Patent Description:
Architectural-structure coverings may selectively cover an architectural structure such as, for example, a window, a doorway, a skylight, a hallway, an archway, or a portion of a wall (collectively an architectural structure without the intent to limit). Architectural-structure coverings may include a covering that can be extendable and retractable, for example, vertically extendable or retractable (e.g., able to be lowered or raised, respectively, in a vertical direction) relative to a horizontally-oriented headrail between an extended position and a retracted position for obscuring and exposing the underlying architectural structure.

To move the covering between the extended and retracted positions, some architectural-structure coverings include a rotatable member (e.g., a rod, a shaft, a roller, etc.). In use, rotation of the rotatable member in one direction may extend the covering while rotation of the rotatable member in an opposite direction may retract the covering. The covering of the architectural-structure covering may be gathered or stacked adjacent to, or wrapped around, the rotatable member. For example, some retractable coverings are raised or lowered as lift cords are wrapped about or unwrapped from the rotatable member. The architectural-structure covering may include lift cords which are coupled to the covering and the rotatable member. In use, rotation of the rotatable member in one direction unwraps the lift cords from the rotatable member causing the covering to extend or move in an extended configuration while rotation in an opposite direction causes the lift cords to wrap about the rotatable member causing the covering to retract adjacent to the rotatable member. Alternatively, in various embodiments, the covering may be wrapped around the rotatable member in the retracted position. For example, some retractable coverings include a flexible covering suspended from the rotatable member. The covering can either be wrapped about the rotatable member to retract the covering or unwrapped from the rotatable member to extend the covering. Regardless of the form of the retractable covering, rotation of the rotatable member generally causes movement of the covering of the architectural-structure covering.

To actuate movement of the rotatable member, and thus the covering of the architectural-structure covering, the architecture-structure covering may include a weighted bottom rail. In use, the covering may be extended or retracted by a human operator grasping and moving the bottom rail (e.g., the human operator may pull down on the bottom rail to extend the covering or lift up on the bottom rail to retract the covering). Alternatively, the architectural-structure covering may include an operating element, for example, a cord, a chain, a tilt wand, or the like. In use, the operating element is manipulated by a human operator to move the covering between the extended and retracted positions. Alternatively, and/or in addition, the operating element may be in the form of a motorized system arranged and configured to rotate the rotatable member, and hence extend or retract the covering.

In addition, and/or alternatively, the architectural-structure covering may include one or more spring-assisted lift assemblies arranged and configured to assist with retracting the covering.

In various embodiments, the architectural-structure covering may also include a brake assembly arranged and configured to maintain a position of the covering. For example, during deployment or extension of the covering, upon reaching a desired position, the brake assembly may be utilized to maintain the covering in the desired position (e.g., to prevent further deployment of the covering via gravity and/or unintentional retraction of the covering via, for example, the spring-assisted lift assembly).

Disclosed herein is a brake assembly arranged and configured to be used in an architectural-structure covering. The architectural-structure covering including a rotatable member and a covering movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The brake assembly is arranged and configured to couple to the rotatable member and to permit rotation of the rotatable member in a first direction and to inhibit rotation of the rotatable member in a second or opposite direction relative to the first direction to maintain a desired position of the covering. In one embodiment, the brake assembly includes a housing, a hub, a drum, a wrap spring, and a clutch element. The hub is arranged and configured to be non-rotatably coupled to the rotatable member so that the rotatable member and the hub rotate in unison. The wrap spring is configured to operatively couple the hub and the drum. The clutch element is operatively associated with the drum such that rotation of the drum in the first direction maintains the clutch element in a disengaged state relative to the housing and rotation of the drum in the second or opposite direction causes the clutch element to engage the housing. In use, rotation of the hub in the first direction causes the hub to rotate the wrap spring, which rotates the drum and the clutch element so that the hub, the wrap spring, the drum, and the clutch element rotate in unison. Rotation of the hub in the second or opposite direction causes the hub to rotate the wrap spring, which rotates the drum and the clutch element causing the clutch element to engage the housing, which causes the drum to slip relative to the wrap spring so that rotation between the hub and the drum is no longer transferred.

In one embodiment, the wrap spring includes one or more inwardly projecting tines arranged and configured to be received within an opening formed in the hub.

In one embodiment, rotation of the hub in the first direction causes the wrap spring to expand thereby increasing frictional forces between the wrap spring and the drum. Rotation of the hub in the second or opposite direction causes the wrap spring to constrict thereby decreasing the frictional forces with the drum.

In one embodiment, the hub includes a larger diameter first segment and a smaller diameter second segment, the wrap spring is arranged and configured to be positioned about the larger diameter first segment of the hub.

In one embodiment, the smaller diameter second segment is arranged and configured to extend through the drum, and through the clutch element, and into engagement with the housing to hold the brake assembly together.

In one embodiment, the drum includes a receptacle extending from a first end thereof, the receptacle arranged and configured to receive the larger diameter first segment of the hub and the wrap spring wound thereabout.

In one embodiment, the wrap spring is arranged and configured to operatively contact an inner surface of the receptacle of the drum to transfer rotation between the hub and the drum in the first direction, and is arranged and configured to slip with respect to the inner surface of the receptacle of the drum thereby preventing transfer of rotation between the hub and the drum in the second or opposite direction.

In one embodiment, the drum includes at least one axially extending cam member disposed on a second end thereof, each of the at least one axially extending cam member including a first end and a second end for contacting the clutch element, wherein interaction of the at least one cam member with the clutch element causes the clutch element to engage or disengage the housing depending on the direction of rotation.

In one embodiment, the first end includes a ramped surface and the second end includes a blunt surface.

In one embodiment, the clutch element includes a body and at least one resilient arm arranged and configured to selectively engage the housing, the at least one resilient arm wraps about an outer surface of the body of the clutch element in a radially spaced relationship, the at least one resilient arm in combination with an outer surface of the body of the clutch element defining a gap arranged and configured to receive the first end of the at least one axially extending cam member, and receipt of the first end in the gap biasing the at least one resilient arm into engagement with the housing to prevent rotation of the clutch element.

In one embodiment, the clutch element includes an internal bore arranged and configured to receive a post extending from the housing.

In one embodiment, the body of the clutch element is arranged and configured in a form of a discontinuous circle with the body of the clutch element including a groove formed therein so that the body of the clutch element can expand and contract.

In one embodiment, the at least one resilient arm is a first resilient arm and the clutch element includes a second resilient arm extending in a direction opposite the first resilient arm, wherein the second resilient arm is arranged and configured to contact the second end of the axially extending cam member, and wherein rotational contact of the second end with the second resilient arm causes the body of the clutch element to expand.

In one embodiment, the housing includes a plurality of serrations arranged and configured to engage a free end of the at least one resilient arm.

The drawings are merely representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the disclosure. The drawings are intended to depict example embodiments of the disclosure. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

Furthermore, certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of "slices", or "near-sighted" cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines otherwise visible in a "true" cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity. Furthermore, for clarity, some reference numbers may be omitted in certain drawings.

Embodiments of a brake assembly in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are presented.

As will be described in greater detail below, the brake assembly of the present disclosure may be used in connection with any architectural-structure covering. In use, the brake assembly couples to a rotatable member of the architectural-structure covering. In use, the brake assembly includes a hub arranged and configured to couple to, receive, etc. the rotatable member, which may be in the form of, for example, a shaft, a V-shaft, etc., which is operatively associated with, for example, lifts cords of the architectural-structure covering. In use, rotation of the rotatable member winds or unwinds the lift cords about the rotatable member, which extends or retracts the covering. In use, the brake assembly couples or engages (used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit) with the rotatable member to inhibit further movement of the rotatable member in one direction and thus maintains a desired position of the covering (e.g., the position of the covering in a partially extended position is maintained by the brake assembly against the force of gravity) until a sufficient force is applied to the rotatable member to overcome the force provided by the brake assembly such as, for example, when the human operator desires to extend or retract the covering by pulling down on or lifting up on the bottom rail of the architectural-structure covering.

As will be described in greater detail below, in one example embodiment, the brake assembly is arranged and configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, unwanted extension of the covering due to the force of gravity. As such, the brake assembly is arranged and configured to maintain the desired positioning of the covering against the force of gravity. However, while the present disclosure will be described and illustrated as preventing, or at least inhibiting, unwanted extension of the covering, the brake assembly could also be reversed and used to prevent, or at least inhibit, unwanted retraction of the covering caused by, for example, the spring-assisted lift assemblies positioned in the headrail of the architectural-structure covering. Moreover, multiple brake assemblies may be used in a single architectural-structure covering to prevent, or at least inhibit, unwanted extension and retraction of the covering.

In one embodiment, the brake assembly is arranged and configured so that when the rotatable member is rotated in a first or one direction, the brake assembly is in a first or disengaged state or configuration so that rotation of the rotatable member is permitted and thus the covering may be moved (e.g., retracted). However, when the rotatable member is rotated in a second or opposite direction, the brake assembly is transitioned to a second or engaged state or configuration so that rotation of the rotatable member is inhibited. In the second or engaged state or configuration, the force applied by the brake assembly can be overcome by a sufficient force such as, for example, when the human operator pulls down on the bottom rail to lower or extend the covering. As such, in use, the brake assembly has little to no influence during movement of the covering when the rotatable member is being rotated in a first or one direction such as, for example, when the covering is being retracted. During extension, however, the brake assembly is transitioned to the second or engaged state or configuration, and the force applied by the brake assembly can be overcome by the force of the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the covering. Once the desired position of the covering has been achieved and the force applied by the human operator has been removed, additional or further rotation of the rotatable member via, for example, the force of gravity, is prevented by the brake assembly and thus further rotation of the rotatable member and hence the covering is prevented, or at least inhibited, thereby maintaining the position of the covering. As such, the brake assembly inhibits further retraction of the covering caused by, for example, the force of gravity, however this force can be overcome by a sufficient force provided by, for example, a human operator pulling down, or lifting up, on the bottom rail of the covering.

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, an architecture-structure covering <NUM> may include a rotatable member <NUM>. As illustrated, the rotatable member <NUM> may be in the form of a rod or a shaft. Alternatively, the rotatable member <NUM> may be a roller tube. As previously mentioned, in use, rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> in one direction may extend or deploy the covering while rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> in an opposite direction may retract the covering. For example, the rotatable member <NUM> may be coupled to lift spools <NUM>, which are operatively associated with lift cords (not shown). In use, the lift cords may be coupled to the covering so that rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> in one direction unwinds, unwraps, etc. the lift cords about the rotatable member <NUM> causing the covering to extend, while rotation in an opposite direction causes the lift cords to wind, wrap, etc. about the rotatable member <NUM> causing the covering to retract (e.g., stack adjacent to the headrail).

In one embodiment, as illustrated, the architectural-structure covering <NUM> may include a brake assembly <NUM> in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure. In use, the brake assembly <NUM> may be positioned within the headrail of the architectural-structure covering <NUM> and may be coupled to the rotatable member <NUM> of the architectural-structure covering <NUM>. During use, the brake assembly <NUM> is arranged and configured to enable and/or prevent, or at least inhibit, movement (e.g., rotation) of the rotatable member <NUM>. In one embodiment, in use, the brake assembly <NUM> is arranged and configured to transition between a first or disengaged state or configuration and a second or engaged state or configuration. In the first or disengaged state or configuration, the brake assembly <NUM> allows rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> so that the covering can move (e.g., retract) as desired. In the second or engaged state or configuration, the brake assembly <NUM> inhibits rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> to prevent, or at least inhibit, unwanted or undesired movement (e.g., extension) of the covering (e.g., in the second or engaged state or configuration, the brake assembly <NUM> inhibits unwanted rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> to inhibit unintended extension of the covering due to the influence of gravity or the unintended retraction of the covering due to the influence of, for example, a spring-assisted lift assembly). However, the force applied by the brake assembly <NUM> can be overcome by a sufficient force provided by, for example, a human operator pulling down, or lifting up, on the bottom rail of the covering.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, as shown, in accordance with an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the brake assembly <NUM> includes a hub <NUM>, a wrap spring <NUM>, a drum <NUM>, a clutch element or spider spring <NUM> (terms clutch element and spider spring used interchangeably herein), and a housing <NUM>. In addition, the brake assembly <NUM> may include a rubber grommet and associated grease as needed.

In use, in the illustrated, example embodiment, the hub <NUM> is arranged and configured to be non-rotatably coupled to the rotatable member <NUM> (<FIG>). That is, the hub <NUM> and the rotatable member <NUM> are arranged and configured to rotate in unison. In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the hub <NUM> may include a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, and an internal bore <NUM> passing therethrough (e.g., the internal bore <NUM> passing from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>). Thus arranged, the rotatable member <NUM> may be received within, pass through, etc. the internal bore <NUM> in the hub <NUM>. In addition, the hub <NUM> may be keyed to the rotatable member <NUM> to ensure that the rotatable member <NUM> and the hub <NUM> rotate in unison, although the hub <NUM> may be coupled to the rotatable member <NUM> by alternate mechanisms such as, for example, fasteners, adhesive, press-fit, etc. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the hub <NUM> may include a projection <NUM> (<FIG>) extending into the internal bore <NUM>. The rotatable member <NUM> may include a corresponding groove or slot for receiving the projection <NUM>. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the hub <NUM> may include a larger diameter first segment <NUM> and a smaller diameter second segment <NUM>. In use, the smaller diameter second segment <NUM> is arranged and configured to extend through (e.g., pass through) the various components of the brake assembly <NUM> and into engagement with the housing <NUM> to hold the brake assembly <NUM> together. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the smaller diameter second segment <NUM> may include a plurality of projections, hooks, etc. to snap-fit to the housing <NUM>, although other mechanisms for engaging the hub <NUM> to the housing <NUM> are envisioned.

In addition, the hub <NUM> may be operatively coupled to the wrap spring <NUM>. In use, rotation of the hub <NUM> via the rotatable member <NUM> causes the hub <NUM> to rotate the wrap spring <NUM>. In one embodiment, the wrap spring <NUM> may be arranged and configured to be positioned about the larger diameter first segment <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. In one embodiment, the wrap spring <NUM> may include one or more inwardly projecting tines <NUM>. In use, one of the inwardly projecting tines <NUM> may be received within an opening, a shelf, a groove, etc. <NUM> formed in the hub <NUM> (terms used interchangeably without the intent to limit or distinguish), although the hub <NUM> may be coupled to the wrap spring <NUM> by alternate mechanisms. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the opening <NUM> may be formed in the larger diameter first segment <NUM>. In use, rotation of the hub <NUM> causes the wrap spring <NUM> to wrap and unwrap.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the drum <NUM> may include a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, and an internal bore <NUM> passing therethrough (e.g., the internal bore <NUM> passing from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>). In use, the smaller diameter second segment <NUM> of the hub <NUM> is arranged and configured to pass through the internal bore <NUM> of the drum <NUM> so that the hub <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>.

In addition, the drum <NUM> includes a receptacle <NUM> extending from the first end <NUM> thereof, the receptacle <NUM> being adapted and configured to receive the larger diameter first segment <NUM> of the hub <NUM> and the wrap spring <NUM> wound about the larger diameter first segment <NUM> of the hub <NUM> therein. In use, with the wrap spring <NUM> positioned within the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM>, the wrap spring <NUM> can operatively contact, or come into engagement with, the drum <NUM> to enable and/or disable transfer of rotation between the hub <NUM> and the drum <NUM> depending on the direction of rotation. For example, in use, when rotated in a first or one direction, friction force between the wrap spring <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM> enables transfer of rotation between the hub <NUM> and the drum <NUM>. That is, for example, when rotated in a first direction such as a counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> (i.e., clockwise direction as shown in <FIG>), frictional contact between the wrap spring <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM> enables the hub <NUM>, and hence the rotatable member <NUM>, the wrap spring <NUM>, the drum <NUM>, and the clutch element <NUM> to all rotate in unison so that, for example, the covering can be retracted.

However, in use, when rotated in the second or opposite direction such as a clockwise direction as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> (i.e., counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG>), friction force between the wrap spring <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM> enables initial transfer of rotation between the hub <NUM> and the drum <NUM>. However, as will be described in greater detail below, when rotated in the second or opposite direction, the clutch element <NUM> engages the housing <NUM> so that rotation of the drum <NUM> and the clutch element <NUM> is prevented. As a result, rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> is initially prevented. As such, unwanted extension of the covering due to, for example, the force of gravity, is prevented. But, when a sufficiently large force is applied such as, for example, when the human operator pulls down on the bottom rail of the architectural-structure covering to deploy or extend the covering, the friction force between the wrap spring <NUM> and the drum <NUM> can be overcome and the wrap spring <NUM> can slip with respect to the drum <NUM>, thereby enabling rotation of the wrap spring <NUM> relative to the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM> so that rotation of the hub <NUM>, and hence the rotatable member <NUM>, is allowed. That is, slippage between the wrap spring <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM> enables the wrap spring <NUM>, the hub <NUM>, and the rotatable member <NUM>, and hence the covering, to extend or deploy by, for example, the force of the human operator pulling down on the covering. As will be appreciated, once the human operator stops pulling down on the covering, unwanted extension of the covering due to, for example, the force of gravity, is inhibited and/or prevented by the brake assembly <NUM> (e.g., with the force by the human operator removed, frictional contact between the wrap spring <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM> prevents rotation of the hub <NUM>, and hence the covering, in the second or opposite direction).

In addition, in use, as will be described in greater detail below, in the first or disengaged state or configuration (e.g., with the clutch element <NUM> disengaged from the housing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>), rotation of the hub <NUM> in a first or one direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, clockwise direction as shown in <FIG>) causes the wrap spring <NUM> to unwind about the larger diameter first segment <NUM> of the hub <NUM> so that the wrap spring <NUM> expands to contact the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> (e.g., with the wrap spring <NUM> unwinding, the frictional force between the wrap spring <NUM> and the drum <NUM> is increased). In one embodiment, the frictional force between the wrap spring <NUM> and the drum <NUM> is increased to the point that the wrap spring <NUM> is locked relative to the drum <NUM>. Thus arranged, rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> causes the hub <NUM> to rotate, which further causes the drum <NUM> to rotate (e.g., the rotatable member <NUM>, the hub <NUM>, the wrap spring <NUM>, the drum <NUM>, and the clutch element <NUM> rotate in unison to, for example, raise or retract the covering). However, as will be described in greater detail below, rotation of the hub <NUM> in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise direction as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG>) causes a resilient arm of the clutch element <NUM> to flex outward causing the resilient arm of the clutch element <NUM> to contact the housing <NUM> to thereby prevent rotation of the clutch element <NUM> in the second or opposite direction. As previously mentioned, this prevents, or at least inhibits, extension of the covering due to the force of gravity. However, if a sufficiently large force is applied via, for example, the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the architectural-structure covering, the frictional force between the wrap spring <NUM> and the drum <NUM> can be overcome enabling the human operator to extend or deploy the covering. Moreover, since rotation in the second or opposite direction causes the wrap spring <NUM> to wind about the hub <NUM>, contact between the wrap spring <NUM> and the drum <NUM> is slightly reduced thereby decreasing the frictional force between the wrap spring <NUM> and the drum <NUM> making it easier to overcome the frictional force applied by the brake assembly <NUM> during, for example, extension of the covering by, for example, the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the architectural-structure covering. However, once the force applied by the human operator is removed, the friction force of the wrap spring <NUM> applied against the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM> is sufficient to inhibit unwanted further movement of the covering caused by, for example, gravity.

Referring to <FIG>, in the illustrated, example embodiment, the drum <NUM> includes a pair of axially extending cam members <NUM> disposed on the second end <NUM> of the drum <NUM> opposite to the first end <NUM> that contains the receptacle <NUM> for receiving the hub <NUM>. It is envisioned that more or fewer cam members <NUM> may be incorporated without departing from the disclosure. As shown, the cam members <NUM> include a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> for contacting the clutch element <NUM>, as will be described in greater detail below. The first end <NUM> may include a ramped surface <NUM>. The second end <NUM> may include a blunt end <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail below, during rotation of the drum <NUM>, the cam members <NUM> interact with the clutch element <NUM> to engage or disengage the clutch element <NUM> with respect to the housing <NUM> depending on the direction of rotation.

While the clutch element <NUM> will now be shown and described with a particular configuration, it is envisioned that the clutch element <NUM> may be provided in alternate configurations. Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the clutch element <NUM> may be in the form of a spider spring that includes a body <NUM> and one or more resilient arms <NUM> each having a connected end <NUM> and a free end <NUM>. It is envisioned that the clutch element <NUM> may, in some embodiments, have more or fewer number of resilient arms. The body <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM> and an opposing outer surface <NUM>.

As shown, the resilient arm <NUM> wraps about the outer surface <NUM> in a radially spaced relationship and in a clockwise direction (as shown in <FIG>) to loosely conform to the outer shape of the body <NUM>. It will be understood that the resilient arm <NUM> could alternatively be wrapped in a counterclockwise direction. The resilient arm <NUM> in combination with the outer surface <NUM> defines a gap <NUM> closed at one end by the connected end <NUM> and open at the other, entrance end <NUM>. The free end <NUM> of the resilient arm <NUM> may include an outwardly directed barb <NUM>. When the brake assembly <NUM> is assembled, the inner surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> rotatably bears against a post <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (<FIG>), as will be described in greater detail below.

In one embodiment, as shown, the body <NUM> may be in the form of a discontinuous circle. Thus arranged, the body <NUM> may include a groove or opening <NUM> formed therein. Thus arranged, by incorporating an opening <NUM> in the body <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM>, additional flexibility is introduced into the clutch element <NUM> (e.g., increased flexibility results in a looser fit which allows for a reduced braking force in the free direction). In addition, in one embodiment, the clutch element <NUM> may include a second, smaller resilient arm <NUM> extending from the connected end <NUM> in a direction opposite of the resilient arm <NUM> (e.g., first resilient arm) (e.g., extends in a counterclockwise direction in <FIG>). The second, smaller resilient arm <NUM> can include a bulbous free end <NUM>. In use, contact of the second end <NUM> of the cam member <NUM> with the bulbous free end <NUM> of the second, smaller resilient arm <NUM> causes the body <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> to slightly enlarge and thus facilitate easier rotation of the clutch element <NUM> about the post <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes a recess or receptacle <NUM> arranged and configured to receive the clutch element <NUM>. In addition, the housing <NUM> includes a projection, a post, a boss, etc. <NUM> extending therefrom. In use, the post <NUM> is arranged and configured to receive the body <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM>. An outer circumference of the recess or receptacle <NUM> can include a plurality of projections or serrations <NUM> arranged and configured to selectively engage the free end <NUM> of the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM>. In addition, as illustrated, the housing <NUM> includes an internal bore <NUM> extending through the post <NUM>. Thus arranged, the rotatable member <NUM> may pass completely through the brake assembly <NUM>. In addition, the internal bore <NUM> formed through the post <NUM> is arranged and configured to receive the hub <NUM> (e.g., the smaller diameter second segment <NUM> of the hub <NUM>).

In use, in accordance with the features of the present disclosure, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, during, for example, retraction of the covering, the rotatable member <NUM> is rotated (e.g., counterclockwise rotation as shown in <FIG>, clockwise rotation as shown in <FIG>) via, for example, a human operator lifting up on the bottom rail of the covering. As a result, rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> rotates the hub <NUM>, as previously described. Rotation of the hub <NUM> causes the wrap spring <NUM> to unwind and to rotate the drum <NUM> in the manner previously described. In this arrangement, the second end <NUM> (e.g., blunt end <NUM>) contacts the second, smaller resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> causing (i) the body <NUM> to slightly enlarge and (ii) causing the drum <NUM> to rotate in unison with the rotatable member <NUM>, the hub <NUM>, and the wrap spring <NUM> (e.g., the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> does not engage the serrations <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>). As such, the rotatable member <NUM> is free to rotate with little to no resistance from the brake assembly <NUM> (e.g., the hub <NUM>, the wrap spring <NUM>, the drum <NUM>, and the clutch element <NUM> all rotate in unison).

However, when rotated in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in <FIG>, counterclockwise rotation as shown in <FIG>) to, for example, deploy or extend the covering by, for example, an application of a force by a human operator (e.g., the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail), additional unintended or unwanted deployment or extension of the covering caused by, for example, gravity, may be prevented, or at least inhibited, by the brake assembly <NUM> once the covering has been deployed or extended to a desired position (e.g., once the application of force applied by the human operator is removed). That is, rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise rotation in <FIG>, counterclockwise rotation as shown in <FIG>) rotates the hub <NUM> in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise rotation in <FIG>, counterclockwise rotation as shown in <FIG>), which causes the wrap spring <NUM> to wind about the hub <NUM> so that the wrap spring <NUM> contracts. Initially, rotation of the hub <NUM> is transmitted to the drum <NUM> via the wrap spring <NUM> so that the drum <NUM> begins to rotate in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise rotation in <FIG>, counterclockwise rotation as shown in <FIG>). However, rotation in the second or opposite direction also causes the first end <NUM> (e.g., ramped surface <NUM>) of the cam member <NUM> to contact and bias the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> outwards into engagement with the serrations <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>, fixing the clutch element <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. However, with the application of sufficient force by, for example, a human operator, the wrap spring <NUM> can slip relative to the drum <NUM> so that the hub <NUM> and the wrap spring <NUM> rotate relative to the drum <NUM>, the clutch element <NUM>, and the housing <NUM>. That is, rotation of the drum <NUM> in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise rotation in <FIG>, counterclockwise rotation as shown in <FIG>) causes the ramped surface <NUM> formed on the first end <NUM> of the cam member <NUM> to be positioned within the gap <NUM> between the resilient arm <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>, which causes the resilient arm <NUM> to be biased outwards from the body <NUM> and into engagement with the plurality of serrations <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM> (e.g., the barb <NUM> of the resilient arm <NUM> engages one of the serrations <NUM>) thereby causing the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> to engage the housing <NUM>, which in turn, with the application of sufficient force by, for example, a human operator, causes the wrap spring <NUM> to slip relative to the drum <NUM> so that the hub <NUM> and the wrap spring <NUM> rotate relative to the drum <NUM>, the clutch element <NUM>, and the housing <NUM>. That is, at this point, the drum <NUM> can slip relative to the hub <NUM> and the wrap spring <NUM> so that rotation of the rotatable member <NUM>, the hub <NUM>, and the wrap spring <NUM> is permitted relative to the clutch element or spider spring <NUM> (terms clutch element and spider spring used interchangeably herein) and the housing <NUM>. Thus arranged, in use, engagement of the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> with the housing <NUM> prevents movement of the covering via, for example, the force of gravity. However, when the human operator applies a sufficiently larger force by pulling down on the bottom rail of the covering, the wrap spring <NUM> can slip relative to the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM> thereby allowing the human operator to extend or deploy the covering.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, with the brake assembly <NUM> in a first or disengaged state or configuration, the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> is in a non-expanded, relaxed or compressed state. As such, the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> does not engage the serrations <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In this manner, rotation is freely permitted.

Referring to <FIG>, an alternate embodiment or configuration of a clutch element <NUM> that can be used in connection with the brake assembly <NUM> is disclosed. In use, the brake assembly <NUM> is substantially similar to the previously described brake assembly <NUM> except for the configuration of the clutch element <NUM>. As such, for the sake of brevity, detailed discussion of the other components of the brake assembly <NUM> is omitted herefrom.

With reference to <FIG>, as previously described, rotation of the hub <NUM> in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise in <FIG>, counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG>) causes a resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> to flex outward causing the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> to contact the housing <NUM> to thereby prevent rotation of the clutch element <NUM> in the second or opposite direction. As previously mentioned, this prevents, or at least inhibits, extension of the covering due to the force of gravity. However, if a sufficiently large force is applied via, for example, the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the architectural-structure covering, the frictional force between the wrap spring <NUM> and the drum <NUM> can be overcome enabling the human operator to extend or deploy the covering. Moreover, since rotation in the second or opposite direction causes the wrap spring <NUM> to wind about the hub <NUM>, contact between the wrap spring <NUM> and the drum <NUM> is slightly reduced thereby decreasing the frictional force between the wrap spring <NUM> and the drum <NUM> making it easier to overcome the frictional force applied by the brake assembly <NUM> during, for example, extension of the covering by, for example, the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the architectural-structure covering. However, once the force applied by the human operator is removed, the friction force of the wrap spring <NUM> applied against the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM> is sufficient to inhibit unwanted further movement of the covering caused by, for example, gravity.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, the clutch element <NUM> may be in the form of a spider spring that includes a body <NUM> and a resilient arm <NUM> having a connected end <NUM> and a free end <NUM>. It is envisioned that the clutch element <NUM> may, in some embodiments, have more resilient arms without departing from the disclosure. The free end <NUM> of the resilient arm <NUM> may include an outwardly directed barb <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes an inner surface <NUM> and an opposing outer surface <NUM>. In use, as previously described, when the brake assembly <NUM> is assembled, the inner surface <NUM> of the body <NUM> rotatably bears against a post <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (<FIG>).

In one embodiment, as shown, the body <NUM> may be in the form of a discontinuous circle. As shown, the resilient arm <NUM> extends circumferentially, substantially in-line with the body <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM>. The resilient arm <NUM> in combination with the outer surface <NUM> defines a gap <NUM> in the body <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM>. In addition, in one embodiment, the clutch element <NUM> may include a second, blunt projection or arm <NUM> extending from the body <NUM>. In use, contact of the second end <NUM> of the cam member <NUM> with the second, blunt projection or arm <NUM> causes the body <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> to rotate with the drum <NUM>.

In use, in accordance with the features of the present disclosure, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, during, for example, retraction of the covering, the rotatable member <NUM> is rotated (e.g., counterclockwise rotation as shown in <FIG>, clockwise in <FIG>) via, for example, a human operator lifting up on the bottom rail of the covering. As a result, rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> rotates the hub <NUM>, as previously described. Rotation of the hub <NUM> causes the wrap spring <NUM> to unwind and to rotate the drum <NUM> in the manner previously described. In this arrangement, the second end <NUM> (e.g., blunt end <NUM>) of the cam members <NUM> on the drum <NUM> contacts the blunt projection or arm <NUM> extending from the body <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> causing the clutch element <NUM> and drum <NUM> to rotate in unison with the rotatable member <NUM>, the hub <NUM>, and the wrap spring <NUM> (e.g., the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> does not engage the serrations <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>). As such, the rotatable member <NUM> is free to rotate with little to no resistance from the brake assembly <NUM> (e.g., the hub <NUM>, the wrap spring <NUM>, the drum <NUM>, and the clutch element <NUM> all rotate in unison).

However, when rotated in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in <FIG>, counterclockwise in <FIG>) to, for example, deploy or extend the covering by, for example, an application of a force by a human operator (e.g., the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail), additional unintended or unwanted deployment or extension of the covering caused by, for example, gravity, may be prevented by the brake assembly <NUM> once the covering has been deployed or extended to a desired position (e.g., once the application of force applied by the human operator is removed). That is, rotation of the rotatable member <NUM> in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in <FIG>, counterclockwise in <FIG>) rotates the hub <NUM> in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in <FIG>, counterclockwise in <FIG>), which causes the wrap spring <NUM> to wind about the hub <NUM> so that the wrap spring <NUM> contracts. Initially, rotation of the hub <NUM> is transmitted to the drum <NUM> via the wrap spring <NUM> so that the drum <NUM> begins to rotate in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in <FIG>, counterclockwise in <FIG>). This rotation enables the covering to be moved such as, for example, extended by the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the covering. However, rotation in the second or opposite direction also causes the first end <NUM> (e.g., ramped surface <NUM>) of the cam member <NUM> to contact and bias the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> outwards into engagement with the serrations <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>, fixing the clutch element <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. However, with the application of sufficient force by, for example, a human operator, the wrap spring <NUM> can slip relative to the drum <NUM> so that the hub <NUM> and the wrap spring <NUM> rotate relative to the drum <NUM>, the clutch element <NUM>, and the housing <NUM>. That is, rotation of the drum <NUM> in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in <FIG>, counterclockwise in <FIG>) causes the ramped surface <NUM> formed on the first end <NUM> of the cam member <NUM> to be positioned within the gap <NUM> between the resilient arm <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM>, which causes the resilient arm <NUM> to be biased outwards from the body <NUM> and into engagement with the plurality of serrations <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM> (e.g., the barb <NUM> of the resilient arm <NUM> engages one of the serrations <NUM>) thereby causing the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> to engage the housing <NUM>, which in turn, with the application of sufficient force by, for example, a human operator, causes the wrap spring <NUM> to slip relative to the drum <NUM> so that the hub <NUM> and the wrap spring <NUM> rotate relative to the drum <NUM>, the clutch element <NUM>, and the housing <NUM>. That is, at this point, the drum <NUM> can slip relative to the hub <NUM> and the wrap spring <NUM> so that rotation of the rotatable member <NUM>, the hub <NUM>, and the wrap spring <NUM> is permitted relative to the clutch element <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Thus arranged, in use, engagement of the resilient arm <NUM> of the clutch element <NUM> with the housing <NUM> prevents movement of the covering via, for example, the force of gravity. However, when the human operator applies a sufficiently larger force by pulling down on the bottom rail of the covering, the wrap spring <NUM> can slip relative to the inner surface <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> of the drum <NUM> thereby allowing the human operator to extend or deploy the covering.

Claim 1:
A brake assembly (<NUM>) for use in an architectural-structure covering (<NUM>), the architectural-structure covering including a rotatable member (<NUM>) and a covering movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the brake assembly being arrangeable and configured to couple to the rotatable member, the brake assembly arrangeable and configured to permit rotation of the rotatable member in a first direction and to inhibit rotation of the rotatable member in an opposite direction relative to the first direction to maintain a position of the covering, the brake assembly comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a hub (<NUM>) arrangeable and configured to be non-rotatably coupled to the rotatable member so that the rotatable member and the hub rotate in unison;
a drum (<NUM>);
a wrap spring (<NUM>) configured to operatively couple the hub and the drum; and a clutch element (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the clutch element (<NUM>) is operatively associated with the drum such that rotation of the drum in the first direction maintains the clutch element in a disengaged state relative to the housing and rotation of the drum in the opposite direction causes the clutch element to engage the housing;
wherein:
rotation of the hub in the first direction causes the hub to rotate the wrap spring, which rotates the drum and the clutch element so that the hub, the wrap spring, the drum, and the clutch element rotate in unison; and
rotation of the hub in the opposite direction causes the hub to rotate the wrap spring, which rotates the drum and the clutch element causing the clutch element to engage the housing, which causes the drum to slip relative to the wrap spring so that rotation between the hub and the drum is no longer transferred.