the button housing <NUM> (e.g., a mounting flange <NUM> of the housing <NUM>) may engage or contact the first sidewall <NUM> around the perimeter of the button opening <NUM>, with the button <NUM> extending outwardly from the housing <NUM> along the exterior of the bottom rail <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the button <NUM> may be slidably or movably disposed within the housing <NUM> to allow the button <NUM> to be pushed inwardly (e.g., inwardly through the button opening <NUM>) to actuate the brake <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, exploded and assembled side views, respectively, of the bottom rail <NUM> and the covering <NUM> of the bottom rail assembly <NUM> described above are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As indicated above, in several embodiments, the cover <NUM> may be configured to be installed along the bottom side <NUM> of the rail <NUM> such that the open bottom end <NUM> of the rail <NUM> is covered, thereby enclosing the interior of the rail <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may be configured to extend to between the first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the bottom rail in the depthwise direction D along the bottom side <NUM> of the rail <NUM> such that the bottom rail <NUM> and cover <NUM> at least partially define an interior volume <NUM> of the bottom rail assembly <NUM>.

In general, the bottom rail <NUM> and the cover <NUM> may have any suitable configuration that allows the cover <NUM> to be coupled to the rail <NUM>. However, as indicated above, in several embodiments, the cover <NUM> is configured to be snapped onto the bottom rail <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> includes a base wall <NUM> extending in the depthwise direction D between front and rear edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and in the lengthwise direction L between the opposed lateral ends <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) of the cover <NUM>. Additionally, the cover <NUM> may include mounting or retention elements extending outwardly from the base cover wall <NUM> that are configured to be snapped into engagement with corresponding retention elements of the bottom rail <NUM>, thereby allowing the cover <NUM> to be quickly and easily coupled to the bottom rail <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> includes opposed, hooked retention walls <NUM> extending outwardly from the base wall <NUM> such that an outwardly facing retention slot <NUM> is defined between each retention wall <NUM> and the base wall <NUM> adjacent to the front and rear edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the bottom rail <NUM> may be provided with complementary retention elements along its open bottom end <NUM> that are configured to be received within the opposed retention slots <NUM> when the hooked retention walls <NUM> are snapped over and/or behind such elements. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom rail <NUM> includes opposed retention flanges <NUM> extending inwardly from the first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the rail <NUM> along the rail's bottom side <NUM>. As particularly shown in <FIG>, a depthwise distance <NUM> defined between the inner edges of the retention flanges <NUM> along the bottom side <NUM> of the rail <NUM> may be slightly smaller than a corresponding depthwise distance <NUM> defined between the outer edges of the hooked retention walls <NUM>. As a result, when the cover <NUM> is pressed onto the bottom end <NUM> of the rail <NUM> (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>), the hooked retention walls <NUM> (and/or the cover <NUM>, in general) may flex slightly inward relative to the front and rear sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> until the retention walls <NUM> clear the retention flanges <NUM>, at which point the hooked walls <NUM> may snap over and/or behind the flanges <NUM> to trap the flanges <NUM> within the retention slots <NUM> defined along the opposed front and rear edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. As particularly shown in <FIG>, upon installation of the cover <NUM> onto the bottom rail <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may, in one embodiment, be seated flush with the bottom end <NUM> of the rail <NUM> such that the rail/cover assembly generally defines a planar profile along the bottom side <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. As an alternative to pressing the cover <NUM> onto the bottom end <NUM> of the rail <NUM> in the installation direction <NUM> shown in <FIG> such that both of the hooked retention walls are pressed against the retention flanges <NUM> at the same time or substantially the same time, a more pivot-type assembly method may be utilized. For instance, the cover <NUM> may be initially tilted relative to the bottom end <NUM> of the rail <NUM> to allow one of the hooked retention walls <NUM> to be installed relative to its respective retention flange <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the opposed edge <NUM>, <NUM> cover <NUM> may then be pivoted towards the bottom end <NUM> of the rail <NUM> to allow the hooked retention walls <NUM> positioned at such opposed edge to be snapped into engagement with its respective retention flange <NUM>.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that, as an alternative snapping the cover <NUM> onto the bottom rail <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may, instead, be slid onto the bottom rail <NUM> along the lateral direction L of the covering <NUM>. For instance, cover <NUM> may be aligned end-to-end with the bottom rail <NUM> such that the retention flanges <NUM> are received within the corresponding retention slots <NUM> at the adjacent lateral ends of the cover/rail. The cover <NUM> may then be slid along the length of the rail <NUM> in the lateral direction L until the cover <NUM> is fully installed onto the rail <NUM>.

However, as indicated above, it should be appreciated that, while the disclosed cover configuration allows for a sliding-based installation, numerous advantages may be achieving using the above-described snap-based installation. Specifically, by configuring the cover <NUM> as a snap-on component, the cover <NUM> may be assembled onto the bottom rail <NUM> more efficiently and with greater ease than requiring the cover <NUM> to be slid onto the rail <NUM> along its entire length. In addition, the ability to snap the cover <NUM> onto the bottom rail <NUM> may greatly reduce the amount of work space required to assemble such components. For example, when sliding the cover <NUM> onto the bottom rail <NUM> in the lateral direction L, a work space is required that has an accessible working distance equal to at least twice the length of the bottom rail <NUM> in order to align the cover/rail end-to-end, which can be quite a significant distance when assembling longer or wider coverings. In contrast, the cover <NUM> can be snapped onto the bottom rail <NUM> within a work space having an accessible working distance that is simply equal to the length of the bottom rail <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, as indicated above, the bottom rail <NUM> may, in several embodiments, have an upside-down "U-shaped" profile defined by the top wall <NUM> and opposed sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. In such embodiments, the bottom rail <NUM> may comprise a single unitary component, with the top wall <NUM>, the first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, and the associated retention flanges <NUM> being formed integrally with one another. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, front and rear upper corners <NUM>, <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> may be defined at the intersections between the top wall <NUM> and the first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, that correspond to bends formed in the overall body of the bottom rail <NUM> to create the desired rail profile between the top side <NUM> and opposed front and rear sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. Similarly, as shown in <FIG>, front and rear lower corners <NUM>, <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> may be defined at the intersections between the first and second sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective retention flanges <NUM> extending therefrom that correspond to additional bends formed in the overall body of the bottom rail <NUM> to create the desired profile between the bottom side <NUM> and opposed front and rear sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the rail <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a sequence of views illustrating one example of a method for assembling various components of the disclosed covering <NUM> relative to the bottom rail <NUM> are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. For purposes of discussion, the various components configured to be assembled relative to the bottom rail <NUM> will generally be described herein with reference to <FIG> as being installed in a particular order or sequence. However, one of ordinary skill in the art should readily appreciate that such components may be assembled relative to the bottom rail <NUM> in any other suitable order or sequence consistent with the disclosure provided herein.

As particularly shown in <FIG>, in one embodiment, the various cords of the covering <NUM> may be initially installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM>. For example, the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> may be routed through the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> via the various lift cord apertures <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, each front lift cord <NUM> may be routed through its respective front lift cord aperture <NUM> while each rear lift cord <NUM> may be routed through its respective rear lift cord aperture <NUM>. Additionally, it should be appreciated that, when eyelets <NUM> (<FIG>) or other friction-reducing components are configured to be installed within the lift cord apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, such components may be installed within each aperture <NUM>, <NUM> prior to routing the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> therethrough.

Additionally, each of the cord ladders <NUM> may be coupled to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> via the associated cord ladder apertures <NUM>. As indicated above with reference to <FIG>, in several embodiments, the bottom ends of the front and rear ladder runs <NUM>, <NUM> may be grommeted, knotted, and/or otherwise enlarged. For example, as shown in <FIG>, grommets <NUM> have been installed at the bottom ends of the front and rear ladder runs <NUM>, <NUM> of each cord ladder <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the grommeted ends <NUM> of the front and rear ladder runs <NUM>, <NUM> may be initially installed through the central region <NUM> (<FIG>) of each cord ladder aperture <NUM> prior to sliding the front and rear ladder runs <NUM>, <NUM> outwardly along the front and rear narrowed regions <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>), respectively, of each cord ladder aperture <NUM> to complete the assembly of the cord ladders <NUM> relative to the bottom rail <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, following the routing of the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> through the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> (e.g., via the lift cord apertures <NUM>, <NUM>), each pair of front and rear lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to the corresponding lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> of its respective lift station <NUM>. For example, the end of each front lift cord <NUM> may be coupled to the front lift spool <NUM> of its respective lift station <NUM> while the end of each rear lift cord <NUM> may be coupled to the rear lift spool <NUM> of its respective lift station <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the ends of the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to their respective lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> using any suitable attachment methodology, such as by tying each end to a corresponding feature of the respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM> or by knotting each end and subsequently coupling the knotted end to a corresponding feature of the respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition to coupling the ends of the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> to their respective lift spools <NUM>, <NUM>, each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> may also be wrapped around its respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM> one or more times to create one or more cord wraps <NUM> (<FIG>) around each lift spool <NUM>, <NUM>. Once the ends of the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> have been coupled to the respective lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> (and/or once each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> has been at least partially wrapped around its respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM>), the housing <NUM> of each lift station <NUM> may be assembled around the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM>, such as by coupling the upper housing component 64A of each lift station <NUM> to the lower housing component 64B of each lift station <NUM> such that the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> are encased between the upper and lower housing components 64A, 64B.

Additionally, in one embodiment, one or more temporary locking features may be configured to be installed relative to each lift station <NUM> to prevent rotation of the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> during the assembly process, particularly following installation of each lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> relative to its respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, a pair of spool clips (e.g., a first spool clip <NUM> and a second spool clip <NUM>) may be installed relative to each lift station <NUM>. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a first spool clip <NUM> is configured to be installed relative to each lift station <NUM> to rotationally fix or lock the first lift spool <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> while a second spool clip <NUM> is configured to be installed relative to each lift station <NUM> to rotationally fix or lock the second lift spool <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>. By preventing rotation of the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, the spool clips <NUM>, <NUM> may function to inhibit the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> from unwrapping from or further wrapping around the spools <NUM>, <NUM> as the associated lift station <NUM> is being installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM>. For instance, in one embodiment, the spool clips <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to be installed relative to each lift station <NUM> after the lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> have been wrapped around their respective spools <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., prior to or following assembly of the housing <NUM> around the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM>). Additionally, by fixing the circumferential orientation of both of the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the adjacent housing <NUM>, the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> may be maintained at the proper orientation for inserting the lift rod <NUM> through the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> when using a keyed connection between the lift rod <NUM> and the spools <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, the lift rod <NUM> may define a groove (e.g., a "V-shaped" groove) that is configured to be circumferentially aligned with a corresponding projection (e.g., a "V-shaped" projection) extending within the rod opening defined by each lift spool <NUM>, <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the spool clips <NUM>, <NUM> may be installed relative to the lift station <NUM> once the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> have been properly oriented within the housing <NUM> (e.g., by orienting both lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> at the same circumferential orientation within the housing <NUM>), thereby allowing the proper spool orientation to be maintained until the lift rod <NUM> can be installed relative to the lift station <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a partially exploded, bottom perspective view of one of the lift stations <NUM> shown in <FIG>, with the lower housing component 64B of the housing <NUM> and the spool clips <NUM>, <NUM> being exploded away from the remainder of the lift station <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each spool clip <NUM>, <NUM> includes a clip body <NUM> configured to be installed around the exterior of the station housing <NUM>. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the clip body <NUM> defines a semi-circular or arcuate profile to allow the body <NUM> to be snapped or otherwise clipped onto the housing <NUM> around its outer perimeter. In such an embodiment, the radius of curvature or inner curved profile of the clip body <NUM> may, for example, be slightly smaller than the corresponding radius of curvature or outer curved profile of the housing <NUM> such that the clip body <NUM> flexes slightly outwardly as the spool clip <NUM>, <NUM> is installed around the outer perimeter of the housing <NUM>, thereby allowing the clip <NUM>, <NUM> to be secured to the housing <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, each spool clip <NUM>, <NUM> includes a locking tab <NUM> extending inwardly from the clip body <NUM> that is configured to extend through the housing <NUM> and engage a portion of the respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM> when the spool clip <NUM>, <NUM> is installed relative to the lift station <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, with the clip body <NUM>, <NUM> installed along the outer perimeter of the housing <NUM>, the locking tab <NUM> may extend through an opening <NUM> defined through the housing <NUM> (e.g., through the lower housing component 64B) and into a corresponding locking feature of the adjacent lift spool <NUM>, <NUM>, such as a slot or recess configured to receive the locking tab <NUM>. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking tab <NUM> of each spool clip <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to be inserted into a cord slot <NUM> of each respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM> that is also used to couple the corresponding lift cord <NUM>, <NUM> to the lift spool <NUM>, <NUM> via a captured knot. Regardless, by configuring the locking tab <NUM> to extend through the housing <NUM> and into a corresponding locking feature <NUM> of the adjacent lift spool <NUM>, <NUM>, each spool clip <NUM>, <NUM> may be used to rotationally fix its respective lift spool <NUM>, <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, thereby preventing relative rotation of the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> upon installation of the spool clips <NUM>, <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that, in one embodiment, each spool clip <NUM>, <NUM> may also include a graspable tab or other feature for holding the spool clip <NUM>, <NUM> during installation and/or removal of the clip <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the lift station <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, each spool clip <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided with a handle <NUM> extending outwardly from the clip body <NUM> to allow the spool clip <NUM>, <NUM> to be grasped during assembly.

Referring back to the embodiment of the assembly process shown in <FIG>, upon installation of the spool clips <NUM>, <NUM>, the lift stations <NUM> may be mounted or otherwise coupled to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>. Specifically, as indicated above, the lift stations <NUM> may be inserted within the interior of the bottom rail <NUM> via the open bottom end <NUM> and pushed towards the top wall <NUM> until the associated mounting hooks 65A, 65B of each lift station <NUM> snap into or otherwise engage the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> via the respective pair of station mounting apertures 126A, 126B (<FIG>). As indicated above, the mounting hooks 65A, 65B and the associated station mounting apertures 126A, 126B may, in one embodiment, be shape, sized, and/or otherwise configured such that each lift station <NUM> can only be installed relative to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM> in a single orientation.

As shown in <FIG>, in addition to the lift stations <NUM>, the brake <NUM> is also configured to be mounted or otherwise coupled to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>. In one embodiment, upon installation of at least one of the lift stations <NUM> and the brake <NUM>, the lift rod <NUM> may be partially installed within the bottom rail <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, a leading end <NUM> of the lift rod <NUM> may be inserted into the interior of the bottom rail <NUM> at one of its lateral ends (e.g., the second lateral end <NUM>) and then through both the adjacent lift station <NUM> installed relative to such lateral end <NUM> and the brake <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lift rod <NUM> may then be inserted through the remaining lift station <NUM>. Additionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, upon inserting the lift rod <NUM> through each lift station <NUM>, the corresponding spool clips <NUM>, <NUM> may be removed therefrom, thereby rotationally disengaging the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> from their associating housing <NUM> such that the spools <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to rotate relative to the housing <NUM> with rotation of the lift rod <NUM>. In doing so, it may be desirable to remove the spool clips <NUM>, <NUM> from the lift station <NUM> through which the lift rod <NUM> is initially inserted only after the lift rod <NUM> has also been inserted through the brake <NUM> and the brake <NUM> has otherwise been installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM> (e.g., similar to the assembly state shown in <FIG>) to allow the brake <NUM> to prevent rotation of the lift rod <NUM> (and, thus, rotation of the lift spools <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the station housing <NUM>) following removal of the spool clips <NUM>, <NUM>.

As indicated above, the brake <NUM> may be configured to be positioned within the interior of the bottom rail <NUM> at or adjacent to the location of the button opening <NUM> defined through the first sidewall <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. In such an embodiment, upon installing the lift rod <NUM> through the brake <NUM>, the brake <NUM> may, for example, be moved axially or laterally along the length of the lift rod <NUM> (e.g., between the two lift stations <NUM>) until the brake <NUM> is properly aligned relative to the button opening <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the brake <NUM> may be positioned relative to the button opening <NUM> such that the fastener openings <NUM> defined in the brake <NUM> for coupling the button/housing <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) to the brake <NUM> are aligned with the button opening <NUM>. A suitable fastener (e.g., the pin <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) may then be inserted through the brake mounting aperture <NUM> and into the corresponding mounting flange <NUM> (<FIG>) of the brake <NUM> to couple the brake <NUM> to the top wall <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>, thereby fixing the lateral positioning of the brake <NUM> within the bottom rail <NUM>. It should be appreciated that, by configuring the bottom rail <NUM> to include mounting elements or features for assembling both the brake <NUM> and the button <NUM> relative to the rail <NUM>, such components may be installed relative to each other in a more accurate and consistent manner during the assembly process.

Additionally, the spring motor <NUM> may be installed within the bottom rail <NUM> and coupled to one of the ends of the lift rod <NUM>. For example, as shown in the sequence of views from <FIG>, the spring motor <NUM> may be inserted through one of the lateral ends of the bottom rail <NUM> (e.g., the first lateral end <NUM>) and onto the adjacent end of the lift rod <NUM>. As is generally understood, it may be necessary to remove an associated motor pin (not shown) of the spring motor <NUM> to unlock or activate the motor <NUM> prior to operation of the associated lift system <NUM>.

The assembly process described above with reference to <FIG> generally provides one example of a method for assembling the various cords and internal lift system components of the covering <NUM> relative to the bottom rail <NUM>. Thereafter, the various external components of the bottom rail assembly <NUM> may be installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> and as described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the button <NUM> and associated button housing <NUM> may be installed relative to the button opening <NUM> defined along the front side <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>. For instance, in one embodiment, the button housing <NUM> may be inserted into the opening <NUM> and subsequently coupled to the brake <NUM> (e.g., by inserting the associated fasteners <NUM> through the housing <NUM> and into the fastener openings <NUM> aligned with the button opening <NUM>). The button <NUM> may then be installed within the button housing <NUM> to complete the button/housing installation relative to the rail <NUM>.

Additionally, the cover <NUM> and associated endcaps <NUM>, <NUM> may be installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM> to cover the open ends of the rail <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG> and as described above with reference to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> may be installed along the bottom side <NUM> of the rail <NUM>, such as by snapping the cover <NUM> onto the bottom end <NUM> of the rail <NUM> or by sliding the cover <NUM> relative to the rail <NUM> along its bottom side <NUM>. In addition, as shown in <FIG> and as described above with reference to <FIG>, the endcaps <NUM>, <NUM> may be installed onto the opposed lateral ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the bottom rail <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, differing views of a bottom rail assembly <NUM>* suitable for use with the disclosed covering <NUM> are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the various components and/or features of the bottom rail assembly <NUM>* shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are configured the same as or similar to the various components and/or features of the bottom rail assembly <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. As such, the components or features of the bottom rail assembly <NUM>* that are the same or similar to corresponding components or features of the bottom rail assembly <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> will be designated by the same reference character with an asterisk (*) added. Additionally, when a given component or feature of the bottom rail assembly <NUM>* is configured to generally perform the same function as the corresponding component or feature of the bottom rail assembly <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>, a less detailed description of such component/feature will be provided with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> for the sake of brevity.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bottom rail assembly <NUM>* generally includes the same components as the bottom rail assembly <NUM> described above, such as a bottom rail <NUM>*, a cover <NUM>*, first and second endcaps <NUM>*, <NUM>*, a button <NUM>* and associatea button housing <NUM>*,and various lift system components lift stations <NUM>*, a lift rod <NUM>*, a spring motor <NUM>*, and a brake <NUM>*). However, the orientation of the bottom rail <NUM>* and cover <NUM>* has been flipped relative to the orientation of such components in the embodiment of the bottom rail assembly <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG><NUM>. Specifically, the orientation of the bottom rail <NUM>* has been flipped such that the rail <NUM>* is open-ended along its top side, with the cover <NUM>* now being configured to be snapped onto the bottom rail <NUM>* along its top side. In such an arrangement , as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, one or more components of the lift system, such as the lift stations <NUM>* and the brake <NUM>*, are configured to be mounted directly to the cover <NUM>* as opposed to the bottom rail <NUM>*.

As shown in <FIG>, the bottom rail <NUM>* extends longitudinally in the lateral direction L between opposed first and second lateral ends <NUM>*, <NUM>*. In addition, in contrast to the upside-down "U-shaped" profile described above, the bottom rail <NUM>* defines a right-side-up "U-shaped" profile and includes both a bottom wall <NUM>* and an opposed open top end <NUM>* extending in the lateral direction L between the first and second lateral ends <NUM>*, <NUM>* of the bottom rail <NUM>*. The open top end <NUM>* may generally be configured to define a top side <NUM>* of the bottom rail <NUM>* while the bottom wall <NUM>* may generally be configured to define a bottom side <NUM>* of the bottom rail <NUM>*. Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, the bottom rail <NUM>* includes opposed first and second sidewalls <NUM>*, <NUM>* spaced apart from each other in the depthwise direction arrow D and extending directly between the bottom wall <NUM>* and the top end <NUM>* of the bottom rail <NUM>* in the heightwise direction H so as to define opposed front and rear sides <NUM>*, <NUM>* of the bottom rail <NUM>*.

Additionally, as indicated above, due to the reversed or flipped orientation of the bottom rail <NUM>* and the cover <NUM>*, one or more of the lift system components are configured to be mounted to the cover <NUM>* as opposed to the bottom rail <NUM>*. In such an arrangement, the cover <NUM>* may be provided with the same or a similar aperture arrangement as that described above with reference to embodiment of the bottom rail <NUM> shown <FIG>. For example, one or more station mounting apertures may be defined in the cover <NUM>* for coupling each lift station <NUM>* thereto. For instance, as particularly shown in <FIG>, the mounting hooks 65A, 65B* of each lift station <NUM>* are configured to be inserted through respective pairs of station mounting apertures 126A*, 126B* defined in the cover <NUM>* to allow the lift stations <NUM>* to be secured to the cover <NUM>*. In addition, one or more brake mounting apertures may be defined in the cover <NUM>* for coupling the brake <NUM>* thereto. For instance, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a brake mounting aperture <NUM>* is defined through the cover <NUM>* for receiving a suitable fastener (e.g., pin <NUM>*) configured to couple the brake <NUM>* to the cover <NUM>*.

Moreover, similar to the aperture arrangement described above with reference to embodiment of the bottom rail <NUM> shown <FIG>, various cord apertures may be defined in the cover <NUM>* for receiving the associated cords of the covering <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, pairs of front and rear lift cord apertures <NUM>*, <NUM>* are defined through the cover <NUM>* for routing the respective pairs of front and rear lift cords <NUM>, <NUM> through the cover <NUM>*. Additionally, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a cord ladder aperture <NUM> is defined in the cover <NUM>* for coupling the each cord ladder <NUM> to the cover <NUM>*.

In one arrangement, following assembly of the various lift system components and associated cords relative to the cover <NUM>*, the cover <NUM>* may then be coupled to the bottom rail <NUM>* along its open top end <NUM>*. Specifically, similar to the embodiment of the rail/cover described above with reference to <FIG>, the cover <NUM>* may be configured to be snapped onto the bottom rail <NUM>* or vice versa. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the cover includes hooked retention walls <NUM>* defining opposed retention slots <NUM>* along each edge of the cover <NUM>*. Similarly, as shown in <FIG>, the bottom rail <NUM>* includes corresponding retention flanges <NUM>* extending inwardly from the opposed sidewalls <NUM>*, <NUM>* of the bottom rail <NUM>* along the rail's top side <NUM>*. In such an arrangement, the cover <NUM>* and bottom rail <NUM>* may be pressed together until the retention walls <NUM>* clear the retention flanges <NUM>*, at which point the hooked walls <NUM>* may snap over and/or behind the flanges <NUM>* to trap the flanges <NUM>* within the retention slots <NUM>* defined along the opposed edges of the cover <NUM>*, thereby securing the cover <NUM>* to the bottom rail <NUM>*.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the various external components of the bottom rail assembly <NUM>* may be configured to be installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM>* in the same manner at that described above with reference to <FIG>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, a button opening <NUM>* is defined through the first sidewall <NUM>* of the bottom rail <NUM>* for installing the button <NUM>* and associated button housing <NUM>* relative to the rail <NUM>*. For example, once the cover <NUM>* has been installed relative to the bottom rail <NUM>*, a portion of the button housing <NUM>* may be inserted through the butting opening <NUM>* and coupled to the brake <NUM>* via the aligned fastener openings <NUM>* (<FIG>). The button <NUM>* may then be installed within the housing <NUM>* along the exterior of the bottom rail <NUM>*. Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, the first and second endcaps <NUM>*, <NUM>* are configured to be installed at the first and second lateral ends <NUM>*, <NUM>*, respectively, of the bottom rail <NUM>*.

Claim 1:
A covering (<NUM>) for an architectural structure, said covering comprising:
a headrail assembly (<NUM>);
a bottom rail assembly (<NUM>) supported relative to said headrail assembly (<NUM>) via one or more lift cords (<NUM>, <NUM>), said bottom rail assembly comprising:
a bottom rail (<NUM>) including a first wall and a second wall, said bottom rail further including first and second rail retention elements provided in operative association with said first and second walls, respectively;
a separate cover (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to the bottom rail (<NUM>) such that said bottom rail and said cover at least partially define an interior volume of said bottom rail assembly (<NUM>), said cover including first and second cover retention members configured to be snapped into position relative to said first and second rail retention elements, respectively, of said bottom rail to secure said cover to said bottom rail;
a lift system (<NUM>) comprising at least one system component mounted to said bottom rail (<NUM>) such that said at least one system component is supported within said interior volume of said bottom rail assembly (<NUM>) by said bottom rail, characterized in that said at least one system component comprising a lift station (<NUM>) including at least one lift spool (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a housing (<NUM>); and said covering further comprising:
at least one spool clip (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to be temporarily installed relative to the lift station (<NUM>) during the installation process to prevent rotation of the lift spool (<NUM>, <NUM>) relative to the housing (<NUM>), the spool clip (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a clip body (<NUM>) configured to be installed around an outer perimeter of the housing and a locking tab (<NUM>) configured to extend through the housing into a corresponding locking feature (<NUM>) of the lift spool.