Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 62/092,488 which was filed on Dec. 16, 2014 and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    To hide brackets and rollers of window shades from plain sight, contractors may install the brackets and rollers into a ceiling recess, removing them from plain sight. Such recesses typically have an opening through which a contractor may install and access a roller shade. The opening is typically covered such that the material of the cover abuts a material covering the ceiling base and a slit is left in the middle of the material covering the opening. The slit may allow a shade to be deployed into the room use to cover a window and allow the shade to be retracted from the room for storage. However, these current systems for storing and deploying roller shades typically create a visually unpleasing juncture at the interface of the material covering the ceiling base and the material covering the opening of the recess. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    An exemplary embodiment relates a window shade storage and deployment system. The window shade storage and deployment system includes a recess formed in a ceiling and configured to house a window shade movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The window shade storage and deployment system further includes an access panel removably attached to a surface of the recess such that a visible surface of the access panel occupies substantially the same plane as a visible surface of the ceiling surrounding the recess. A gap is provided between an edge of the access panel and the ceiling. The gap is configured to enable the window shade to extend through the gap from the recess to the area below the visible surface of the ceiling when the window shade is in the extended position. The visible surface of the access panel and the visible surface of the ceiling include the same or a similar material such that the visible surface of the access panel and the visible surface of the ceiling are visibly substantially identical. 
         [0004]    Another exemplary embodiment relates to a shade storage and deployment system. The shade storage and deployment system includes a recess formed in a ceiling and configured to house a first shade and a second shade. The first and second shades are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The shade storage and deployment system further includes an access panel removably attached to a surface of the recess such that a visible surface of the access panel occupies substantially the same plane as a visible surface of the ceiling surrounding the recess. A first gap is provided between a first edge of the access panel and a first edge of the ceiling and a second gap is provided between a second edge of the access panel and a second edge of the ceiling. The first gap is configured to enable the shade to extend through the first gap from the recess to the area below the visible surface of the ceiling when the first shade is in the extended position. The second gap is configured to enable the shade to extend through the second gap from the recess to the area below the visible surface of the ceiling when the second shade is in the extended position. The visible surface of the access panel and the visible surface of the ceiling include the same or a similar material such that the visible surface of the access panel and the visible surface of the ceiling are visibly substantially identical. 
         [0005]    Another exemplary embodiment relates to a shade storage and deployment assembly. The shade storage and deployment assembly includes a housing configured to be installed in a recess of a ceiling. The housing includes a visible surface of the housing configured to occupy substantially the same plane as a visible surface of the ceiling surrounding the housing when the housing is installed in the recess of the ceiling. The housing further includes a window shade movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The housing further includes an access panel removably attached to a surface of the housing such that a visible surface of the access panel occupies substantially the same plane as the visible surface of the housing. A gap is provided between an edge of the access panel and the visible surface of the housing. The gap is configured to enable the window shade to extend through the gap from the housing to the area below the visible surface of the ceiling when the shade is in the extended position. The visible surface of the access panel and the visible surface of the housing include the same or a similar material as the visible surface of the ceiling such that the visible surface of the access panel, the visible surface of the housing, and the visible surface of the ceiling are visibly substantially identical. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1A-1C  are perspective views of an example shade storage and deployment system according to an implementation described herein; 
           [0007]      FIG. 1D  is a diagram of the example shade storage and deployment system of  FIGS. 1A-1C  including more than one shade according to an implementation described herein; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of an example shade storage and deployment system including one shade according to an implementation described herein; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of an example shade storage and deployment system that includes a different spacer component than that shown in  FIG. 1D  and according to an implementation described herein; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of an example shade storage and deployment system that includes a spacer component in a different position than that shown in  FIG. 1D  and according to an implementation described herein; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 5A-5D  are diagrams of example attachment mechanisms and spacer components of an example shade storage and deployment system according to an implementation described herein; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 6A-6C  are bottom elevational views of the example shade storage and deployment system of  FIGS. 1A-1C ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a bottom elevational view of an example shade storage and deployment system according to an implementation described herein; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of an example shade storage and deployment system of  FIGS. 1A-D  that includes a mount component in a different position than that shown in  FIG. 1D  and according to an implementation described herein; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 9A-C  are bottom elevational views of an example shade storage and deployment system according to an implementation described herein; and 
           [0016]      FIGS. 10A-C  are diagrams of example shade storage and deployment systems that include different spacer components than that shown in  FIGS. 6A-C  and according to an implementation described herein. 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of an example assembly of a shade storage and deployment system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]      FIGS. 1A-10C  are attached thereto and incorporated herein by this reference. The following detailed description refers to the accompanying  FIGS. 1A-8 . The same reference numbers in different figures may identify the same or similar elements. 
         [0019]    The systems, methods, apparatuses, devices, technologies, and/or techniques (hereinafter referred to as the “system”), described herein, may enable a visually pleasing juncture to be created between a material covering a recess, in which mounts and shades are installed, and a material covering a ceiling base. 
         [0020]    The system may include one or more mount that is configured to be secured to a member of a structure (e.g., joist, beam, ceiling beam, ceiling joist, roof truss, wall stud, top, bottom, or side wall of a recess, floor joist, any other joist, beam, or stud etc.). The one or more mount may be configured to support one or more tube (e.g., a roller shade tube). The one or more tube may be rotatably attached to the mount and the one or more tube may include one or more shade. The one or more tube and/or mount may be configured to be in wired or wireless communication with a control mechanism to enable rotation of the tube. The one or more shade and the one or more tube may be configured such that a free end of the shade is moved away from and/or towards the one or more tube during rotation of the tube and/or shade. 
         [0021]    Additionally, or alternatively, the system may include one or more attachment mechanism configured to be attached to a member of a structure (e.g., joist, beam, ceiling beam, ceiling joist, roof truss, wall stud, top, bottom, or side wall of a recess, floor joist, any other joist, beam, or stud etc.). The one or more attachment mechanism may include one or more fastener that is configured to enable another component, such as a spacer, to be removably attachment to the attachment mechanism. 
         [0022]    The system may, also or alternatively, include the spacer that enables one or more gap to be created between a ceiling covering and the spacer. The one or more gap may be configured to enable the one or more shade to be deployed and/or retracted through the one or more gap. The spacer may include a corresponding fastener that is configured to enable the spacer to be removeably attached to the fastener of the attachment mechanism. The fastener and/or corresponding fastener may enable the spacer to move laterally and/or vertically within the opening. The spacer may also, or alternatively, include a spacer covering, which may include the same and/or visually similar material to the material of the ceiling covering. Additionally, or alternatively, the spacer may include a deflector that is configured to deflect the shade through one or more gap between the spacer and the ceiling covering. The spacer may include electrical, electronic, or other components (e.g., light source, camera, speaker, microphone, smoke detector, etc.). The one or more gap may prevent the formation of a visually unpleasing juncture. Additionally, or alternatively, the spacer may be oriented such that only the one or more gap used for the retraction and deployment of the one or more shade are created. 
         [0023]    The system is described in the context of storing and/or deploying one or more shade from a ceiling. However, in other implementations, the system need not be so limited. For example, the system may be configured to store and/or deploy one or more shade in and/or from any portion of a structure (e.g., floor, wall, window frame, window ledge, counter, outdoor structures, etc.). 
         [0024]    Additionally or alternatively, the system is described in the context of storing and/or deploying one or more roller shade. However, in other implementations, the system need not be so limited. For example, the system may also, or alternatively, be configured to store and deploy one or more screen, canvas, and/or other material for a variety of purposes (e.g., temporary flexible barriers, temporary screens, display art work, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, the system may be configured to enable the storage and/or deployment of other types of shades (e.g., accordion, honeycomb shades, etc.). 
         [0025]      FIG. 1A-1C  are perspective views of an example shade storage and deployment system according to an implementation described herein. As described in further detail below, the system may include a spacer that is configured to enable the creation of one or more gap between the spacer and a material covering the ceiling base. The one or more gap may allow one (e.g.,  FIG. 1B ) or more (e.g.,  FIG. 1C ) shade to be retracted and/or deployed for use. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1D  is a diagram of an example shade storage and deployment system  100  (hereinafter, “system  100 ”) of  FIGS. 1A-1C  including more than one shade according to an implementation described herein. As shown in  FIG. 1D , system  100  may include one or more mount  101  (hereinafter, “mount  100 ”), one or more rotatable tube  102  (hereinafter, “tube  102 ”), a spacer  110 , and one or more attachment mechanism  120  (hereinafter, “attachment mechanism  120 ”). The number of components, illustrated in  FIG. 1D  (and/or  FIGS. 1A-8 ), is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not intended to be so limited. There may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in  FIG. 1D . Also, in some implementations, one or more of the components of system  100  may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the components of system  100 . 
         [0027]    Mount  101  may be formed by a material of sufficient rigidity and strength to support the weight of tube  102 , shade  103  and/or any static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, etc.) imparted on mount  101  by tube  102 , shade  103 , by one or more of components  102 - 124  and/or any additional components (e.g., control mechanism described below). Mount  101  may, for example, be made of metal, plastic, Teflon®, acrylic, urethane, wood, fiberglass, composite, etc., or some combination thereof. The strength and/or rigidity of the material may enable mount  101  to maintain a basic shape when being used and/or to enable various components to be attached to mount  101  and to be used. 
         [0028]    Tube  102  may be formed by a material of sufficient rigidity and strength to support the weight of shade  103  and/or any static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, etc.) imparted on tube  102  by mount  101 , shade  103 , by one or more of components  102 - 124 , and/or any additional components (e.g., control mechanism). Tube  102  may, for example, be made of metal, plastic, Teflon®, acrylic, urethane, wood, fiberglass, composite, etc. or some combination thereof. The strength and/or rigidity of the material may enable tube  102  to maintain a basic shape when being used, attached to mount  101  and/or any other component, and/or to enable various components to be attached to tube  102  and to be used. 
         [0029]    The figures and description herein identify mount  101  as being disk-shaped and/or tube  102  as being generally circular in shape for explanatory purposes. Additionally, or alternatively, in other implementations, the shape need not be so limited. For example, mount  101  and/or tube  102  may be of any shape, such as circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentagular, hexangular, octangular, etc. 
         [0030]    Spacer  110  may include a spacer covering  111 , one or more deflector  112  (hereinafter, “deflector  112 ”), and a corresponding fastener  113  (described in further detail below). Spacer covering  111  may be formed by a material of sufficient rigidity and strength to support the weight of deflector  112 , corresponding fastener  113 , and/or any other component of spacer  110 , and/or any static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, etc.) imparted on spacer covering  111  by deflector  112 , corresponding fastener  113 , and/or by one or more of components  102 - 124  (and/or any additional components). Spacer covering  111  may, for example, be made of plaster, metal, plastic, Teflon, acrylic, urethane, wood, fiberglass, composite, etc. or some combination thereof. Spacer covering  111  may be made of a material that is the same as the material of horizontal covering  105  and/or vertical covering  106  (described in further detail below) (e.g., sheet rock, plaster, title, wood, metal, ceramic, etc.) or is made of a material that appears visually similar to the material of horizontal covering  105  and/or vertical covering  106  (e.g., medium density fiber (“MDF”), other fiberboard, etc.). The strength and/or rigidity of the material may enable spacer covering  111  to maintain a basic shape when being used, when being attached to and/or while attached to deflector  112  and/or any other component, and/or to enable various components to be attached to spacer covering  111  and to be used. 
         [0031]    The figures and description herein identify spacer  110  and/or spacer covering  111  as being generally rectangular shape for explanatory purposes. Additionally, or alternatively, in other implementations, the shape need not be so limited. For example, spacer  110  and/or spacer covering  111  may be of any shape, such as circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentagular, hexangular, octangular, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, spacer  110  and/or spacer covering  111  may include a flat shape, a convex shape, concave shape, or combination thereof such that spacer covering  111  may match the contour of horizontal covering  105  and/or vertical covering  106 . 
         [0032]    Deflector  112  may be formed by a material of sufficient rigidity and strength to support the weight of spacer covering  111 , corresponding fastener  113 , and/or any other components of spacer  110 , and/or any static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, etc.) imparted on deflector  112  by spacer covering  111 , corresponding fastener  113 , and/or by one or more of components  102 - 124  (and/or any additional components). Deflector  112  may, for example, be made of metal, plastic, Teflon®, acrylic, urethane, wood, fiberglass, composite, plaster, sheet rock, etc., or some combination thereof. The strength and/or rigidity of the material may enable deflector  112  to maintain a basic shape when being used, when being attached to and/or while attached to spacer covering  111  and/or corresponding fastener  113 , and/or any other component, and/or to enable various components to be attached to deflector  112  and to be used. 
         [0033]    Additionally, or alternatively, deflector  112  may be configured to deflect a free end of shade  103  through gaps  107  and/or  108  (described in further detail below). For example, deflector  112  may include any shape that enables smooth or continuous deflection of shade  103  through gaps  107  and  108 , e.g., such as a curved shape (as shown in  FIGS. 1D-5 and 8 ), to enable the deflection of shade  103  while minimizing the risk of tearing and/or otherwise damaging shade  103 . The shape of deflector  112  is not intended to be so limited. 
         [0034]    The number of components of spacer  110 , illustrated in the figures, is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not intended to be so limited. There may be additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than illustrated in the figures. Also, in some implementations, one or more of the components of spacer  110  may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another one or more of the components of spacer  110 . For example, the figures and description herein identify spacer  110  as including spacer covering  111  and deflector  112  as separate components, for explanatory purposes. Additionally, or alternatively, in other implementations, spacer  110  need not be so limited. In a non-limiting implementation, spacer covering  110  and deflector  112  may be formed as one component that includes one or more materials and/or one or more shape. 
         [0035]    Attachment mechanism  120  may include one or more support  124  (hereinafter, “support  124 ”), one or more insert  122  (hereinafter, “insert  122 ”), and one or more fastener  121  (hereinafter, “fastener  121 ”). Support  124  may be formed by a material of sufficient rigidity and strength to support insert  122 , fastener  121  (described in further detail below), spacer  110 , and/or any other components of attachment mechanism  120  and/or spacer  110 , and/or any static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, etc.) imparted on support  124  by insert  122 , fastener  121 , spacer  110 , and/or by one or more of components  102 - 124  (and/or any additional components). Support  124  may, for example, be made of metal, plastic, Teflon®, acrylic, urethane, wood, fiberglass, composite, plaster, sheet rock, etc., or some combination thereof. The strength and/or rigidity of the material may enable support  124  to maintain a basic shape when being used, when being attached to and/or while attached to a structural support (e.g., beam, pillar, frame, wall, floor, etc.), insert  122 , fastener  121 , and/or any other component, and/or to enable various components to be attached to support  124  and to be used. 
         [0036]    Insert  122  may be formed by a material of sufficient rigidity and strength to support fastener  121 , corresponding fastener  113 , spacer  110 , and/or any other components of attachment mechanism  120  and/or spacer  110 , and/or any static and/or dynamic loads (e.g., forces, torques, tensions, compressions, etc.) imparted on insert  122  by support  124 , fastener  121 , corresponding fastener  113 , spacer  110 , and/or by one or more of components  102 - 124  (and/or any additional components). Insert  122  may, for example, be made of metal, plastic, Teflon®, acrylic, urethane, wood, fiberglass, composite, plaster, sheet rock, foam, etc., or some combination thereof. The strength and/or rigidity of the material may enable insert  122  to maintain a basic shape when being used, when being attached to and/or while attached to support  124 , fastener  121 , and/or any other component, and/or to enable various components to be attached to insert  122  and to be used. 
         [0037]    The figures and description herein identify support  124  and insert  122  as being generally rectangular shape for explanatory purposes. Additionally, or alternatively, in other implementations, the shape need not be so limited. For example, support  124  and/or insert  122  may be of any shape, such as circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentagular, hexangular, octangular, etc. Additionally, or alternatively, while  FIGS. 1D-5A  illustrate the attachment mechanism as including five inserts (e.g.,  FIG. 5A ), in other implementations, the attachment mechanism need not be so limited. For example, in a non-limiting implementation, the attachment mechanism may include more or less than five inserts (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5B-5C ) or may not include any insert (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5D ). 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 1D , system  100  may be configured to be installed into recess  130 , which may be formed, for example, within a ceiling, wall, floor, or other structural element. Mount  101  may be configured to be temporarily and/or permanently secured to a member of a structure (e.g., joist, beam, ceiling beam, ceiling joist, roof truss, wall stud, top, bottom, or side wall of a recess, floor joist, any other joist, beam, or stud etc.) and/or any other portion of a structure sufficient to support the weight and/or forces of mount  101 , tube  102 , and/or any additional component. For example, mount  101  may include one or more aperture that is configured to receive a screw and/or other appropriate fastening means. Mount  101  may be configured to support tube  102  and enable tube  102  to be rotatably attached to mount  101 . For example, system  100  may include two mounts  101  per tube, i.e., one mount for each end of tube  102 . Additionally, or alternatively, mount  101  may have one or more opening (not shown) that is configured to receive one end of (or a portion of one end of) tube  102 , and/or tube  102  may interlock with the one or more opening. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more opening may include a bearing that is configured to allow tube  102  to rotate freely about tube rotational axis  102   a,  minimizing friction and wear. 
         [0039]    In other implementations, mount  101  need not be so limited. Mount  101  may be configured to enable tube  102  to rotatably attach to mount  101  by any suitable means generally known in the art. Additionally, or alternatively, mount  101  may be configured such that one mount is sufficient to support tube  102  and allow tube  102  to rotatably attach to mount  101 . Additionally, or alternatively, mount  101  may include a multiple mounting mechanism such that one mount may be configured to support two or more tubes and enable the two or more tubes to be rotatably attached to mount  101 . Additionally or alternatively, the orientation of mount  101  shown in  FIG. 1D  is not intended to be limiting.  FIG. 8  a diagram of an example shade storage and deployment system of  FIGS. 1A-D  that includes a mount component in a different position that shown in  FIG. 1D  and according to an implementation described herein. Mount  101  may be configured to be securely attached to a structural member in any orientation that enables mount  101  to support tube  102  and/or shade  103  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0040]    Tube  102  may be configured to be removably and rotatably attached to mount  101 , such that tube  102  may rotate about tube rotational axis  102   a.  For example, tube  102  may include a mechanism (e.g., key, pin, groove, slot, tab, etc.) that may interlock with a bearing of mount  101 . Additionally, or alternatively, tube  102  may itself include a pivotable mechanism configured to enable tube  102  to rotate about  102   a.  In other implementations, tube  102  need not be so limited. Tube  102  may be configured to enable tube  102  to rotate by any suitable means generally known in the art. 
         [0041]    Mount  101  and/or tube  102  may be configured to connect to a control mechanism (e.g., motor, servo, air compressor, hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or some other mechanical control system) that is configured to provide a force (e.g., torque on a pin or bearing) to mount  101  and/or tube  102  to cause at least tube  102  to rotate. The control mechanism may be configured to be in wired and/or wireless communication with a user device (e.g., input device, keypad, PDA, phone, laptop, computer, remote control, etc.), sensor (e.g., motion, temperature, pressure, position, etc.), and/or other device (e.g., timer, measurement device, light switch, door, window, television, etc.). The user device, sensor, and/or other device may be configured to send a signal to the control mechanism to automatically rotate (e.g., counter-clockwise, clockwise) tube  102  about tube rotational axis  102   a  and/or at least a portion of mount  101 . 
         [0042]    One or more shade  103  (hereinafter, “shade  103 ”) may be disposed on and/or wound around tube  102  by any known technique in the art, such that rotation of tube  102  may enable a free end of shade  103  to move away from and/or towards tube  102 , and/or to be deployed and/or retracted through gaps  107  and/or  108 . Shade  103  may be made of any material known in the art of suitable properties (e.g., strength, density, transparency, opaqueness, etc.) and may also, or alternatively, be made of a pliable and/or flexible material that is suitable to be controlled (e.g., bent, conformed, curved, deformed, etc.) upon contact with spacer  110 , such that shade  103  may conform to a same or similar shape of spacer  110  when brought into contact with spacer  110  (“shaped controlled”) (as further described below).  FIG. 1D  and the description herein identify system  100  as including two tubes  102  and two shades  103 . Additionally, or alternatively, in other implementations, the number of tubes and shades need not be so limited. For example,  FIG. 2  is a diagram of an example shade storage and deployment system  200 , which may include only one tube  202  and/or shade  203 . 
         [0043]    Returning to  FIG. 1D , attachment mechanism  120  may be configured to be temporarily and/or permanently secured to a member of a structure (e.g., joist, beam, ceiling beam, ceiling joist, roof truss, wall stud, top, bottom, or side wall of a recess, floor joist, any other joist, beam, or stud etc.) and/or any other portion of a structure sufficient to support the weight of attachment mechanism  120 , spacer  110 , and/or any additional component. Attachment mechanism  120  may include support  124 , which may be temporarily or permanently secured (e.g., via screw, nail, glued, Velcro®, epoxy, etc.) to a member of a structure. Attachment mechanism  120  may, also or alternatively, include fastener  121 , which may be directly attached to support  124  (e.g., via threaded engagement, etc.) (as shown in  FIG. 5D ). Additionally, or alternatively, fastener  121  may be attached to insert  122  (e.g., wooden insert, polymer insert, metal insert, nuts, bolts, etc.) and insert  122  may be attached to support  124  (e.g., via screw, nail, glued, Velcro, epoxy, etc.). Insert  122  may be configured to provide additional support and/or rigidity to fastener  121 . Additionally or alternatively, fastener  121  may be configured to be adjustable in length by any normal methods known in the art (e.g., via adjustment of threaded engagement, telescopic adjustment mechanism, etc.). The number of inserts  122  attached to fastener  121  may depend on, for example, the length of fastener  121 . 
         [0044]    Spacer  110  may include corresponding fastener  113 , which may be configured to enable spacer  110  to be removably attached to fastener  121 . Fastener  121  and corresponding fastener  113  may include, for example, attracting magnets with magnetic force that is strong enough to overcome gravitational force and securely attach spacer  110  to fastener  122  without spacer  110  falling, yet weak enough to enable removal of spacer  110 . In other implementations, the type of fastener  121  and corresponding fastener  113  need not be so limited. For example, fastener  121  and corresponding fastener  113  may include any fastening mechanism sufficient to secure spacer  110  to fastener  121  (e.g., key and slot, button, male-female connection, groove and tongue, tab and slot, Velcro®, etc.). 
         [0045]    The shapes and sizes of fastener  121  and corresponding fastener  113  shown in the figures and described herein are not intended to be limiting. Additionally or alternatively, in other implementations, fastener  121  and corresponding fastener  113  may be of any shape, dimensions, and/or size suitable to enable removable attachment of spacer  110  and attachment mechanism  120 . For example, the width of corresponding fastener  113  and/or fastener  121  may be as wide as (or nearly as wide as) spacer  110  or a portion of spacer  110  to enable further lateral movement of spacer  110  within a partial opening of recess  130 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 1D , an opening of recess  130  may be partially covered by ceiling base  104  (e.g., joist, beam, truss, etc.), leaving a partial opening of recess  130 . Additionally, or alternatively, ceiling base  104  may include horizontal covering  105  and vertical covering  106  (e.g., made of plaster, wood, sheet rock, ceramic, metal, or a combination thereof, etc.) to effectively prohibit ceiling base  104  from being visual in plain view. The number, shape, size, and/or orientation of ceiling coverings  105  and/or  106  shown in the figures and described herein are not intended to be limited. Additionally, or alternatively, ceiling coverings may include any number, shape, size, and/or orientation necessary to effectively prohibit the ceiling base from being visual in plain view. 
         [0047]    Spacer  110  may be oriented into the partial opening of recess  130  such that two gaps  107  and  108  exist between spacer  110  and vertical covering  106  (and/or horizontal cover  106 ). Gaps  107  and  108  may prevent the abutment of spacer  110  with vertical covering  106  and/or horizontal covering  105 , and effectively eliminate a visually unpleasing juncture. This may increase the aesthetic value of the structure, and/or the monetary value of the structure. Additionally, or alternatively, spacer  110  may be oriented to allow one or more shade  103  to be deployed and/or retracted through gaps  107  and  108 , without deflection from deflector  112 , as shown for example in  FIG. 1D . 
         [0048]    Additionally, or alternatively, the spacer may be adjusted in size to decrease and/or increase the size of the gaps through which a shade is deployed and/or retracted.  FIG. 3  is a diagram of an example shade storage and deployment system that includes a different spacer component than that shown in  FIG. 1D  and according to an implementation described herein. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , spacer  310  may be oriented in the partial opening of recess  130  (e.g., via removal of spacer  110  and replacement with  310 ). Spacer  310  may be wider than spacer  110  enabling the gaps  307  and  308  to be smaller than gaps  107  and/or  108 . Additionally, or alternatively, if spacer  310  impedes the direct path of shade  103  to gaps  307  and/or  308 , deflector  312  may deflect shade  103  through gaps  307  and/or  308 . Shade  103  may be made of any material known in the art of suitable properties (e.g., strength, density, transparency, opaqueness, etc.) and may also, or alternatively, be made of a pliable and/or flexible material that is suitable to be controlled (e.g., bent, conformed, curved, deformed, etc.) upon contact with spacer  310 . For example, shade  103  may conform to a same or similar shape of spacer  310  when brought into contact with spacer  310  (“shaped controlled”). The controlling of a shape (e.g., bending, conforming, curving, deforming, etc.) of a shade via contact with a spacer is further described below with reference to  FIGS. 9A-C  and  FIGS. 10A-C . 
         [0049]    Additionally, or alternatively, the position of spacer  110  may be adjusted horizontally.  FIG. 4  is a diagram of an example shade storage and deployment system that includes a spacer component in a different position that than shown in  FIG. 1D  and according to an implementation described herein. As shown in  FIG. 4 , fastener  121  and corresponding fastener  113  may enable horizontal movement of spacer  110 , such that gaps  407  and  408  may be of different sizes relative to one another. Additionally, or alternatively, shade  103  may be deflected by deflector  112  through gap  407  if spacer  110  impedes the direct path of the free end of shade  103  through gap  407 . 
         [0050]    Additionally or alternatively, the position of spacer  110  may be adjusted vertically. For example, in one non-limiting implementation, adjustment of the length of fastener  122  may enable vertical adjustment of spacer  110 , such that the outermost surface of spacer covering  111  may align with the outermost surface of horizontal covering  105 . In another implementation, spacer  110  may be configured to be adjusted vertically by other mechanisms, e.g., via adjustment of corresponding fastener  113 . 
         [0051]    Additionally, or alternatively, the spacer may be configured to include electrical, electronic, and/or other elements.  FIG. 5A  is a diagram of an example attachment mechanism and spacer component of an example shade storage and deployment system according to an implementation described herein. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , spacer  510  may include lighting element  514  (e.g., LED, halogen, fluorescent, neon, etc.). Lighting element  514  may be configured to be adjustable (e.g., via ball and socket connection, etc.) such that light emitted from lighting element  514  may be directed in a desired direction. Additionally or alternatively, lighting element  514  may be installed on the surface of and/or within spacer cover  511 . Additionally, or alternatively, other elements (e.g., camera, alarm, speaker, microphone, smoke detector, security device, sensor, etc.) may be installed on and/or within spacer  510 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 6A-6C  are bottom elevational views of the example shade storage and deployment system of  FIGS. 1A-1C . Additionally, or alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C , the spacer may be configured to create gaps  609   a  and/or  609   b.  For example, spacer  110  may be oriented to create gaps  609   a  and/or  609   b  between spacer  110  and ceiling covering  640 . Gaps  609   a  and/or  609   b  may be adjustable in size in accordance with the techniques described herein. Gaps  609   a  and/or  609   b  may prevent the abutment of spacer  110  with ceiling covering  640 . The size of gaps  107 ,  108 ,  609   a,  and/or  609   b  are not intended to be limiting. 
         [0053]    The figures and description herein generally show spacer  110 , gaps  107 ,  108 ,  609   a ,  609   b,  horizontal covering  105 , and/or vertical covering  106  as generally being rectangular shape for explanatory purposes. In other implementations, the shape of spacer  110 , gaps  107 ,  108 ,  609   a,    609   b,  horizontal covering  105  and/or vertical covering  106  need not be so limited. Spacer  110 , gaps  107 ,  108 ,  609   a,    609   b,  horizontal covering  105  and/or vertical covering  106  may be of any shape. For example, gaps  107 ,  108 ,  609   a,  and/or  609   b  may include curved, concave, convex, zip-zag, circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentagular, hexangular, octangular shapes, etc. The shape of gaps  107 ,  108 ,  609   a,  and/or  609   b  may be formed by the shapes of spacer  110 , spacer covering  111 , horizontal covering  105 , and/or vertical covering  106 , which may be of any shape (e.g., curved, concave, convex, zip-zag, circular, elliptical, triangular, square, pentagular, hexangular, octangular, etc.). 
         [0054]    For example, as shown in  FIGS. 9A-C  and  FIGS. 10A-C , spacer  910 ,  1010  may include convex and/or concave shapes. A curved shape of spacer  910 ,  1010  (and/or a curved shape of a horizontal covering, vertical covering, gap, partial opening of recess, etc.) may enable spacer  1010  to make contact with a shade and, based on the application, may control the shape (e.g., curvature, contour, deformation, etc.) of the shade as deployed through a gap. Such a curved shade may improve the aesthetic features of a room (e.g., by preventing a visually unpleasing juncture from forming between the horizontal and/or vertical coverings and the spacer, etc.) 
         [0055]    In other implementations, the shape of the spacer, horizontal covering, vertical covering, gap, and/or partial opening of the recess shown in  FIGS. 9A-C  and  FIGS. 10A-C  need not be so limited. For example, the spacer, horizontal covering, vertical covering, gap, and/or partial opening of the recess may include a shape and/or be oriented to maintain parallel edges between the spacer and the horizontal and/or vertical coverings (e.g.,  FIGS. 6A, 9A ). Said another way, the width of a gap may be generally constant, whether straight (e.g.,  FIG. 6A ) or curved (e.g.,  FIG. 9A ). Additionally or alternatively, the spacer, horizontal covering, vertical covering, gap, and/or partial opening of the recess may include a shape and/or be oriented such that the edges between the spacer and the horizontal and/or vertical coverings are not parallel. Said another way, the width of a gap may not be constant (e.g.,  FIGS. 10A-C ). Additionally, or alternatively, the dimensions of the spacer may be increased to eliminate gaps  609   a  and/or  609   b , as shown for example, in  FIG. 7 , which is a bottom elevational view of an example shade storage and deployment system according to an implementation described herein. 
         [0056]    The described system may, for example, be installed according to the following method. One or more mount may be securely attached to at least a portion of a member of a structure. One or more tube may be removably and rotatably attached to the one or more mount. The one or more mount and/or one or more tube may be connected to a control mechanism configured to cause, at least, the tube to rotate. One or more shade may be securely attached to the one or more tube, such that a free end of the one or more tube may move away from and/or towards the tube when the tube is rotated. An attachment mechanism may be secured to at least a portion of a member of a structure. A spacer may be removably attached to the attachment mechanism via a fastener, to create one or more gap between the spacer and a ceiling base and/or a covering thereto. The spacer may be oriented to enable a free end of the one or more shade to move into and out of the one or more gap. The number and/or order of steps of the foregoing method are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may include additional, fewer, and/or different steps and/or the steps may be performed in a different order than described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more steps of the method may be repeated.

Technology Category: e