具体实施方式：
[0040]The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the disclosure. The drawings are intended to depict exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and therefore are not be considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041]Various features, aspects, or the like of an architectural-structure covering including a light source will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more aspects of the architectural-structure covering will be shown and described. It should be appreciated that the various features, aspects, or the like may be used independently of, or in combination, with each other. It will be appreciated that the architectural-structure covering as disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will convey certain illustrations of aspects of the architectural-structure covering to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted.
[0042]It should be understood that, as described herein, an “embodiment” (such as illustrated in the accompanying Figures) may refer to an illustrative representation of an environment or article or component in which a disclosed concept or feature may be provided or embodied, or to the representation of a manner in which just the concept or feature may be provided or embodied. However, such illustrated embodiments are to be understood as examples (unless otherwise stated), and other manners of embodying the described concepts or features, such as may be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon learning the concepts or features from the present disclosure, are within the scope of the disclosure. In addition, it will be appreciated that while the Figures may show one or more embodiments of concepts or features together in a single embodiment of an environment, article, or component incorporating such concepts or features, such concepts or features are to be understood (unless otherwise specified) as independent of and separate from one another and are shown together for the sake of convenience and without intent to limit to being present or used together. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used separately, or with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0043]As will be described in greater detail below, an architectural-structure covering according to the present disclosure may include a light source arranged and configured to illuminate at least a portion of the architectural-structure covering. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the light source may be arranged and configured to direct light onto a second covering, which may be arranged and configured to reflect the received light.
[0044]Referring to FIG. 1, an example of an embodiment of an architectural-structure covering 100 in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. The architectural-structure covering 100 may include a first covering 120 movable between an extended position and a retracted position (illustratively, the position shown in FIG. 1). For example, as illustratively shown in FIG. 1, the covering 120 can be vertically extendable or retractable (e.g., able to be lowered or raised, respectively, in a vertical direction) between the extended position and the retracted position for obscuring and exposing the underlying architectural structure.
[0045]As illustrated, the architectural-structure covering 100 may also include a headrail 110, which in the illustrated example of an embodiment is a housing having opposed end caps 112, 114 joined by front, back, and top sides to form an open bottom enclosure. The headrail 110 may also include any suitable mounting structure 116 for coupling the headrail 110 to a structure above, or at the top of, an architectural structure, such as a wall, via mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, or the like. Although a particular example of a headrail 110 is shown in FIG. 1, many different types and styles of headrails exist and could be employed in place of the example headrail of FIG. 1.
[0046]In use, the first covering 120 may be operatively associated with an operating system and/or an operating element to actuate movement of the first covering 120 between the extended and retracted positions. In one example of an embodiment, the architectural-structure covering 100 may include a first rotatable member 125 (FIGS. 3 and 4). In use, the first rotatable member 125 is operatively associated with the first covering 120. In the illustrated embodiment including a headrail, the headrail 110 is arranged and configured to house the first rotatable member 125. The first rotatable member 125 may be rotatably coupled between the end caps 112, 114. In use, rotation of the first rotatable member 125 in a first direction may retract the first covering 120 while rotation of the first rotatable member 125 in a second, opposite direction may extend the first covering 120.
[0047]As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the architectural-structure covering 100 also includes a second covering 220 movable between an extended position and a retracted position (illustratively, the position shown in FIG. 1). As illustrated, the second covering 220 is positioned behind the first covering 220 (e.g., the first covering 120 is positioned closer to the room facing side of the architectural-structure covering 100 as compared to the second covering 220).
[0048]In use, the second covering 220 may be operatively associated with an operating system and/or an operating element to actuate movement of the second covering 220 between the extended and retracted positions. In one example of an embodiment, the architectural-structure covering 100 may include a second rotatable member 225 (FIGS. 3 and 4). In use, the second rotatable member 225 is operatively associated with the second covering 220. In the illustrated embodiment including a headrail, the headrail 110 is arranged and configured to house the second rotatable member 225. In use, similar to the operation of the first rotatable member 125, rotation of the second rotatable member 225 in a first direction may retract the second covering 220 while rotation of the second rotatable member 225 in a second, opposite direction may extend the second covering 220.
[0049]Thus arranged, the first and second coverings 120, 220 are separately and independently movable (e.g., capable of being independently raised or lower) so that the positions of the first and second coverings 120, 220, respectively, may be separately and independently adjustable.
[0050]Referring to FIG. 2, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an example of an embodiment of the headrail 110 including a housing 111 having opposed end caps 112, 114 to form an open-bottom enclosure is shown. The illustrated embodiment of the headrail 110 is one example of an embodiment of a headrail that may be used in combination with the architectural-structure covering 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. As generally shown, the headrail 110 may include first and second sections, partitions, portions, mounting areas, etc. 130, 140 (used interchangeably herein) for positioning the first and second rotatable members 125, 225, respectively. For purposes of the present disclosure, detailed discussion will now turn to general aspects, features, etc. associated with the second covering 220. As such, for the sake of brevity, operation of the first covering 120 is omitted herefrom. For additional information relating to the headrail and specifically an example of an embodiment of the first portion 130 of the headrail reference is hereby made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/747,831, filed on Jan. 21, 2020, entitled “Headrail for an Architectural-Structure Covering”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, as previously mentioned, any suitable headrail may be used and the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific construction or details of the headrail unless specifically claimed. For example, referring to FIG. 4, an alternate example of a headrail 110′ that may be used in combination with the architectural-structure covering 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown. For additional information relating to the headrail 110′ reference is hereby made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/743,578, filed on Jun. 18, 2015, entitled “Blind Assembly with Two Blind Head Rail”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0051]Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 140 of the headrail 110,110′ contains the second rotatable member 225. In addition, the second portion 140 of the headrail 110,110′ contains sufficient space to contain the second covering 220 when the second covering 220 is wound about the second rotatable member 225 when in the retracted position. Meanwhile, the second portion 140 may also be arranged and configured to minimize height and depth of the headrail 110,110′.
[0052]In use, the first and second rotatable members 125, 225 are separately and independently movable (e.g., capable of being separately and independently raised or lower) so that the positions of the first and second coverings 120, 220, respectively, may be separately and independently adjustable. Thus arranged, the second covering 220 can be moved between the extended and retracted positions separately and independently of the first covering 120.
[0053]In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the architectural-structural covering 100 includes a light source 300 for directing light onto the second covering 220 when the second covering 220, or at least a portion thereof, is extended. In use, in one example of an embodiment, the architectural-structure covering 100 provides light from the light source 300 onto the second covering 220, which is arranged and configured to reflect the received light from the light source 300 toward the interior space of the room in which the architectural-structure covering 100 is located. Thus arranged, to the extent that the second covering 220 is partially extended (e.g., to the extent that the second covering 220 is moved to an intermediate position between the retracted position and the fully extended position), the architectural-structure covering 100 will reflect (e.g., illuminate) light across the partially extended second covering 220. For example, as shown, in one example of an embodiment utilizing a headrail, a light source 300 for directing light onto the second covering 220 when the second covering 220, or at least a portion thereof, is extended from the headrail 110, 110′ may be positioned within the second portion 140 of the headrail 110, 110′.
[0054]In one example of an embodiment, as generally represented in FIGS. 5 and 6, the light source 300 may be in the form of a plurality of light-emitting diodes arranged and configured in a strip that extends across the length of the headrail 110, 110′, although it is envisioned that the light source may take on any other suitable form. For example, the light source (e.g., LEDs) may be arranged and configured in an array. As such, it should be appreciated that the light source (e.g., LEDs) may be provided in any suitable form and/or configuration arranged and configured to provide the desired intensity and uniformity of light output. In addition, and/or alternatively, the light source may be arranged and configured to provide variable hue, tone, color temperature, color rendering index (CRI), etc. (e.g., light source may be arranged and configured to provide, for example, warm/cool light).
[0055]In use, the light source 300 is arranged and configured to direct emitted light onto the second covering 220 when the second covering 220 is extended, or at least partially extended. Thereafter, the second covering 220 is arranged and configured to distribute the light from the light source 300 toward the interior space of the room in which the architectural-structure covering is located. In one example of an embodiment, the second covering 220 is manufactured from a reflective material that is arranged and configured to reflect the emitted light from the light source 300 toward the interior space of the room in which the architectural-structure covering is located (e.g., the second, reflective covering 220 is arranged and configured to reflect the emitted light from the light source 300). In addition, in one embodiment, the second covering 220 may be manufactured from a flexible material so that the second covering 220 can be extended and retracted such as, for example, wound and unwound, stackable, etc.
[0056]Thus arranged, in use, the first covering 120 may be moved between the extended and retracted positions as desired. For example, the first covering 120 is arranged and configured to operate as any known architectural-structure covering. For example, the first covering 120 may be extended to provide privacy, to conceal the underlying architectural structure, to modify the flow-through of natural light, etc. In addition, the first covering 120 may be retracted to reveal the underlying architectural structure, to adjust view-through, etc.
[0057]Thereafter, the second covering 220 may be extended and the light source 300 activated to illuminate the architectural-structure covering 100 (e.g., light source 300 may be illuminated to direct light onto the second covering 220, which is arranged and configured to reflect the light toward the interior space of the room in which the architectural-structure covering 100 is positioned thus giving the appearance that the architectural-structure covering 100, or at least the extended or exposed portion of the second covering 220, is being illuminated. In this manner, the architectural-structure covering 100 may be arranged and configured to provide light. For example, during evening hours, with the first covering 120 at least partially extended, the second covering 220 may be partially extended and the light source 300 turned ON to provide lighting (e.g., the covering portions of the architectural-structure covering 100 may be illuminated in place of room lighting).
[0058]In one example of an embodiment, the first and second coverings 120, 220 may be arranged and configured to extend and retract substantially in unison. That is, for example, although the first and second rotatable members 125, 225 are separate and independently operable, in one example of an embodiment, the first and second rotatable members 125, 225 may be arranged and configured to rotate in a manner such that the first and second coverings 120, 220 extend and retract in unison (e.g., to extend and retract simultaneously at the same time and/or to the same extent). Thus arranged, as the first and second coverings 120, 220 are movable between their retracted positions and their extended positions to any point in between, the user can select how much of the architectural structure 100 is covered by the first and second coverings 120, 220 (e.g., the user can view through, for example, a portion of the window that is not covered by the partially extended coverings).
[0059]The light source 300 may be mounted, coupled, etc. by any suitable mechanism now known or hereafter developed. For example, in connection with a headrail 110, 110′, the light source 300 may be mounted to an underside of the headrail 110, 110′, and in one embodiment, the light source 300 may be adhered, fastened, etc. to the headrail 110, 110′, although any suitable mechanism for coupling the light source 300 to the headrail 110, 110′ may be utilized. Alternatively, in connection with embodiments where there is no headrail, the light source 300 may be mounted, for example, directly to the architectural-structure by any suitable mechanism.
[0060]In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, referring to FIGS. 3-6, the architectural-structure covering 100 may also include a reflector 320. The light source 300 may be coupled to the reflector 320 to emit light onto a surface of the reflector 320. For embodiments in which the light source 300 is coupled to the reflector 320, the reflector 320 may be arranged and configured as a heat sink to draw heat away from the light source (e.g., LEDs) 300 during operation. The light source (e.g., LEDs) 300 may be mounted to the reflector 320 (e.g., heat sink) via heat transfer tape, heat transfer adhesive, or the like. In use, the reflector 320 assists with drawing heat away from the light source 300. In one example of an embodiment, as shown, the reflector 320 may be positioned within the headrail 110, 110′ for embodiments including a headrail. Although not illustrated, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the light source (e.g., LEDs) 300 may be associated with a lens, a collimator, or the like. In one embodiment, each LED 300 may be associated with an individual lens, collimator, or the like. In another embodiment, a single lens, collimator, or the like may be used for the plurality of LEDs 300. In use, the lens, collimator, or the like may be utilized to redirect the light and/or to improve uniform light distribution.
[0061]In use, the reflector 320 may be arranged and configured to reflect, direct, etc. the emitted light from the light source 300 towards the second, reflective covering 220. For example, in one example of an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the reflector 320 may include a base portion 321 and a reflective surface 322. The base portion 321 may be arranged and configured to receive, mount, etc. the light source 300. The reflective surface 322 may be arranged and configured to extend from the base portion 321 so that, in use, the reflective surface 322 is positioned adjacent to and/or below the light source 300. Thus arranged, in use, the emitted light from the light source 300 is directed onto the reflective surface 322 and towards the second, reflective covering 220. In one example of an embodiment, the reflective surface 322 may be arcuate, curved, etc. such as, for example, parabolic, cylindrical, partially spherical, etc. although the reflective surface may have any shape arranged and configured to reflect the emitted light from the light source 300 towards the second, reflective covering 220. In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the reflective surface 322 preferably includes a parabolic shape. It has been discovered that by utilizing a parabolic shape improved uniformity of emitted light was obtained across the covering when the covering was in the extended position. In this manner, the emitted light from the light source 300 may be more evenly distributed, thus avoiding the appearance of spotting (e.g., appearance of dark spots).
[0062]In one embodiment where a headrail is used, the reflector 320 may be coupled to the headrail 110, 110′ by any suitable mechanism now known or hereafter developed. For example, in one embodiment, the reflector 320 may extend an entire length of the headrail 110, 110′, although it is contemplated that the reflector 320 could also be installed in an intermittent manner along the length of the headrail (e.g., using multiple individual reflectors), or could cover only a portion of the length of the headrail. For embodiments where a headrail is used, the reflector 320 may be coupled to the opposing end caps 112, 114. For example, the reflector 320 may include openings 324 formed in the reflector 320 for receiving inwardly extending projections, fasteners, etc. 115 (FIG. 3) sized and arranged to be received by the openings 324 formed in the reflector 320.
[0063]The reflector 320 may be sized and shaped to reflect light from the light source 300 onto any portion of the second covering 220 and/or any portion of the headrail 110, 110′. As will be appreciated, it may be desirable to provide an even illumination of the architectural structure covering 100 along its entire extended length. Thus, by adjusting the manner in which light is reflected via the reflector 320, it can be possible to facilitate even illumination. That is, in one example of an embodiment, by reflecting light from the light source 300 via the reflector 320 onto the second covering 220 even illumination (e.g., continuous lighting from top to bottom without shadows, interruption, etc.) may be achieved.
[0064]In one example of an embodiment, the reflector 320 may be fixably positioned during assembly to optimize reflection from the light source 300 onto any portion of the second covering 220 and/or any portion of the headrail 110, 110′. Alternatively, however, it is envisioned that the reflector 320 may be arranged and configured to be adjustable (e.g., movably positioned) relative to the second covering 220 and/or any portion of the headrail 110, 110′ to facilitate field adjustments.
[0065]In use, in one example of an embodiment, the architectural-structure covering 100 provides light from the light source 300 onto the second, reflective covering 220 and from the second, reflective covering 220 toward the interior space of the room in which the architectural-structure covering 100 is located. Thus arranged, to the extent that the second covering 220 is partially extended (e.g., to the extent that the second covering 220 is moved to an intermediate position between the retracted position and the fully extended position), the architectural-structure covering 100 will reflect (e.g., illuminate) light across the partially extended second covering 220 allowing the user to view through the remaining uncovered portions of the underlying architectural structure not covered by the second covering 220 (e.g., user can view through the window not covered by the second covering 220).
[0066]That is, in one example of an embodiment, the upper or first portion of the architectural-structure covering 100, to the extent that the first and second coverings 120, 220 are extended, may provide light while the lower or second portion of the architectural-structure covering 100, to the extent that the first and second coverings 120, 220 are not fully extended, may provide view through. This provides the user with numerous options in being able to determine the amount of light to be emitted. In addition, by arranging the light source 300 to direct light onto a second, reflective covering 220 from, for example, above such as, for example, by positioning the light source 300 with a headrail, advantages over, for example, side lighting an architectural-structure covering are provided (e.g., side lighting results in the entire length of the underlying architectural structure being lit regardless of the positioning of the covering).
[0067]Thus, in connection with one example of an embodiment of the present disclosure, as the first and second coverings 120, 220 are extended, the user can enable portions of the architectural-structural covering 100 to be illuminated. For example, in applications where the underlying architectural structure is a window or an opening, as the first and second coverings 120, 220 are extended, the user can enable view-through the underlying architectural structure while enabling portions of the architectural-structure covering 100 to be illuminated (e.g., the architectural-structure covering 100 is arranged and configured to only reflect (e.g., illuminate) light to the extent that the second, reflective covering 220 is extended). The light emitted from the light source 300 can be arranged and configured to be directed onto the second covering 220, thus without extending the second covering 220, the light emitted from the light source 300 will not be reflected towards the interior space of a room in which the architectural-structure covering is located.
[0068]In addition, the light source 300 and the second, reflective covering 220 may be arranged and configured to provide even distribution of light across the exposed (e.g., extended) surface area of the second covering 220. That is, in one example of an embodiment, the architectural-structure covering 100 is arranged and configured to reflect light evenly across the entire cross-sectional area of the second covering 220. Thus, with the second covering 220 extended to its fully extended position, the reflected light may be distributed across the entire extended length of the second covering 220. However, by enabling the second covering 220 to be independently and separately movable relative to the first covering 120, the user can control the amount, extent, etc. of the reflected light. For example, by only partially extending the second covering 220, the user can control the extent to which light will be reflected (e.g., the user can control the extent of reflected light by controlling the length to which the second covering 220 is extended, light will only be reflected or distributed across the cross-sectional area of the second covering 220 (e.g., light will only be reflected or distributed across a cross-sectional area of an extended portion of said second, reflective covering, light will not be reflected beyond the extended cross-sectional area of the second, reflective covering 220)).
[0069]In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the architectural-structure covering 100 including deployment of the first and second coverings 120, 220 and control of the light source 300 may be remotely controlled such as, for example, via a wireless remote device, although it is envisioned that the remote device could be coupled to the architectural-structure covering 100 via a hardwired connection. For example, as will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the architectural-structure covering 100 may be operatively associated with an APP running on a remote device such as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, etc. Alternatively, the architectural-structure covering 100 may be operatively associated with a dedicated remote-control device, a wall switch, etc. In use, the remote device can be programed to, for example, control position of the first and second coverings 120, 220 (e.g., to extend and retract the first and second covering 120, 220), to turn ON and OFF the light source 300, etc. In addition, the architectural-structure covering 100 can be programed to take specific actions throughout the day. For example, the architectural-structure covering 100 can be programmed to automatically turn ON the light source 300 at a certain time, for example, in the morning to wake the user, or to turn OFF at a certain time, to extend or retract the coverings 120, 220, etc. In addition, the light source 300 may be arranged and configured to emit different color temperatures so that, for example, the light source 300 may be arranged and configured to mimic the color of the natural light throughout the day, alternatively the user could program the light source 300 to provide a desired color temperature, etc. Moreover, by controlling the color temperature of the emitted light, the user can also control, alter, etc. the appearance of the covering (e.g., first covering 120). For example, by controlling the color temperature of the light, the user could make the fabric appear different colors.
[0070]In one embodiment, the second covering 220 may include a bottom rail, an additional light source may be positioned along the bottom rail. In use, the additional light source may be directed upwards so that, in the fully deployed position, the additional light source may facilitate providing uniform light distribution across the entire covering. In one embodiment, power may be provided to the additional light source via power lines coupled to, integrated with, etc. the operating cords.
[0071]The second covering 220 may be manufactured from any suitable, reflective material now known or hereafter developed. For example, the second, reflective covering 220 may be manufactured from a material arranged and configured to reflect light. In one example of an embodiment, the second, reflective covering 220 may be manufactured from a non-woven, fabric material arranged and configured to reflect light. In one embodiment, the fabric material may be arranged and configured with a metal coating and/or a protective clear film or coating. In use, the film or coating is arranged and configured to reflect light. In one embodiment, the film or coating may have an optical density of 0.90 or greater to prevent light from passing through the film or coating from the outside. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the fabric may include reflective yarns arranged and configured to reflect light toward the covering. In addition, the reflective yarns may also include a light blocking construction to prevent light from entering from the outside. In one embodiment, the second, reflective covering 220 may be manufactured from a projection material such as, for example, StarBright CLR® (Ceiling Light Rejecting) material manufactured and sold by Elite Screens.
[0072]Similarly, the reflector 320 may be manufactured from any suitable material now known or hereafter developed. Alternatively, the reflector 320 can be made from any material and a reflective surface 322 can be applied to the reflector 320, the reflective surface 322 may be manufactured from a material arranged and configured to reflect light. For example, the reflective surface 322 may be formed by a layer such as a tape, a reflective coating, a paint coating, etc. In one example of an embodiment, the reflector 320 be manufactured from a metallic material such as, for example, aluminum. The metallic reflector 320 may include a mil finish. Optionally, the metallic reflector 320 may include a reflective coating as needed. In an alternate embodiment, the reflector 320 may be manufactured from a translucent film. Thus arranged, the architectural-structure covering could provide the impression that the building is occupied at night when the covering is lit up, while allowing the window to appear to be glowing to inside occupants. During the daytime, the translucent film could be an alternate shade or used in combination with the front shade for further light reduction without full blackout.
[0073]Referring to FIG. 1, in one example of an embodiment, the first covering 120 of the architectural-structure covering 100 may be manufactured from a flexible material arranged and configured to be wound or unwound about the first rotatable member 125. Alternatively, the first covering 120 may be manufactured from a flexible material arranged and configured to gather or stack adjacent to the first rotatable member 125. For example, the first covering 120 may include a plurality of folds that are raised or lowered as lift cords are wrapped about or unwrapped from the first rotatable member 125. The lift cords may be coupled to the first rotatable member 125 and may be operatively coupled to the first covering 120, for example, a bottom rail 122 of the first covering 120. Thereafter, rotation of the first rotatable member 125 in a first direction wraps the lift cords about the first rotatable member 125 causing the first covering 120 to retract adjacent to the first rotatable member 125, while rotation in a second direction causes the lift cords to unwrap about the first rotatable member 125 causing the first covering 120 to move in an extended configuration. However, it will be appreciated that although illustrated and described in a particular form, the first covering 120 may be any type of covering now known or hereafter developed. For example, when in the retracted position, the first covering 120 may be arranged and configured to be wound about the first rotatable member 125. Alternatively, the first covering 120 may be in the form of a cellular shade such as, for example, a honey-comb, etc.
[0074]Referring to FIG. 1, in one example of an embodiment, as illustrated, the second covering 220 of the architectural-structure covering 100 may be wrapped around the second rotatable member 225 in the retracted position. For example,