Patent Description:
The technical field relates to roller blind actuation assemblies for roller blinds, and more particularly to roller blind actuation assemblies comprising one or more roller blind actuation cables.

Roller blind actuation assemblies often comprise a flexible element, such as a cord or a cable, that is configured to be pulled down by an operator to either wind or unwind a blind mounted to a roller blind tube. However, such flexible elements are dangerous, since children might get strangled with them. Moreover, such roller blind actuation assemblies usually comprise a spool member around which the flexible element is wrapped or unwrapped, when the roller blind actuation assembly is actuated. Such spool members are usually contained in a spool housing assembly mounted to a wall or a window frame, that is usually hardly reachable. Moreover, such spool members are usually actuated by complex and/or cumbersome roller blind actuation mechanisms that might generate friction forces upon actuation.

In view of the above and of document <CIT>, which describes a cable-covering tube assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, there is a need for a roller blind actuation assembly which would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address the above-mentioned issues.

According to a general aspect, there is provided a cable-covering tube assembly for a roller blind actuation cable of a roller blind actuation assembly, the roller blind actuation cable being couplable to a roller blind tube and comprising a free end portion, the cable-covering tube assembly comprising a first cable-covering tube defining a cable-receiving cavity; and at least one tube connector extending at least partially in the cable-receiving cavity and comprising: a cable-mounting portion couplable to the free end portion of the roller blind actuation cable; and a coupling portion couplable to the coupling portion of a similar tube connector.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a cable-covering tube system for a roller blind actuation assembly comprising a roller blind actuation mechanism couplable to a roller blind tube and at least one roller blind actuation cable coupled to the roller blind actuation mechanism and comprising a free end portion, the roller blind actuation mechanism being actuated upon traction on said at least one roller blind actuation cable, the cable-covering tube system comprising: at least one cable-covering tube assembly according to the present disclosure couplable to the free end portion; and an actuation mechanism-mounting assembly engageable with the roller blind actuation mechanism, the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly comprising at least one actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve defining a tube-receiving cavity, said at least one cable-covering tube assembly being at least partially engaged in a corresponding one of said at least one tube-receiving cavity.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a roller blind actuation assembly comprising: at least one roller blind actuation cable couplable to a roller blind actuation mechanism and comprising a free end portion; a cable-covering tube system according to the present disclosure, each one of said at least one cable-covering tube assembly being coupled to the free end portion of a respective one of said at least one roller blind actuation cable; and a spool housing assembly defining a spool-receiving cavity and having a lower portion, the spool-receiving cavity being shaped and dimensioned to at least partially contain the roller blind actuation mechanism; wherein the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly is engaged with the lower portion of the spool housing assembly.

According to yet another general aspect, there is provided a roller blind system comprising a roller blind tube defining an actuation assembly receiving cavity; and a roller blind actuation assembly according to the present disclosure at least partially inserted in the actuation assembly receiving cavity.

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional and are given for exemplification purposes only. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "above", "below", "forward", "rearward", "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures only and should not be considered limiting. Moreover, the figures are meant to be illustrative of certain characteristics of the roller blind actuation assembly and are not necessarily to scale. To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein may be qualified with the term "about". It is understood that whether the term "about" is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to an actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions for such given value. In the following description, an embodiment is an example or implementation. The various appearances of "one embodiment", "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an embodiment", "one embodiment" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. The principles and uses of the teachings of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples. It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the disclosure. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the disclosure can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the disclosure can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above. It is to be understood that the terms "including", "comprising", and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. It will be appreciated that the methods described herein may be performed in the described order, or in any suitable order.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to <FIG>, there is shown a roller blind system <NUM> comprising a roller blind tube assembly <NUM> and a roller blind mechanism <NUM> (or roller bling tube-supporting assembly <NUM>). The roller blind tube assembly <NUM> comprises a roller blind tube <NUM> defining a mechanism-receiving cavity <NUM>. Moreover, a blind <NUM> (or window covering <NUM>, or shade <NUM>), for instance at least partially made of fabric or of one or more layers of a flexible material, is mounted to the roller blind tube <NUM> and is wrapped around the roller blind tube <NUM>. The present disclosure is obviously not limited to a blind that would be formed of fabrics but could also comprise a venetian blind or any other element extendable and retractable in a substantially vertical plane. The blind <NUM> comprises, in the embodiment shown, a weight bar <NUM> secured to a bottom edge of the blind <NUM> (or fabric <NUM>) to maintain the blind in a substantially vertical configuration when the blind <NUM> is in an unwound configuration (or extended configuration), for instance for the blind to at least partially cover a window.

The roller blind system <NUM> further comprises a roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> configured to cooperate with the roller blind tube <NUM> to extend and retract the blind <NUM>. In other words, the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> (or roller blind actuator <NUM>) cooperates with the roller blind tube <NUM> to configure the blind <NUM> either in the unwound configuration (or extended configuration) wherein the bottom edge (for instance the weight bar <NUM>) is in a lower end position, or in a wound configuration (or retracted configuration), in which the blind <NUM> is at least partially wrapped around the roller blind tube <NUM> and wherein the bottom edge is in an upper end position. The roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> cooperates with the roller blind tube <NUM> to configure the blind <NUM> in any intermediate position between the extended and retracted configurations.

In the embodiment shown, the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> comprises a cable-covering tube system <NUM> comprising first and second cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> (or first and second actuation rod assemblies <NUM>). The roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> further comprises a roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> and a spool housing assembly <NUM> at least partially containing the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM>. The first and second cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> are engaged with the spool housing assembly <NUM>. The present disclosure is not limited to a roller blind actuation assembly comprising first and second actuation rod assemblies; the roller blind actuation assembly could for instance comprise any other type of actuators, such as for instance and without being limitative a cord. As detailed below, the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is actuated by cooperating with one of the first and second cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> (for instance by pulling thereon).

As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> comprises first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM> (or first and second flexible roller blind-actuating elements <NUM>, <NUM>) operatively coupled to the roller blind tube assembly <NUM> via the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> to configure the blind <NUM> from one of the wound and unwound configurations - or any intermediate configuration - into the other one of the wound and unwound configurations - or in any other intermediate configuration - upon pulling on one of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM>. More particularly, each of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a first end portion (or spool-mounting end portion) and an opposed free end portion <NUM>, <NUM>. Referring more particularly to <FIG>, the first and second cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> of the cable-covering tube system <NUM> are shaped and dimensioned to at least partially cover (or surround, or form a sheath around) respectively the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e. to limit an exposure of at least a portion of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM> upon actuation of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>). As detailed below, the cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> are configured so that, when configured in an extended configuration (in a partially extended configuration), as represented for instance in <FIG>, the roller blind actuation cable is not directly reachable from an outside of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>, in order to limit a risk that a user, such as a child or an animal, might get strangled with the roller blind actuation cable.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> have a similar shape, so that the following description of one of the cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> will apply to any of them.

Referring to <FIG>, in the embodiment shown, the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> is configurable into a retracted configuration (<FIG>) and an actuated - or above-mentioned extended - configuration. The cable-covering assembly <NUM> comprises a lower - or first - cable-covering tube <NUM> defining a cable-receiving cavity <NUM>. For instance, the cable-covering tube <NUM> is substantially cylindrical but other shapes could be conceived, as long as they allow, as detailed below, a telescopic cooperation with additional cable-covering tubes. The cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> further comprises a lower tube connector <NUM> extending at least partially in the cable-receiving cavity <NUM> at a lower portion <NUM> of the first cable-covering tube <NUM>.

As detailed below, the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> comprises a plurality of tube connectors <NUM> having similar shapes. As best shown in <FIG>, the tube connector <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape. In the embodiment shown, the tube connector <NUM> has an outer cross-section equal to or smaller than an inner cross-section of the first cable-covering tube <NUM>, so that the tube connector <NUM> can be at least partially snugly fitted in the cable-receiving cavity <NUM>. The tube connector <NUM> comprises a cable-mounting portion <NUM>, couplable directly or indirectly to the free end portion <NUM>, <NUM> of one of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM>. The tube connector <NUM> further comprises a coupling portion <NUM> couplable to a similar coupling portion (for instance couplable to the coupling portion of another tube connector <NUM>, as represented in <FIG>). In the embodiment shown, the tube connector <NUM> comprises a wall portion <NUM> extending transversally (for instance substantially perpendicularly to an axis of the tube connector). The cable-mounting portion <NUM> comprises a cable-receiving aperture <NUM> (or cable-receiving through opening) - for instance substantially circular - formed in the wall portion <NUM> and opening into an inner cavity <NUM> formed in the tube connector <NUM>. As represented in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cable-receiving aperture <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned for a flexible element - such as a wire, a cable or a cord - to be engaged into the cable-receiving aperture <NUM> and to be blocked thereinto, for instance by forming a knot with the flexible element. Any other means could be used to engage the flexible element with the tube connector <NUM> (with the cable-mounting portion <NUM> thereof).

The coupling portion <NUM> comprises a male coupler <NUM> and a female coupler <NUM> for instance at least partially formed by the inner cavity <NUM> of the tube connector <NUM>. The coupling portion <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned so that the male coupler <NUM> and the female coupler <NUM> are couplable respectively with the female coupler <NUM> and the male coupler <NUM> of a similar tube connector <NUM>, as represented in <FIG>. In the embodiment shown, the coupling portion <NUM> comprises a snap-fit connector (for instance a cantilever snap-fit connector) but other shapes allowing a connection of similar coupling portions could be conceived. When first and second similar tube connectors <NUM> are coupled to each other, as represented in <FIG>, the outer cross-section of the assembly of the first and second similar tube connectors <NUM> is substantially similar to the outer cross-section of each one of the first and second tube connectors <NUM>, so that coupled tube connectors <NUM> (or connected tube connectors) can be engaged into the cable-receiving cavity <NUM> of the cable-covering tube <NUM>.

It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the tube connector <NUM>, and the shape, the configuration and the location of the cable-mounting portion <NUM> and the coupling portion <NUM> thereof can vary from the embodiment shown.

As represented in particular in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tube connector <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to have different possible uses. In the embodiment shown, the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> comprises a cable extension <NUM> having an upper end portion <NUM> and a lower end portion <NUM>. The tube connector <NUM> arranged at the lower portion <NUM> of the first cable-covering tube <NUM> is firstly configured to be mounted to the lower end portion <NUM> of the cable extension <NUM> (for instance by a portion of the cable extension <NUM> being engaged into the cable-receiving aperture <NUM> and maintained thereinto via a knot). In the embodiment shown, at least the cable-mounting portion <NUM> of the lower tube connector <NUM> extends at least partially in the cable-receiving cavity <NUM> of the cable-covering tube <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> further comprises an operating handle <NUM> comprising a handling portion <NUM> and a tube-coupling portion <NUM> substantially similar to the coupling portion <NUM> of the tube connector <NUM>. It is thus understood that the coupling portion <NUM> of the operating handle <NUM> is couplable to the coupling portion <NUM> of the lower tube connector <NUM> (or of any other similar tube connector). In other words, the tube connector <NUM> arranged at the lower portion <NUM> of the first cable-covering tube <NUM> is secondly configured to be mounted to the operating handle <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, the handling portion <NUM> of the operating handle <NUM> has an outer cross-section greater than an outer cross-section of the lower cable-covering tube <NUM>, for the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> to be easily grappable. The handling portion <NUM> is also shaped and dimensioned to substantially absorb possible noises and impacts in case the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> would contact - or bump into - a wall or a window. Moreover, as represented in <FIG>, a cable-receiving cavity <NUM> is formed in the operating handle <NUM> (for instance in the tube-coupling portion <NUM> thereof). The cable-receiving cavity <NUM> might be shaped and dimensioned to receive a lower portion <NUM> (<FIG>) of the cable extension <NUM> extending downwardly from one of the tube connectors <NUM>. The arrangement of a portion of the cable extension <NUM> in the cable-receiving cavity <NUM> makes it possible to reach the tube connector <NUM> and to slide it in the cable-receiving cavity <NUM> of the first cable-covering tube <NUM>, in order to connect the tube connector <NUM> with the tube-coupling portion <NUM> of the operating handle <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> further comprises first and second additional tube connectors <NUM> (or upper and lower cable extension tube connectors) arranged in the cable-receiving cavity <NUM> of the cable-covering tube <NUM> (at a substantially central portion <NUM> thereof, in the embodiment shown) and connected to each other. The first and second additional tube connectors <NUM> are respectively mounted to the free end portion <NUM>, <NUM> of one of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM>, and to the upper end portion <NUM> of the cable extension <NUM>. In other words, the first and second additional tube connectors <NUM> connected to each other are shaped and dimensioned to connect together one of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM> and the cable extension <NUM>. The first and second additional tube connectors <NUM> forming an interface between the cable extension <NUM> and one of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM> could thus be referred to as cable extension tube connectors. It is thus understood that the tube connectors might be couplable directly or indirectly - via one or more cable extensions - to the roller blind actuation cable (to the free end portion thereof). In other words, the cable extension <NUM> extends at least partially in the cable-receiving cavity <NUM> of the first cable-covering tube <NUM> and forms an extension of one of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM>. It could also be conceived cable-covering tube assembly having no cable extension, as detailed below, or more than one cable extension. Moreover, the present disclosure is not limited to tube connectors that would be distinct from the cable-covering tube; it could also be conceived tube connectors that would at least partially be formed integral therewith.

In the embodiment shown, the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> further comprises a second cable-covering tube <NUM> having a cable-receiving cavity <NUM>. For instance, the second cable-covering tube <NUM> (or upper cable-covering tube <NUM>) has a substantially cylindrical shape and has an outer cross-section smaller than the inner cross-section of the lower cable-covering tube <NUM> for the first and second cable-covering tubes <NUM>, <NUM> to be slidably engaged with each other. In other words, the first and second cable-covering tubes <NUM>, <NUM> form together at least partially a telescopic tube assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the first cable-covering tube <NUM> is outwardly slidable with regards to the second cable-covering tube <NUM> upon traction in a lower direction on the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> (for instance upon traction in a substantially lower direction exerted on the operating handle <NUM>). In the embodiment shown, as best shown in <FIG>, the cable-covering tube system <NUM> further comprises a tube-supporting bracket <NUM> mountable to a support structure (for instance a wall or a window frame) and comprising a tube-receiving portion <NUM> (two tube-receiving portions <NUM>, in the embodiment shown) to receive and/or maintain at least a portion of the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> (for instance one of the cable-covering tubes thereof). In the embodiment shown, a tube-receiving recess <NUM> is formed in the tube-receiving portion <NUM> that is shaped and dimensioned to at least partially surround an outer portion of the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> (for instance an outer portion of the first cable-covering tube <NUM>). In the embodiment shown, the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> comprises a metallic portion <NUM> (for instance arranged between the lower portion <NUM> of the first cable-covering tube <NUM> and the operating handle <NUM>) and the tube-receiving portion <NUM> comprises a magnetic portion to substantially maintain the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> against the tube-supporting bracket <NUM>. The metallic and magnetic portions (or metallic and magnetic members) could be inverted or could be arranged differently with respect to the cable-covering assembly <NUM> and the tube-supporting bracket <NUM>.

It is appreciated that the shape, the configuration of the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM>, and the shape, the configuration, the number and the respective location of the tube connectors <NUM>, the cable-covering tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, the cable extension <NUM>, the operating handle <NUM> and the tube-supporting bracket <NUM> of the cable-covering tube system <NUM> can vary from the embodiment shown.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown another possible embodiment of the cable-covering tube system <NUM> of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>. The cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> further comprises a tube extension <NUM> having a substantially cylindrical shape. A cable-receiving cavity <NUM> is formed therein which communicates with the cable-receiving cavities of the second cable-covering tube <NUM> and the first cable-covering tube <NUM>. The arrangement of the tube extension <NUM> and the first and second cable-covering tubes <NUM>, <NUM> of the cable-covering tube system <NUM> is thus adapted for roller blind systems of significant dimensions (for instance of greater dimensions than the above-described cable-covering tube system). The cable-covering tube system <NUM> further comprises a tube-supporting bracket <NUM> mountable to a support structure (for instance a wall or a window frame) and comprising a tube-receiving portion <NUM> (two tube-receiving portions <NUM>, in the embodiment shown) to receive and/or maintain at least a portion of the cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the tube-supporting bracket <NUM> has tube-receiving openings <NUM> formed therein that are shaped and dimensioned to receive (to be engaged with) at least a portion of the cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> (for instance a portion of the tube extension <NUM> in the embodiment shown).

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown another possible embodiment of the cable-covering tube system <NUM> of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>. The cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> comprises first and second cable-covering tubes <NUM>, <NUM>. Contrary to the embodiment represented for instance in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> does not comprise a cable extension. In the shown embodiment, a single tube connector <NUM> is arranged in the cable-receiving cavity <NUM> of the first cable-covering tube <NUM> that is configured to be mounted to the free end portion <NUM>, <NUM> of one of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM>, and to the operating handle <NUM>.

The present disclosure is neither limited to the above-described telescopic tube assembly. As represented in <FIG>, it could be conceived a cable-covering tube system <NUM> of a roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> comprising a cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> with first and second cable-covering tubes <NUM>, <NUM> (or lower and upper cable-covering tubes) forming together at least partially a telescopic tube assembly <NUM> wherein the first cable-covering tube <NUM> is inwardly slidable with regards to the second cable-covering tube <NUM> upon traction in a lower direction on the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> (for instance upon traction in a substantially lower direction exerted on the operating handle <NUM>). It could also be conceived a telescopic tube assembly having more than two cable-covering tubes slidably mounted to each other.

As represented in <FIG> and <FIG>, it could also be conceived a cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> of a cable-covering tube system <NUM> of a roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> having only a first cable-covering tube <NUM>.

It is thus understood that the cable-covering tube assembly in accordance with the present disclosure can be adapted and used with roller blind systems of different shapes and dimensions. In particular, the tube connectors are configured to allow the connection of one or more cable-covering tubes and/or one or more cable extensions. In other words, the cable-covering tube assembly in accordance with the present disclosure has a modular construction that allows it to be used with a variety of roller blind systems and/or to easily adapt a length of the cable-covering tube assembly. Moreover, the cable-covering tube assemblies are shaped and dimensioned to cover all or part of the roller blind actuation cables and/or the cable extensions when the roller blind tube assembly is configured in the wound configuration, in the unwound configuration or in any intermediate configuration between the wound and unwound configurations.

Referring back to <FIG>, the cable-covering tube system <NUM> further comprises an actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> configured to connect the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> to the roller blind tube assembly <NUM> (for instance to connect the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> to the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> couplable to the roller blind tube assembly <NUM>). In the embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> comprises at least one actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> (two in the embodiment shown) defining a tube-receiving cavity <NUM>. The tube-receiving cavity <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned for the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> to be at least partially engaged in the tube-receiving cavity <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape. More particularly, in the embodiment shown, as represented for instance in <FIG>, a tube coupler <NUM> (for instance a tube-coupling bump) is formed in the tube-receiving cavity <NUM> of the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> (i.e. protrudes from an inner surface delimiting the tube-receiving cavity <NUM>). The tube coupler <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to cooperate with a sleeve coupler (for instance a coupling groove <NUM>) arranged on an upper portion of the second cable-covering tube <NUM>. It is thus understood that, when the upper portion of the second cable-covering tube <NUM> is engaged into the tube-receiving cavity <NUM>, the tube coupler <NUM> is engaged with the sleeve coupler so as to maintain the second cable-covering tube <NUM> engaged with the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM>. Other removable mechanical fasteners could be conceived to removably engage the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> (for instance the upper portion of the second cable-covering tube thereof) with the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM>. Similar - or different - removable mechanical fasteners can be arranged, as represented for instance in <FIG>, between an upper portion of the tube extension <NUM> and the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> and/or a lower portion of the tube extension <NUM> (proximate the tube-supporting bracket <NUM> and for instance extending downwardly thereof) and an upper portion of a flexible tube connection sleeve <NUM> (extending between the tube extension <NUM> and the second cable-covering tube <NUM> and flexibly connecting to each other the first and second cable-covering tubes <NUM>, <NUM>) and/or a lower portion of the flexible tube connection sleeve <NUM> and an upper portion of the first cable-covering tube <NUM> of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>. In other words, in the embodiment shown the tube connection sleeve <NUM> is at least partially made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer material, for the first and second cable-covering tubes <NUM>, <NUM> to be tiltable with regards to the tube extension <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the connection between the tube extension <NUM> and the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> is ensured by an interface connecting member <NUM> (<FIG>) extending at least partially in the cable-receiving cavity <NUM> of the tube extension <NUM> (for instance snugly fitted thereinto) and couplable - for instance via similar removable mechanical fasteners (i.e. a tube-coupling bump cooperating with a coupling groove) - to the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM>. A substantially similar interface connecting member can be arranged between the flexible tube connection sleeve <NUM> and the second cable-covering tube <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> is at least partially made of a flexible material, such as an elastomer material, for the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> to be tiltable with regards to the spool housing assembly <NUM> and/or the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM>. In other words, the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> comprises a flexible actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> allowing the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> to be tilted with respect to an actuation mechanism-mounting body <NUM> of the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM>. It is thus understood that actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM>, and more particularly the flexible actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> thereof, is designed to allow a pulling force to be exerted on the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> in a direction substantially inclined with regards to a vertical direction. In other words, the pulling force applied on the cable-covering tube assembly <NUM>, for instance on the operating handle <NUM> thereof, can be exerted either along a substantially vertical direction or along an inclined direction. Moreover, the flexible - or tiltable - actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> of the cable-covering tube system <NUM> further eases the transport and the packaging of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> before its installation to equip a roller blind tube assembly <NUM>. Moreover, the flexible junction - or tiltable junction - between the cable-covering tube system assembly <NUM> and the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> and/or the spool housing assembly <NUM> of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is not limited to a flexible - or tiltable - actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> at least partially made of a flexible material, as in the embodiment shown. A cable-covering tube system comprising a universal joint - or ball joint - or any suitable flexible mechanical fastener could be conceived to flexibly secure an upper end portion of the cable-covering tube assembly to the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> and/or the spool housing assembly <NUM> of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>.

As represented for instance in <FIG> and <FIG>, the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> is configured to be engageable with the spool housing assembly <NUM>. As detailed below, the spool housing assembly <NUM> comprises a proximal housing member <NUM> (with respect to a support structure to which the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is mounted) and a distal housing member <NUM> at least partially spaced apart from each other and at least partially delimiting in between a spool-receiving cavity <NUM> (<FIG>). In the embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> is at least partially (at least the actuation mechanism-mounting body <NUM> thereof, in the embodiment shown) engageable in the spool-receiving cavity <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism-mounting body <NUM> is substantially arcuate and comprises a distal side <NUM> and an opposed proximal side <NUM>. The actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> has a plane of symmetry extending between the distal and proximal sides <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the plane of symmetry is substantially vertical when the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> is engaged with the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM>. The actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> is thus shaped and dimensioned so that the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> can be rotated by a half-turn about a substantially vertical axis for the distal and proximal sides of the actuation mechanism-mounting body <NUM> to be inverted.

As mentioned above, the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeves <NUM> are configured to be engaged respectively with the cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> connected to the first and second roller blind actuation cable <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) (with an upper portion thereof, in the embodiment shown). As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> has a central axis X1. In the embodiment shown, the central axis X1 is substantially vertical when the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> is engaged with the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM>. A first distance d1 between the central axis X1 and the first actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> is different from a second distance (substantially null, in the embodiment shown) between the central axis X1 and the second actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM>'. In the embodiment shown, the first and second actuation mechanism-mounting sleeves <NUM>, <NUM>' extend on a same side of the central axis X1. This configuration of the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> thus allows, for instance, the first and second cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> to be spaced apart from the blind <NUM> (for instance to be forwardly arranged with respect to the blind <NUM>) when the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is coupled to the roller blind tube assembly <NUM>, so as to ease the access to the cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM>, and thus to ease the actuation of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>. Moreover, the above-mentioned vertical plane of symmetry of the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> allows the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> to be installed at a right end portion of the roller blind tube assembly <NUM>, as represented in <FIG>, or at a left end portion of the roller blind tube assembly <NUM> (not represented). In other words, the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> also contributes to the modularity of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>.

It is appreciated that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> (for instance with respect to the spool housing assembly <NUM>), as well as the shape, the configuration, the location and/or the number of the actuation mechanism-mounting body and the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeves thereof can vary from the embodiment shown.

As mentioned above, and as best shown in <FIG>, the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> comprises the spool housing assembly <NUM> which is shaped and dimensioned to contain at least partially the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM>. The spool housing assembly <NUM> comprises the proximal housing member <NUM> (with respect to a support structure to which the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is mounted) and the distal housing member <NUM> at least spaced apart from each other and at least partially delimiting in between the spool-receiving cavity <NUM>. More particularly and as further detailed below, in the embodiment shown, the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> comprises first and second roller blind operating systems <NUM>, <NUM> having respectively first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> with a spool member <NUM>, <NUM> (or cable-winding member). The spool-receiving cavity <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to contain at least partially the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, for instance to at least partially contain the spool members <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, as mentioned above, the actuation mechanism-mounting body <NUM> of the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> is at least partially engageable in the spool-receiving cavity <NUM> and the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly is at least partially engageable with the spool housing assembly <NUM> at a lower portion <NUM> thereof (for instance engageable with a lower portion of at least one of the proximal and distal housing members <NUM>, <NUM>). The distal housing member <NUM> is removably couplable to the proximal housing member <NUM>, for instance via mechanical fasteners arranged on an inner face <NUM> of the distal housing member <NUM> and an inner face <NUM> of the proximal housing member <NUM> (with respect to the spool-receiving cavity <NUM>). In the embodiment shown, pins protrude from the inner face <NUM> of the proximal housing member <NUM> that are engageable with apertures formed in the inner face <NUM> of the distal housing member <NUM>, but any other removable mechanical fasteners could be conceived.

In the embodiment shown, the spool housing assembly <NUM> comprises a displaceable (or mobile) support-mounting member <NUM> configurable into a mounting configuration, as represented in <FIG>, wherein the spool housing assembly <NUM> is engaged with a roller blind-supporting bracket <NUM> having tab-receiving openings <NUM> formed therein, and into a removal configuration wherein the spool housing assembly <NUM> is disengaged from the roller blind-supporting bracket <NUM>, as represented in <FIG>. In the embodiment shown, the support-mounting member <NUM> comprises a support-mounting portion <NUM> protruding from an outer face <NUM> of the proximal housing member <NUM>, and an actuation portion <NUM>. The actuation portion <NUM> is engageable into an actuator-receiving aperture <NUM> that is formed in the distal housing member <NUM> and is displaceable therein so as to configure the support-mounting member <NUM> from the mounting configuration into the removal configuration upon applying pressure thereon. In other words, the actuation portion <NUM> is displaceable between a locked configuration - <FIG> - wherein the support-mounting member <NUM> is configured into the mounting configuration, and an unlocked configuration - <FIG> - wherein the support-mounting member <NUM> is configured into the removal configuration. In the embodiment shown, the support-mounting member <NUM> has a substantially L shape and has a first portion comprising the support-mounting portion <NUM> and extending substantially vertically in the spool-receiving cavity <NUM> when configured in the mounting configuration. The support-mounting member <NUM> further comprises a second portion comprising the actuation portion <NUM> and extending substantially horizontally in the spool-receiving cavity <NUM> when configured into the mounting configuration. In the embodiment shown, the actuator-receiving aperture <NUM> is a through opening formed in the distal housing member <NUM> so that the actuation portion <NUM> is reachable from an outer face <NUM> of the distal housing member <NUM>. It is thus understood that the actuation portion <NUM> is easily reachable for the spool housing assembly <NUM> to be easily configured from the mounting configuration into the removal configuration, without any specific tool.

In the embodiment shown, the spool housing assembly <NUM> further comprises bracket-mounting portions <NUM> (comprising three bracket-mounting tongues <NUM> or support-mounting tabs <NUM>) protruding from the outer face <NUM> of the proximal housing member <NUM> and engageable into corresponding tab-receiving openings <NUM> of the roller blind-supporting bracket <NUM>. It is understood that the support-mounting member <NUM> (for instance the support-mounting portion <NUM> thereof) is configured to maintain the bracket-mounting portions <NUM> engaged into the corresponding tab-receiving openings <NUM>: in case a user would push upwardly onto one of the above-described cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM>, the engagement of the support-mounting portion <NUM> with the roller blind-supporting bracket <NUM> would limit the risk that the bracket-mounting portions <NUM> are disengaged from the corresponding tab-receiving openings <NUM> (i.e. to limit the risk that the spool housing assembly <NUM> is accidentally disengaged from the roller blind-supporting bracket <NUM>).

It is appreciated that the shape, the configuration, and/or the location of the spool housing assembly, as well as the shape, the configuration and/or the location of the proximal housing member, the distal housing member and the support-mounting member thereof can vary from the embodiment shown.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, there is shown the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>. The roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> comprises an actuation shaft <NUM> having an actuation axis X2. As mentioned above, the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> comprises the first and second roller blind operating systems <NUM>, <NUM> being pivotably mounted to the actuation shaft <NUM> and having respectively the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> with the spool member <NUM>, <NUM> (or cable-winding member). The first end portions (or spool-mounting end portion) of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged respectively with the spool member <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are pivotable about the actuation axis X2 in opposed first and second directions upon actuation of the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> (i.e. upon exerting a pulling force on the free end portion <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM>, for instance via the above-described cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM>). The roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> further comprises first and second unidirectional angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM> (or first and second blind-engaging members <NUM>, <NUM>) selectively couplable to the roller blind tube <NUM> upon rotation of the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> in the corresponding one of the first and second directions. It is thus understood that, as further described below, the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> substantially extend in the inner cavity of the roller blind tube <NUM> of the roller blind tube assembly <NUM> and cooperate respectively with the first and second unidirectional angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM> to rotate the roller blind tube <NUM> about the actuation axis X2 in one of the first and second directions corresponding respectively to one of winding and unwinding directions.

In the embodiment shown, the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is securable to a supporting surface, such as a wall, a window frame, a door frame or any other convenient supporting structure, via the above-described spool housing assembly <NUM>. The outer face <NUM> of the proximal housing member <NUM> forms a bracket-mounting face of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the actuation shaft <NUM> protrudes from the inner face <NUM> of the proximal housing member <NUM>. The actuation shaft <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the actuation axis X2. More particularly, in the embodiment shown, the actuation shaft <NUM> comprises a proximal shaft portion <NUM> protruding from the inner face <NUM> of the proximal housing member <NUM>, and a distal shaft portion <NUM> (or bearing sleeve-mounting shaft portion <NUM>). In the embodiment shown, the proximal and distal shaft portions <NUM>, <NUM> are two distinct elements secured to each other via a shaft-fastening member <NUM> (a screw, in the embodiment shown) but other embodiments of the actuation shaft (for instance formed of one single component or of more than two components) could be conceived.

It is appreciated that the shape, the configuration, and/or the location of the actuation shaft <NUM> can vary from the embodiment shown.

As best shown in <FIG>, the first driving assembly <NUM> firstly comprises the spool member <NUM> (or cable-winding member <NUM>) and an activator <NUM> (or actuation member <NUM> or actuation body <NUM>) both defining an actuation shaft-receiving cavity for the first driving assembly <NUM> to be pivotably mountable onto the actuation shaft <NUM>. As represented in <FIG>, the spool member <NUM> is pivotably mounted onto the actuation shaft <NUM> and extends between the proximal housing member <NUM> and the activator <NUM>. The spool member <NUM> and the activator <NUM> are both rotatable about the actuation axis X2. The spool member <NUM> comprises a cable-winding portion <NUM> (or proximal portion <NUM>, with regards to the proximal housing member <NUM>). The cable-winding portion <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape. The spool member <NUM> further comprises a cable-anchoring portion <NUM> engageable with the spool-mounting end portion of the first roller blind actuation cable <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the cable-winding portion <NUM> comprises a peripheral wall extending substantially perpendicular to the actuation axis X2, the cable-anchoring portion comprising for instance a cable-receiving slot formed in the peripheral wall. The spool member <NUM> further comprises a shaft <NUM> (or spool shaft) extending along the actuation axis X2 and having, in the embodiment shown, a cross-section smaller than a cross-section of the cable-winding portion <NUM>. Angular couplers <NUM> are formed at a distal end portion of the shaft <NUM>. The spool member <NUM> is thus designed to receive a portion of one of the first roller blind actuation cable <NUM>, and more particularly the spool-mounting end portion thereof. The first roller blind actuation cable <NUM> is thus at least partially wound around the cable-winding portion <NUM> and is anchored to the cable-anchoring portion <NUM>.

The activator <NUM> of the first driving assembly <NUM> comprises an actuation portion <NUM>, for instance at a distal end portion thereof. In the embodiment shown, the actuation portion <NUM> comprises actuation tabs <NUM> (two, for instance and without being limitative) extending from a distal face of the activator <NUM> and having an actuation slope <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) formed thereon. The activator <NUM> further comprises a shaft <NUM> having a substantially cylindrical shape. Angular couplers <NUM> are formed at a proximal end portion of the shaft <NUM>. The angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM> of the activator <NUM> and the cable-winding member <NUM> are designed to cooperate together for the activator <NUM> and the cable-winding member <NUM> to be angularly coupled together upon rotation of the spool member <NUM> about the actuation axis X2. The actuator <NUM> further comprises a spring-anchoring portion <NUM> formed for instance between the actuation portion <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>.

The first driving assembly <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM>, as represented in <FIG> and <FIG>. The first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> has an inner cavity <NUM> for the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> to be engageable with the actuation shaft <NUM>. The first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> comprises flexible mounting portions <NUM> at least partially delimiting the inner cavity <NUM>. The first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> further comprises engagement tongues <NUM> with engagement protrusions <NUM> formed at their free ends (two, in the embodiment shown). As represented in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> is designed for the actuation tabs <NUM> of the activator <NUM> to be inserted between the flexible mounting portions <NUM> and the engagement tongues <NUM> of the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM>. The rotation of the activator <NUM> about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction configures the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> in an expanded configuration (<FIG>). More particularly, as represented in <FIG>, when the activator <NUM> is rotated about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction (in an anti-clockwise direction, in the embodiment shown), the actuation slopes <NUM> slide against the engagement protrusions <NUM> of the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> so as to displace outwardly (with regards to the inner cavity <NUM> of the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM>) the engagement tongues <NUM> (i.e. in an outwardly radial direction, with regards to the actuation axis X2). It is understood that the flexible mounting portions <NUM> are configured to provide an interference fit between the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> of the activator <NUM> with which the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> is engaged. In other words, the flexible mounting portions <NUM> provide a frictional resistance sufficient for the actuation slopes <NUM> to slide against the engagement protrusions <NUM> when the activator <NUM> is rotated about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction. On the other hand, the frictional resistance provided by the flexible mounting portions <NUM> does not prevent the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> from rotating about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction, once configured in the expanded configuration, as represented in <FIG>.

It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the first driving assembly <NUM> comprising the spool member <NUM> and the activator <NUM>, as well as the shape and the configuration of the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM>, can vary from the embodiment shown.

As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> further comprises a bearing sleeve <NUM>. The bearing sleeve <NUM> extends along the actuation axis X2 and comprises a shaft-mounting end portion <NUM> at a distal end thereof (with regards to spool housing assembly <NUM>) and a bearing body <NUM> having a substantially cylindrical shape with a shaft-receiving cavity <NUM> formed therein. The shaft-receiving cavity <NUM> opens out at a proximal end of the bearing sleeve <NUM>. The bearing sleeve <NUM> is engageable onto the actuation shaft <NUM>, the shaft-mounting end portion <NUM> being engageable with the distal end portion <NUM> of the actuation shaft <NUM>. The bearing sleeve <NUM> is dimensioned to contain at least partially the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> and the first and second unidirectional angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM>. The bearing body <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> with angular couplers <NUM> (or angular coupling protrusions <NUM>) formed thereon and dimensioned to cooperate with corresponding angular couplers formed in an inner surface of the roller blind tube <NUM>, so that when the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is inserted into the mechanism-receiving cavity <NUM> of the roller blind tube <NUM>, the bearing sleeve <NUM> and the roller blind tube <NUM> are angularly coupled to each other upon rotation of the bearing sleeve <NUM> about the actuation axis X2 in any of the first and second directions. In other words, the bearing sleeve <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned for the roller blind tube <NUM> to be rotated about the actuation axis X2 when the bearing sleeve <NUM> is rotated about the actuation axis X2. For instance, the angular couplers <NUM> are substantially dovetailed but any other angular couplers could be conceived.

Moreover, the bearing body <NUM> of the bearing sleeve <NUM> has an inner surface with angular couplers <NUM>' formed therein - <FIG> - and dimensioned to cooperate with the engagement protrusions <NUM> of the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> so that when the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> is configured in the expanded configuration and is rotated about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction, the bearing sleeve <NUM> and the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> are angularly coupled to each other upon rotation of the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction. In other words, the bearing sleeve <NUM> and the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> are shaped and dimensioned to be rotated together about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction when the first driving assembly <NUM> is rotated about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction. It is thus understood that, when a pulling force is exerted on the free end portion <NUM> of the first roller blind actuation cable <NUM> (for instance but without being limitative via the first cable-covering tube assembly <NUM>), the spool-mounting end portion being at least partially wound around the spool member <NUM>, the spool member <NUM> is rotated about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction. The activator <NUM> is thus also rotated about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction, due to the angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM>. The activator <NUM> thus cooperates with the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> so as to configure the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> into the expanded configuration, until the engagement protrusions <NUM> of the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> engage the angular couplers <NUM>' formed on the inner surface of the bearing sleeve <NUM>, thus rotating the bearing sleeve <NUM>, and then the roller blind tube <NUM> about the actuation axis X2 in the first direction. Thus, the first roller blind actuation cable <NUM> is selectively couplable to the roller blind tube <NUM> via the first driving assembly <NUM>, the first unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> and the bearing sleeve <NUM>.

It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the bearing sleeve <NUM> can vary from the embodiment shown.

The second driving assembly <NUM> has a structure substantially similar to the above-described structure of the first driving assembly <NUM>. The second driving assembly <NUM> firstly comprises the above-mentioned spool member <NUM> and an activator <NUM> both defining a shaft-receiving cavity. The spool member <NUM> comprises a spool shaft <NUM> (or distal end portion <NUM>). The spool shaft <NUM> and the activator <NUM> are pivotably mountable into a spool-receiving cavity <NUM> (or shaft-receiving cavity <NUM>) formed in the distal housing member <NUM> of the spool housing assembly <NUM>. The spool-receiving cavity <NUM> is substantially cylindrical in the embodiment shown and coaxial with the actuation axis X2. The spool-receiving cavity <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to receive at least partially the spool shaft <NUM> and the activator <NUM> while the spool shaft <NUM> and the activator <NUM> at least partially surround (without any direct contact therewith) the actuation shaft <NUM>. Moreover, the activator <NUM> has an inner surface <NUM> at least partially delimiting a shaft-receiving cavity of the activator <NUM>. The shaft-receiving cavity of the activator <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned so that the inner surface <NUM> forms a bearing surface between the activator <NUM> and the activator shaft <NUM> of the activator <NUM> of the first driving assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the cable-winding member <NUM> is pivotably mounted onto the shaft <NUM> and extends between the proximal housing member <NUM> and the activator <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the spool member <NUM> and the activator <NUM> are both arranged, considered along the actuation axis X2, between the spool member <NUM> and the activator <NUM> of the first driving assembly <NUM>. The cable-winding member <NUM> and the actuation member <NUM> are both rotatable about the actuation axis X2. The cable-winding member <NUM> comprises a cable-winding portion <NUM> (or proximal portion <NUM>, with regards to the proximal housing member <NUM>). The cable-winding portion <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape. The cable-winding member <NUM> further comprises a cable-anchoring portion engageable with the spool-mounting end portion of the second roller blind actuation cable <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the cable-winding portion <NUM> comprises a peripheral wall extending substantially perpendicular to the actuation axis X2, the cable-anchoring portion comprising for instance a cable-receiving slot formed in the peripheral wall. Angular couplers <NUM> are formed at the spool shaft <NUM> of the cable-winding member <NUM>. The inner cavity of the cable-winding member <NUM> is shaped and sized for the cable-winding member <NUM> to surround the shaft <NUM> of the spool member <NUM> of the first driving assembly <NUM>. In other words, the first and second driving assemblies are shaped and dimensioned for the second spool member <NUM> (i.e. the cable-winding member of the second driving assembly <NUM>) to at least partially surround the spool shaft <NUM> of the first driving assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the first spool shaft <NUM> (i.e. the shaft of the first spool member <NUM>) and the second spool member <NUM> are radially spaced apart from each other (i.e. are spaced apart from a distance d3, considered in a direction transversal to the actuation axis X2 - <FIG>). In other words, considered along a direction substantially perpendicular to the actuation axis X2 (i.e. considered in a radial direction), at least at the cable-winding portions thereof, the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> do not contact each other. In yet other words, as represented for instance in <FIG>, considered in a direction substantially perpendicular to the actuation axis X2, an inner surface <NUM> of the second spool member <NUM> at least partially delimiting the inner cavity thereof is spaced apart from an outer surface <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> of the first spool member <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the first and second roller blind operating systems <NUM>, <NUM> are shaped and dimensioned so that a portion of the second actuation member <NUM> (a portion of a substantially tubular portion <NUM> thereof, in the embodiment shown) is sandwiched between the distal end portion <NUM> of the second spool member <NUM> and the first spool shaft <NUM> (i.e. extends between the distal end portion <NUM> of the second spool member <NUM> and the first spool shaft <NUM>, considered along a radial direction).

The spool member <NUM> is thus designed to receive a portion of the second roller blind actuation cable <NUM>, and more particularly the spool-mounting end portion thereof. The second roller blind actuation cable <NUM> is thus at least partially wound around the cable-winding portion <NUM> and is anchored to the cable-anchoring portion thereof. As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the activator <NUM> comprises an actuation portion <NUM> comprising, in the embodiment shown, actuation tabs <NUM> (two, for instance and without being limitative) extending radially from a peripheral wall of the activator <NUM> and having an actuation slope <NUM> formed thereon. Angular couplers <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) are formed at a proximal end portion of the activator <NUM>. The angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM> of the cable-winding member <NUM> and the actuation member <NUM> are designed to cooperate together for the cable-winding member <NUM> and the actuation member <NUM> to be angularly coupled together upon rotation of the cable-winding member <NUM> about the actuation axis X2 in the second direction. The actuation member <NUM> further comprises a spring-anchoring portion <NUM>. The second driving assembly <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the second blind-engaging member <NUM> (or unidirectional angular coupler <NUM>), as represented in <FIG> and <FIG>. The second unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> has an inner cavity <NUM> at least partially delimited by flexible mounting portions <NUM>. The second unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned for the flexible mounting portions <NUM> to be pivotably mountable onto an inner surface delimiting the spool-receiving cavity <NUM> formed in the distal housing member <NUM>, between the spool member <NUM> and the actuation member <NUM> of the second roller blind operating system <NUM>. The second unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> further comprises engagement tongues <NUM> with engagement protrusions <NUM> formed at their free ends (two, in the embodiment shown). In the embodiment shown, the engagement tongues <NUM> are axially offset with regards to the flexible mounting portions <NUM>. The second unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> is designed for the actuation tabs of the actuation member <NUM> to be inserted at least partially inwardly with regards to the engagement tongues <NUM>. Moreover, the first and second unidirectional angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are shaped and dimensioned so that the force couple between the flexible mounting portions <NUM> and the inner cavity <NUM> is radially inverted with regards to the force couple between the engagement tongues <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second unidirectional angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM>. The rotation of the actuation member <NUM> about the actuation axis X2 in the second direction configures the second unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> in an expanded configuration (<FIG>). More particularly, as represented in <FIG>, when the actuation member <NUM> is rotated about the actuation axis X2 in the second direction (in a clockwise direction, in the embodiment shown), the actuation slopes <NUM> slide against the engagement protrusions <NUM> of the second unidirectional angular coupler <NUM> so as to displace outwardly (with regards to the inner cavity of the second unidirectional angular coupler <NUM>) the engagement tongues <NUM> (i.e. in an outwardly radial direction, with regards to the actuation axis X2).

It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the second driving assembly <NUM> comprising the spool member <NUM> and the actuation member <NUM>, as well as the shape and the configuration of the unidirectional angular coupler <NUM>, can vary from the embodiment shown.

Similarly to the first roller blind operating system <NUM>, when a pulling force is exerted on the free end portion <NUM> of the second roller blind actuation cable <NUM> (for instance but without being limitative via the cable-covering tube assembly), the second roller blind actuation cable being at least partially wound around the cable-winding member <NUM>, the cable-winding member <NUM> is rotated about the actuation axis X2 in the second direction. The actuation member <NUM> is thus also rotated about the actuation axis X2 in the second direction, due to the angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM>. The actuation member <NUM> thus cooperates with the second blind-engaging member <NUM> so as to configure the second blind-engaging member <NUM> in the expanded configuration, until the engagement protrusions <NUM> of the second blind-engaging member <NUM> engage angular couplers <NUM> - <FIG> - formed on the inner surface of the bearing sleeve <NUM>, thus rotating the bearing sleeve <NUM>, and then the roller blind tube <NUM>, about the actuation axis X2 in the second direction. In the embodiment shown, the angular couplers <NUM>', <NUM> formed in the inner surface of the bearing sleeve <NUM> and configured to cooperate respectively with the first and second unidirectional angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM> are axially spaced apart from each other, considered along the actuation axis X2.

In the embodiment shown, the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> further comprises a biasing member <NUM> (or torsion spring <NUM>, or a helical torsion spring <NUM> in the embodiment shown) configured to store energy when the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> is actuated (i.e. when any of the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> is rotated about the actuation axis X2, for instance by exerting a pulling force on the corresponding one of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM>). The torsion spring <NUM> is configured to ease the rotation of the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> in a reverse direction (i.e. in a clockwise direction for the first driving assembly <NUM> and in an anti-clockwise direction for the second driving assembly <NUM>) when the pulling force ceases. In other words, the biasing member <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to store a sufficient energy to ensure an adequate winding of the roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM> onto the corresponding one of the first and second spool members <NUM>, <NUM> as well as to allow the configuration of the cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM> into the retracted configuration once the user stops actuating the corresponding one of the cable-covering tube assemblies <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the helical torsion spring <NUM> extends along the actuation axis X2 and surrounds at least partially the shaft <NUM> (at least partially the distal shaft portion <NUM> thereof, in the embodiment shown). The torsion spring <NUM> comprises a proximal end portion <NUM> engaged with the actuation member <NUM> of the second driving assembly <NUM> (with the spring-anchoring portion <NUM> thereof, in the embodiment shown) and a distal end portion <NUM> engaged with the actuation member <NUM> of the first driving assembly <NUM> (with the spring-anchoring portion <NUM> thereof, in the embodiment shown). In the embodiment shown, the torsion spring <NUM> extends between the first and second unidirectional angular couplers <NUM>, <NUM> and is spaced apart from any one of the first and second spool members <NUM>, <NUM>. It is thus understood that when any of the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> is rotated about the actuation axis X2 in the corresponding one of the first and second directions, the torsion spring <NUM> is tensed or loaded and stores energy. Reversely, when no more pulling force is exerted on any of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM>, the torsion spring <NUM> extends and releases the stored energy. It is thus understood that, by being engaged with the first and second actuation members <NUM>, <NUM>, the torsion spring <NUM> operatively couples the first and second roller blind operating systems <NUM>, <NUM> (and more particularly the first and second driving assemblies thereof). It is understood that the helical torsion spring <NUM> can be preloaded prior to the installation of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> in the mechanism-receiving cavity <NUM> of the roller blind tube <NUM>. To this end, the first actuation member <NUM> is axially - considered along the actuation axis X2 - separated from the first spool member <NUM>, and the first actuation member <NUM> with the distal end portion <NUM> of the helical torsion spring <NUM> engaged therewith, is pivoted about the actuation axis X2. Once the desired preloading tension has been reached, the first actuation member <NUM> is axially displaced towards the first spool member <NUM> for the first actuation member <NUM> and the first spool member <NUM> to be angularly coupled to each other. In the embodiment shown, the outer cross-section of the tube connector <NUM> is greater than the inner diameter of the tube-receiving cavity <NUM> of the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM> for an upper portion of the first cable-covering tube and/or the upper end portion of the cable extension <NUM> to be prevented from being displaced in the tube-receiving cavity <NUM> of the actuation mechanism-mounting sleeve <NUM>. In other words, the tube connectors <NUM> of the above-described cable-covering tube assembly <NUM> makes it possible to maintain the desired preloading tension. It is appreciated that the shape, the configuration, and the location of the torsion spring <NUM> in particular with regards to the first and second roller blind operating systems <NUM>, <NUM> can vary from the embodiment shown. It is understood that the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is not limited to a helical torsion spring <NUM> but a roller blind actuation assembly comprising any other type of spring or biasing member could be conceived.

As best shown in <FIG>, the actuation rod assemblies <NUM> covering at least partially the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially aligned, considered along the actuation axis X2, with the corresponding one of the first and second spool members <NUM>, <NUM>. Moreover, it is understood that the torsion spring <NUM> is spaced apart from any of the first and second spool members <NUM>, <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the actuation member <NUM> and the blind-engaging member <NUM> of the second roller blind operating system <NUM> are arranged between the proximal end portion <NUM> of the torsion spring <NUM> and the first and second spool members <NUM>, <NUM>. Upon actuation of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>, the torsion spring <NUM> is thus prevented from creating frictional forces with any of the first and second spool members <NUM>, <NUM>. Due to the specific arrangement of the first and second driving roller blind operating systems <NUM>, <NUM> and the torsion spring <NUM>, the frictional forces between the first and second driving assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> are limited upon actuation of any one of the first and second roller blind actuation cables <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the frictional forces are substantially identical whether the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is actuated to wind or to unwind the blind <NUM>. This feature is in particular allowed by the fact that the first spool shaft and the second spool member are radially spaced apart from each other (i.e. the fact that the first and second driving assemblies have distinct bearing surfaces), so that frictional forces are not added to the second driving assembly by the first driving assembly via the torsion spring.

In the embodiment shown, as best represented in <FIG> and <FIG>, the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> further comprises a support-mounting sleeve <NUM> having for instance a substantially cylindrical shape. The support-mounting sleeve <NUM> has a bearing sleeve-receiving cavity formed therein that is shaped and dimensioned to receive at least partially the bearing sleeve <NUM>. It is thus understood that the support-mounting sleeve <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to form an interface, considered in a radial direction (i.e. substantially perpendicularly to the actuation axis X2) between the bearing sleeve <NUM> and the roller blind tube <NUM> (and thus an interface between the roller blind tube <NUM> and the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM>). The support-mounting sleeve <NUM> thus makes it possible to use the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> with roller blind tubes having mechanism-receiving cavities of different dimensioned. The support-mounting sleeve <NUM> thus comprises outer angular couplers <NUM> and inner angular couplers formed on outer and inner surfaces thereof and configured to cooperate respectively with the angular couplers formed on the inner surface of the roller blind tube <NUM> and the angular couplers <NUM> formed on the outer surface of the bearing sleeve <NUM>.

It is appreciated that the support-mounting sleeve <NUM> is optional and that the shape and the configuration of the support-mounting sleeve <NUM> can vary from the embodiment shown. It is appreciated that the shape, the configuration, and the structure of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> can vary from the embodiment shown. For instance, referring now to <FIG>, there is shown another possible embodiment of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>. The roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> comprises first and second roller blind operating systems <NUM>, <NUM> and a bearing sleeve <NUM>. The roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> further comprises a spool housing assembly <NUM> comprising a bracket-mounting member <NUM>, a spool-receiving sleeve <NUM> substantially cylindrical defining a spool-receiving cavity <NUM> and an actuation shaft <NUM> extending from an inner face of the bracket-mounting member <NUM> at least partially within the spool-receiving cavity <NUM>. The actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> is engageable with a lower portion of the spool housing assembly <NUM> (with a lower portion of the bracket-mounting member <NUM> thereof, in the embodiment shown).

The spool housing <NUM> is shaped and dimensioned to at least partially contain the first and second spool members <NUM>, <NUM> (to at least partially contain the cable-winding portions <NUM>, <NUM> thereof, in the embodiment shown) so that the first and second spool members <NUM>, <NUM> are at least partially covered by the roller blind tube <NUM> when the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is engaged in the mechanism-receiving cavity <NUM> thereof. In the embodiment shown, the first and second cable-winding portions <NUM>, <NUM> are thus axially offset (considered along the actuation axis X2) with respect to the first and second cable-covering tube assemblies (not represented) engaged with the actuation mechanism-mounting portions <NUM> of the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the actuation mechanism-mounting portions <NUM> of the actuation mechanism-mounting assembly <NUM> comprise a universal joint - or ball joint - that is shaped and dimensioned to flexibly secure an upper end portion of the cable-covering tube assembly (not represented) to the roller blind actuation mechanism <NUM> and/or the spool housing assembly <NUM> of the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM>. Cable-guiding paths might be formed in the spool housing assembly <NUM> (for instance in the spool-receiving sleeve <NUM> thereof) that could extend substantially parallel to the actuation axis X2. It is understood that the roller blind actuation assembly <NUM> is designed so that the spool-mounting end portions of the first and second roller blind actuation cables (not represented) are at least partially wound in the inner cavity of the bearing sleeve <NUM> (and thus in the inner cavity of the roller blind tube <NUM>).

Claim 1:
A cable-covering tube assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for a roller blind actuation cable (<NUM>, <NUM>) of a roller blind actuation assembly (<NUM>), the roller blind actuation cable being couplable to a roller blind tube (<NUM>) and comprising a free end portion (<NUM>, <NUM>), the cable-covering tube assembly comprising:
a first cable-covering tube (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) defining a cable-receiving cavity (<NUM>); and
at least one tube connector (<NUM>);
whereby
the at least one tube connector (<NUM>) extends at least partially in the cable-receiving cavity and comprises:
a cable-mounting portion (<NUM>) couplable to the free end portion of the roller blind actuation cable;
characterized in that the at least one tube connector (<NUM>) further comprises:
a coupling portion (<NUM>) couplable to the coupling portion of a similar tube connector.