AU2021387669A1 - A brake assembly for an architectural structure covering - Google Patents

Abstract

A brake assembly for use in an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The architectural-structure covering including a rotatable member and a covering movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The brake assembly operatively coupled to the rotatable member. The brake assembly arranged and configured to permit rotation of the rotatable member in a first direction and to inhibit rotation of the rotatable member in a second or opposite direction to maintain a desired position of the covering. For example, the brake assembly is arranged and configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, unwanted extension of the covering due to the force of gravity. In one embodiment, the brake assembly includes a hub, a wrap spring, a drum, a clutch element or spider spring, and a housing.

Description

A BRAKE ASSEMBLY FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE COVERING CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 63/117,517, filed November 24, 2020, entitled “A Brake Assembly for an Architectural Structure Covering,” and is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 63/236,256, filed August 24, 2021, entitled “A Brake Assembly for an Architectural Structure Covering,” the entirety of each application is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of architectural- structure coverings, and more particularly to a brake assembly for use in an architectural-structure covering.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Architectural-structure coverings may selectively cover an architectural structure such as, for example, a window, a doorway, a skylight, a hallway, an archway, or a portion of a wall (collectively an architectural structure without the intent to limit). Architectural-structure coverings may include a covering that can be extendable and retractable, for example, vertically extendable or retractable (e.g., able to be lowered or raised, respectively, in a vertical direction) relative to a horizontally-oriented headrail between an extended position and a retracted position for obscuring and exposing the underlying architectural structure.

[0004] To move the covering between the extended and retracted positions, some architectural- structure coverings include a rotatable member (e.g., a rod, a shaft, a roller, etc.).

In use, rotation of the rotatable member in one direction may extend the covering while rotation of the rotatable member in an opposite direction may retract the covering. The covering of the architectural- structure covering may be gathered or stacked adjacent to, or wrapped around, the rotatable member. For example, some retractable coverings are raised or lowered as lift cords are wrapped about or unwrapped from the rotatable member. The architectural-structure covering may include lift cords which are coupled to the covering and the rotatable member. In use, rotation of the rotatable member in one direction unwraps the lift cords from the rotatable member causing the covering to extend or move in an extended configuration while rotation in an opposite direction causes the lift cords to wrap about the rotatable member causing the covering to retract adjacent to the rotatable member. Alternatively, in various embodiments, the covering may be wrapped around the rotatable member in the retracted position. For example, some retractable coverings include a flexible covering suspended from the rotatable member.

The covering can either be wrapped about the rotatable member to retract the covering or unwrapped from the rotatable member to extend the covering. Regardless of the form of the retractable covering, rotation of the rotatable member generally causes movement of the covering of the architectural-structure covering.

[0005] To actuate movement of the rotatable member, and thus the covering of the architectural- structure covering, the architecture-structure covering may include a weighted bottom rail. In use, the covering may be extended or retracted by a human operator grasping and moving the bottom rail (e.g., the human operator may pull down on the bottom rail to extend the covering or lift up on the bottom rail to retract the covering). Alternatively, the architectural- structure covering may include an operating element, for example, a cord, a chain, a tilt wand, or the like. In use, the operating element is manipulated by a human operator to move the covering between the extended and retracted positions. Alternatively, and/or in addition, the operating element may be in the form of a motorized system arranged and configured to rotate the rotatable member, and hence extend or retract the covering.

[0006] In addition, and/or alternatively, the architectural- structure covering may include one or more spring-assisted lift assemblies arranged and configured to assist with retracting the covering. [0007] In various embodiments, the architectural-structure covering may also include a brake assembly arranged and configured to maintain a position of the covering. For example, during deployment or extension of the covering, upon reaching a desired position, the brake assembly may be utilized to maintain the covering in the desired position (e.g., to prevent further deployment of the covering via gravity and/or unintentional retraction of the covering via, for example, the spring-assisted lift assembly).

[0008] It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present improvements may be useful.

SUMMARY

[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] Disclosed herein is a brake assembly arranged and configured to be used in an architectural- structure covering. The architectural-structure covering including a rotatable member and a covering movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The brake assembly is arranged and configured to couple to the rotatable member and to permit rotation of the rotatable member in a first direction and to inhibit rotation of the rotatable member in a second or opposite direction relative to the first direction to maintain a desired position of the covering. In one embodiment, the brake assembly includes a housing, a hub, a drum, a wrap spring, and a clutch element. The hub is arranged and configured to be non-rotatably coupled to the rotatable member so that the rotatable member and the hub rotate in unison. The wrap spring is configured to operatively couple the hub and the drum. The clutch element is operatively associated with the drum such that rotation of the drum in the first direction maintains the clutch element in a disengaged state relative to the housing and rotation of the drum in the second or opposite direction causes the clutch element to engage the housing. In use, rotation of the hub in the first direction causes the hub to rotate the wrap spring, which rotates the drum and the clutch element so that the hub, the wrap spring, the drum, and the clutch element rotate in unison. Rotation of the hub in the second or opposite direction causes the hub to rotate the wrap spring, which rotates the drum and the clutch element causing the clutch element to engage the housing, which causes the drum to slip relative to the wrap spring so that rotation between the hub and the drum is no longer transferred.

[0011] In one embodiment, the wrap spring includes one or more inwardly projecting tines arranged and configured to be received within an opening formed in the hub.

[0012] In one embodiment, rotation of the hub in the first direction causes the wrap spring to expand thereby increasing frictional forces between the wrap spring and the drum. Rotation of the hub in the second or opposite direction causes the wrap spring to constrict thereby decreasing the frictional forces with the drum.

[0013] In one embodiment, the hub includes a larger diameter first segment and a smaller diameter second segment, the wrap spring is arranged and configured to be positioned about the larger diameter first segment of the hub.

[0014] In one embodiment, the smaller diameter second segment is arranged and configured to extend through the drum, and through the clutch element, and into engagement with the housing to hold the brake assembly together.

[0015] In one embodiment, the drum includes a receptacle extending from a first end thereof, the receptacle arranged and configured to receive the larger diameter first segment of the hub and the wrap spring wound thereabout.

[0016] In one embodiment, the wrap spring is arranged and configured to operatively contact an inner surface of the receptacle of the drum to transfer rotation between the hub and the drum in the first direction, and is arranged and configured to slip with respect to the inner surface of the receptacle of the drum thereby preventing transfer of rotation between the hub and the drum in the second or opposite direction. [0017] In one embodiment, the drum includes at least one axially extending cam member disposed on a second end thereof, each of the at least one axially extending cam member including a first end and a second end for contacting the clutch element, wherein interaction of the at least one cam member with the clutch element causes the clutch element to engage or disengage the housing depending on the direction of rotation.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first end includes a ramped surface and the second end includes a blunt surface.

[0019] In one embodiment, the clutch element includes a body and at least one resilient arm arranged and configured to selectively engage the housing, the at least one resilient arm wraps about an outer surface of the body of the clutch element in a radially spaced relationship, the at least one resilient arm in combination with an outer surface of the body of the clutch element defining a gap arranged and configured to receive the first end of the at least one axially extending cam member, and receipt of the first end in the gap biasing the at least one resilient arm into engagement with the housing to prevent rotation of the clutch element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the clutch element includes an internal bore arranged and configured to receive a post extending from the housing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the body of the clutch element is arranged and configured in a form of a discontinuous circle with the body of the clutch element including a groove formed therein so that the body of the clutch element can expand and contract.

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least one resilient arm is a first resilient arm and the clutch element includes a second resilient arm extending in a direction opposite the first resilient arm, wherein the second resilient arm is arranged and configured to contact the second end of the axially extending cam member, and wherein rotational contact of the second end with the second resilient arm causes the body of the clutch element to expand.

[0023] In one embodiment, the housing includes a plurality of serrations arranged and configured to engage a free end of the at least one resilient arm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is front view illustrating an example embodiment of a headrail assembly including a rotatable member (e.g., a shaft), lift spools, and a brake assembly in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an example embodiment of a brake assembly in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view illustrating the brake assembly shown in FIG.

2;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a hub that may be used in the brake assembly shown in FIG. 2;

[0028] FIG. 5A is a rear perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a drum that may be used in the brake assembly shown in FIG. 2;

[0029] FIG. 5B is a front perspective view illustrating the drum shown in FIG. 5A;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a clutch element or spider spring that may be used in the brake assembly shown in FIG. 2;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a front view illustrating the clutch element or spider spring shown in FIG. 6 coupled to the drum shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B;

[0032] FIG. 8 is a rear view illustrating the clutch element or spider spring shown in FIG. 6 coupled to an embodiment of a housing that may be used in the brake assembly shown in FIG. 2; [0033] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an alternate embodiment of a brake assembly in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a clutch element or spider spring that may be used in the brake assembly shown in FIG. 9;

[0035] FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating the clutch element or spider spring shown in FIG. 9 coupled to the drum shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B; and [0036] FIG. 12 is a rear view illustrating the clutch element or spider spring shown in FIG. 9 coupled to an embodiment of a housing that may be used in the brake assembly.

[0037] 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 example embodiments of the disclosure, and therefore are not be considered as limiting in scope. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

[0038] Furthermore, certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of "slices", or "near-sighted" cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines otherwise visible in a "true" cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity. Furthermore, for clarity, some reference numbers may be omitted in certain drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Embodiments of a brake assembly in accordance with the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are presented. In one embodiment, the brake assembly may include a spring such as, for example, a wrap spring, and a clutch element such as, for example, a spider spring. The brake assembly of the present disclosure may, however, 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 example features of the brake assembly to those skilled in the art.

[0040] As will be described in greater detail below, the brake assembly of the present disclosure may be used in connection with any architectural- structure covering. In use, the brake assembly couples to a rotatable member of the architectural-structure covering. For example, in use, the brake assembly may include a hub arranged and configured to couple to, receive, etc. the rotatable member, which may be in the form of, for example, a shaft, a V-shaft, etc., which is operatively associated with, for example, lifts cords of the architectural-structure covering. In use, rotation of the rotatable member winds or unwinds the lift cords about the rotatable member, which extends or retracts the covering. In use, the brake assembly couples or engages (used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit) with the rotatable member to inhibit further movement of the rotatable member in one direction and thus maintains a desired position of the covering (e.g., the position of the covering in a partially extended position is maintained by the brake assembly against the force of gravity) until a sufficient force is applied to the rotatable member to overcome the force provided by the brake assembly such as, for example, when the human operator desires to extend or retract the covering by pulling down on or lifting up on the bottom rail of the architectural- structure covering.

[0041] As will be described in greater detail below, in one example embodiment, the brake assembly is arranged and configured to prevent, or at least inhibit, unwanted extension of the covering due to the force of gravity. As such, the brake assembly is arranged and configured to maintain the desired positioning of the covering against the force of gravity. However, while the present disclosure will be described and illustrated as preventing, or at least inhibiting, unwanted extension of the covering, the brake assembly could also be reversed and used to prevent, or at least inhibit, unwanted retraction of the covering caused by, for example, the spring-assisted lift assemblies positioned in the headrail of the architectural-structure covering. Moreover, multiple brake assemblies may be used in a single architectural-structure covering to prevent, or at least inhibit, unwanted extension and retraction of the covering.

[0042] In one embodiment, the brake assembly is arranged and configured so that when the rotatable member is rotated in a first or one direction, the brake assembly is in a first or disengaged state or configuration so that rotation of the rotatable member is permitted and thus the covering may be moved (e.g., retracted). However, when the rotatable member is rotated in a second or opposite direction, the brake assembly is transitioned to a second or engaged state or configuration so that rotation of the rotatable member is inhibited. In the second or engaged state or configuration, the force applied by the brake assembly can be overcome by a sufficient force such as, for example, when the human operator pulls down on the bottom rail to lower or extend the covering. As such, in use, the brake assembly has little to no influence during movement of the covering when the rotatable member is being rotated in a first or one direction such as, for example, when the covering is being retracted. During extension, however, the brake assembly is transitioned to the second or engaged state or configuration, and the force applied by the brake assembly can be overcome by the force of the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the covering. Once the desired position of the covering has been achieved and the force applied by the human operator has been removed, additional or further rotation of the rotatable member via, for example, the force of gravity, is prevented by the brake assembly and thus further rotation of the rotatable member and hence the covering is prevented, or at least inhibited, thereby maintaining the position of the covering. As such, the brake assembly inhibits further retraction of the covering caused by, for example, the force of gravity, however this force can be overcome by a sufficient force provided by, for example, a human operator pulling down, or lifting up, on the bottom rail of the covering.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, an architecture- structure covering 100 may include a rotatable member 104. As illustrated, the rotatable member 104 may be in the form of a rod or a shaft. Alternatively, the rotatable member 104 may be a roller tube. As previously mentioned, in use, rotation of the rotatable member 104 in one direction may extend or deploy the covering while rotation of the rotatable member 104 in an opposite direction may retract the covering. For example, the rotatable member 104 may be coupled to lift spools 110, which are operatively associated with lift cords (not shown). In use, the lift cords may be coupled to the covering so that rotation of the rotatable member 104 in one direction unwinds, unwraps, etc. the lift cords about the rotatable member 104 causing the covering to extend, while rotation in an opposite direction causes the lift cords to wind, wrap, etc. about the rotatable member 104 causing the covering to retract (e.g., stack adjacent to the headrail). [0044] In one embodiment, as illustrated, the architectural-structure covering 100 may include a brake assembly 200 in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure. In use, the brake assembly 200 may be positioned within the headrail of the architectural- structure covering 100 and may be coupled to the rotatable member 104 of the architectural- structure covering 100. During use, the brake assembly 200 is arranged and configured to enable and/or prevent, or at least inhibit, movement (e.g., rotation) of the rotatable member 104. In one embodiment, in use, the brake assembly 200 is arranged and configured to transition between a first or disengaged state or configuration and a second or engaged state or configuration. In the first or disengaged state or configuration, the brake assembly 200 allows rotation of the rotatable member 104 so that the covering can move (e.g., retract) as desired. In the second or engaged state or configuration, the brake assembly 200 inhibits rotation of the rotatable member 104 to prevent, or at least inhibit, unwanted or undesired movement (e.g., extension) of the covering (e.g., in the second or engaged state or configuration, the brake assembly 200 inhibits unwanted rotation of the rotatable member 104 to inhibit unintended extension of the covering due to the influence of gravity or the unintended retraction of the covering due to the influence of, for example, a spring-assisted lift assembly). However, the force applied by the brake assembly 200 can be overcome by a sufficient force provided by, for example, a human operator pulling down, or lifting up, on the bottom rail of the covering.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, as shown, in accordance with an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the brake assembly 200 includes a hub 210, a wrap spring 230, a drum 250, a clutch element or spider spring 270 (terms clutch element and spider spring used interchangeably herein), and a housing 300. In addition, the brake assembly 200 may include a rubber grommet and associated grease as needed.

[0046] In use, in the illustrated, example embodiment, the hub 210 is arranged and configured to be non-rotatably coupled to the rotatable member 104 (FIG. 1). That is, the hub 210 and the rotatable member 104 are arranged and configured to rotate in unison. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hub 210 may include a first end 212, a second end 214, and an internal bore 216 passing therethrough (e.g., the internal bore 216 passing from the first end 212 to the second end 214). Thus arranged, the rotatable member 104 may be received within, pass through, etc. the internal bore 216 in the hub 210. In addition, the hub 210 may be keyed to the rotatable member 104 to ensure that the rotatable member 104 and the hub 210 rotate in unison, although the hub 210 may be coupled to the rotatable member 104 by alternate mechanisms such as, for example, fasteners, adhesive, press-fit, etc. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the hub 210 may include a projection 218 (FIG. 7) extending into the internal bore 216. The rotatable member 104 may include a corresponding groove or slot for receiving the projection 218. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the hub 210 may include a larger diameter first segment 220 and a smaller diameter second segment 222. In use, the smaller diameter second segment 222 is arranged and configured to extend through (e.g., pass through) the various components of the brake assembly 200 and into engagement with the housing 300 to hold the brake assembly 200 together. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the smaller diameter second segment 222 may include a plurality of projections, hooks, etc. to snap-fit to the housing 300, although other mechanisms for engaging the hub 210 to the housing 300 are envisioned.

[0047] In addition, the hub 210 may be operatively coupled to the wrap spring 230. In use, rotation of the hub 210 via the rotatable member 104 causes the hub 210 to rotate the wrap spring 230. In one embodiment, the wrap spring 230 may be arranged and configured to be positioned about the larger diameter first segment 220 of the hub 210. In one embodiment, the wrap spring 230 may include one or more inwardly projecting tines 232. In use, one of the inwardly projecting tines 232 may be received within an opening, a shelf, a groove, etc. 224 formed in the hub 210 (terms used interchangeably without the intent to limit or distinguish), although the hub 210 may be coupled to the wrap spring 230 by alternate mechanisms. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the opening 224 may be formed in the larger diameter first segment 220. In use, rotation of the hub 210 causes the wrap spring 230 to wrap and unwrap. [0048] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5A, and 5B, the drum 250 may include a first end 252, a second end 254, and an internal bore 256 passing therethrough (e.g., the internal bore 256 passing from the first end 252 to the second end 254). In use, the smaller diameter second segment 222 of the hub 210 is arranged and configured to pass through the internal bore 256 of the drum 250 so that the hub 210 may be coupled to the housing 300.

[0049] In addition, the drum 250 includes a receptacle 258 extending from the first end 252 thereof, the receptacle 258 being adapted and configured to receive the larger diameter first segment 220 of the hub 210 and the wrap spring 230 wound about the larger diameter first segment 220 of the hub 210 therein. In use, with the wrap spring 230 positioned within the receptacle 258 of the drum 250, the wrap spring 230 can operatively contact, or come into engagement with, the drum 250 to enable and/or disable transfer of rotation between the hub 210 and the drum 250 depending on the direction of rotation. For example, in use, when rotated in a first or one direction, friction force between the wrap spring 230 and an inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 of the drum 250 enables transfer of rotation between the hub 210 and the drum 250. That is, for example, when rotated in a first direction such as a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7 (i.e., clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 8), frictional contact between the wrap spring 230 and the inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 of the drum 250 enables the hub 210, and hence the rotatable member 104, the wrap spring 230, the drum 250, and the clutch element 270 to all rotate in unison so that, for example, the covering can be retracted.

[0050] However, in use, when rotated in the second or opposite direction such as a clockwise direction as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7 (i.e., counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 8), friction force between the wrap spring 230 and the inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 of the drum 250 enables initial transfer of rotation between the hub 210 and the drum 250. However, as will be described in greater detail below, when rotated in the second or opposite direction, the clutch element 270 engages the housing 300 so that rotation of the drum 250 and the clutch element 270 is prevented. As a result, rotation of the rotatable member 104 is initially prevented. As such, unwanted extension of the covering due to, for example, the force of gravity, is prevented. But, when a sufficiently large force is applied such as, for example, when the human operator pulls down on the bottom rail of the architectural- structure covering to deploy or extend the covering, the friction force between the wrap spring 230 and the drum 250 can be overcome and the wrap spring 230 can slip with respect to the drum 250, thereby enabling rotation of the wrap spring 230 relative to the inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 of the drum 250 so that rotation of the hub 210, and hence the rotatable member 104, is allowed. That is, slippage between the wrap spring 230 and the inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 of the drum 250 enables the wrap spring 230, the hub 210, and the rotatable member 104, and hence the covering, to extend or deploy by, for example, the force of the human operator pulling down on the covering. As will be appreciated, once the human operator stops pulling down on the covering, unwanted extension of the covering due to, for example, the force of gravity, is inhibited and/or prevented by the brake assembly 200 (e.g., with the force by the human operator removed, frictional contact between the wrap spring 230 and the inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 of the drum 250 prevents rotation of the hub 210, and hence the covering, in the second or opposite direction).

[0051] In addition, in use, as will be described in greater detail below, in the first or disengaged state or configuration (e.g., with the clutch element 270 disengaged from the housing 300 as shown in FIG. 8), rotation of the hub 210 in a first or one direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 8) causes the wrap spring 230 to unwind about the larger diameter first segment 220 of the hub 210 so that the wrap spring 230 expands to contact the inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 (e.g., with the wrap spring 230 unwinding, the frictional force between the wrap spring 230 and the drum 250 is increased). In one embodiment, the frictional force between the wrap spring 230 and the drum 250 is increased to the point that the wrap spring 230 is locked relative to the drum 250. Thus arranged, rotation of the rotatable member 104 causes the hub 210 to rotate, which further causes the drum 250 to rotate (e.g., the rotatable member 104, the hub 210, the wrap spring 230, the drum 250, and the clutch element 270 rotate in unison to, for example, raise or retract the covering). However, as will be described in greater detail below, rotation of the hub 210 in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise direction as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 8) causes a resilient arm of the clutch element 270 to flex outward causing the resilient arm of the clutch element 270 to contact the housing 300 to thereby prevent rotation of the clutch element 270 in the second or opposite direction. As previously mentioned, this prevents, or at least inhibits, extension of the covering due to the force of gravity. However, if a sufficiently large force is applied via, for example, the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the architectural-structure covering, the frictional force between the wrap spring 230 and the drum 250 can be overcome enabling the human operator to extend or deploy the covering. Moreover, since rotation in the second or opposite direction causes the wrap spring 230 to wind about the hub 210, contact between the wrap spring 230 and the drum 250 is slightly reduced thereby decreasing the frictional force between the wrap spring 230 and the drum 250 making it easier to overcome the frictional force applied by the brake assembly 200 during, for example, extension of the covering by, for example, the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the architectural- structure covering.

However, once the force applied by the human operator is removed, the friction force of the wrap spring 230 applied against the inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 of the drum 250 is sufficient to inhibit unwanted further movement of the covering caused by, for example, gravity. [0052] Referring to FIG. 5B, in the illustrated, example embodiment, the drum 250 includes a pair of axially extending cam members 262 disposed on the second end 254 of the drum 250 opposite to the first end 252 that contains the receptacle 258 for receiving the hub 210. It is envisioned that more or fewer cam members 262 may be incorporated without departing from the disclosure. As shown, the cam members 262 include a first end 264 and a second end 266 for contacting the clutch element 270, as will be described in greater detail below. The first end 264 may include a ramped surface 265. The second end 266 may include a blunt end 267. As will be described in greater detail below, during rotation of the drum 250, the cam members 262 interact with the clutch element 270 to engage or disengage the clutch element 270 with respect to the housing 300 depending on the direction of rotation.

[0053] While the clutch element 270 will now be shown and described with a particular configuration, it is envisioned that the clutch element 270 may be provided in alternate configurations. Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the clutch element 270 may be in the form of a spider spring that includes a body 272 and one or more resilient arms 274 each having a connected end 276 and a free end 278. It is envisioned that the clutch element 270 may, in some embodiments, have more or fewer number of resilient arms without departing from the disclosure. The body 272 includes an inner surface 280 and an opposing outer surface 282. [0054] As shown, the resilient arm 274 wraps about the outer surface 282 in a radially spaced relationship and in a clockwise direction (as shown in FIG. 6) to loosely conform to the outer shape of the body 272. It will be understood that the resilient arm 274 could alternatively be wrapped in a counterclockwise direction. The resilient arm 274 in combination with the outer surface 282 defines a gap 286 closed at one end by the connected end 276 and open at the other, entrance end 277. The free end 278 of the resilient arm 274 may include an outwardly directed barb 288. When the brake assembly 200 is assembled, the inner surface 280 of the body 272 rotatably bears against a post 304 of the housing 300 (FIG. 3), as will be described in greater detail below.

[0055] In one embodiment, as shown, the body 272 may be in the form of a discontinuous circle. Thus arranged, the body 272 may include a groove or opening 290 formed therein. Thus arranged, by incorporating an opening 290 in the body 272 of the clutch element 270, additional flexibility is introduced into the clutch element 270 (e.g., increased flexibility results in a looser fit which allows for a reduced braking force in the free direction). In addition, in one embodiment, the clutch element 270 may include a second, smaller resilient arm 292 extending from the connected end 276 in a direction opposite of the resilient arm 274 (e.g., first resilient arm) (e.g., extends in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 6). The second, smaller resilient arm 292 can include a bulbous free end 294. In use, contact of the second end 266 of the cam member 262 with the bulbous free end 294 of the second, smaller resilient arm 292 causes the body 272 of the clutch element 270 to slightly enlarge and thus facilitate easier rotation of the clutch element 270 about the post 304 of the housing 300.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, the housing 300 includes a recess or receptacle 302 arranged and configured to receive the clutch element 270. In addition, the housing 300 includes a projection, a post, a boss, etc. 304 extending therefrom. In use, the post 304 is arranged and configured to receive the body 272 of the clutch element 270. An outer circumference of the recess or receptacle 302 can include a plurality of projections or serrations 308 arranged and configured to selectively engage the free end 278 of the resilient arm 274 of the clutch element 270. In addition, as illustrated, the housing 300 includes an internal bore 310 extending through the post 304. Thus arranged, the rotatable member 104 may pass completely through the brake assembly 200. In addition, the internal bore 310 formed through the post 304 is arranged and configured to receive the hub 210 (e.g., the smaller diameter second segment 222 of the hub 210).

[0057] In use, in accordance with the features of the present disclosure, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, during, for example, retraction of the covering, the rotatable member 104 is rotated (e.g., counterclockwise rotation as shown in FIG. 7, clockwise rotation as shown in FIG. 8) via, for example, a human operator lifting up on the bottom rail of the covering. As a result, rotation of the rotatable member 104 rotates the hub 210, as previously described. Rotation of the hub 210 causes the wrap spring 230 to unwind and to rotate the drum 250 in the manner previously described. In this arrangement, the second end 266 (e.g., blunt end 267) contacts the second, smaller resilient arm 292 of the clutch element 270 causing (i) the body 272 to slightly enlarge and (ii) causing the drum 250 to rotate in unison with the rotatable member 104, the hub 210, and the wrap spring 230 (e.g., the resilient arm 274 of the clutch element 270 does not engage the serrations 308 formed in the housing 300). As such, the rotatable member 104 is free to rotate with little to no resistance from the brake assembly 200 (e.g., the hub 210, the wrap spring 230, the drum 250, and the clutch element 270 all rotate in unison).

[0058] However, when rotated in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 7, counterclockwise rotation as shown in FIG. 8) to, for example, deploy or extend the covering by, for example, an application of a force by a human operator (e.g., the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail), additional unintended or unwanted deployment or extension of the covering caused by, for example, gravity, may be prevented, or at least inhibited, by the brake assembly 200 once the covering has been deployed or extended to a desired position (e.g., once the application of force applied by the human operator is removed). That is, rotation of the rotatable member 104 in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise rotation in FIG. 7, counterclockwise rotation as shown in FIG. 8) rotates the hub 210 in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise rotation in FIG. 7, counterclockwise rotation as shown in FIG. 8), which causes the wrap spring 230 to wind about the hub 210 so that the wrap spring 230 contracts. Initially, rotation of the hub 210 is transmitted to the drum 250 via the wrap spring 230 so that the drum 250 begins to rotate in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise rotation in FIG. 7, counterclockwise rotation as shown in FIG. 8). However, rotation in the second or opposite direction also causes the first end 264 (e.g., ramped surface 265) of the cam member 262 to contact and bias the resilient arm 274 of the clutch element 270 outwards into engagement with the serrations 308 formed in the housing 300 fixing the clutch element 270 to the housing 300. However, with the application of sufficient force by, for example, a human operator, the wrap spring 230 can slip relative to the drum 250 so that the hub 210 and the wrap spring 230 rotate relative to the drum 250, the clutch element 270, and the housing 300. That is, rotation of the drum 250 in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise rotation in FIG. 7, counterclockwise rotation as shown in FIG. 8) causes the ramped surface 265 formed on the first end 264 of the cam member 262 to be positioned within the gap 286 between the resilient arm 274 and the outer surface 282 of the body 272, which causes the resilient arm 274 to be biased outwards from the body 272 and into engagement with the plurality of serrations 308 formed in the housing 300 (e.g., the barb 288 of the resilient arm 274 engages one of the serrations 308) thereby causing the resilient arm 274 of the clutch element 270 to engage the housing 300, which in turn, with the application of sufficient force by, for example, a human operator, causes the wrap spring 230 to slip relative to the drum 250 so that the hub 210 and the wrap spring 230 rotate relative to the drum 250, the clutch element 270, and the housing 300. That is, at this point, the drum 250 can slip relative to the hub 210 and the wrap spring 230 so that rotation of the rotatable member 104, the hub 210, and the wrap spring 230 is permitted relative to the clutch element or spider spring 270 (terms clutch element and spider spring used interchangeably herein) and the housing 300. Thus arranged, in use, engagement of the resilient arm 274 of the clutch element 270 with the housing 300 prevents movement of the covering via, for example, the force of gravity. However, when the human operator applies a sufficiently larger force by pulling down on the bottom rail of the covering, the wrap spring 230 can slip relative to the inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 of the drum 250 thereby allowing the human operator to extend or deploy the covering.

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, with the brake assembly 200 in a first or disengaged state or configuration, the resilient arm 274 of the clutch element 270 is in a non-expanded, relaxed or compressed state. As such, the resilient arm 274 of the clutch element 270 does not engage the serrations 308 of the housing 300. In this manner, rotation is freely permitted.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 9-12, an alternate embodiment or configuration of a clutch element 470 that can be used in connection with the brake assembly 200 is disclosed. In use, the brake assembly 200 is substantially similar to the previously described brake assembly 200 except for the configuration of the clutch element 470. As such, for the sake of brevity, detailed discussion of the other components of the brake assembly 200 is omitted herefrom.

[0061] With reference to FIGS. 9-12, as previously described, rotation of the hub 210 in the second or opposite direction (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 11, counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 12) causes a resilient arm 474 of the clutch element 470 to flex outward causing the resilient arm 474 of the clutch element 470 to contact the housing 300 to thereby prevent rotation of the clutch element 470 in the second or opposite direction. As previously mentioned, this prevents, or at least inhibits, extension of the covering due to the force of gravity. However, if a sufficiently large force is applied via, for example, the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the architectural- structure covering, the frictional force between the wrap spring 230 and the drum 250 can be overcome enabling the human operator to extend or deploy the covering. Moreover, since rotation in the second or opposite direction causes the wrap spring 230 to wind about the hub 210, contact between the wrap spring 230 and the drum 250 is slightly reduced thereby decreasing the frictional force between the wrap spring 230 and the drum 250 making it easier to overcome the frictional force applied by the brake assembly 200 during, for example, extension of the covering by, for example, the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the architectural- structure covering. However, once the force applied by the human operator is removed, the friction force of the wrap spring 230 applied against the inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 of the drum 250 is sufficient to inhibit unwanted further movement of the covering caused by, for example, gravity.

[0062] As best illustrated in FIG. 10, the clutch element 470 may be in the form of a spider spring that includes a body 472 and a resilient arm 474 having a connected end 476 and a free end 478. It is envisioned that the clutch element 470 may, in some embodiments, have more resilient arms without departing from the disclosure. The free end 478 of the resilient arm 474 may include an outwardly directed barb 488. The body 472 includes an inner surface 480 and an opposing outer surface 482. In use, as previously described, when the brake assembly 200 is assembled, the inner surface 480 of the body 472 rotatably bears against a post 304 of the housing 300 (FIG. 12).

[0063] In one embodiment, as shown, the body 472 may be in the form of a discontinuous circle. As shown, the resilient arm 474 extends circumferentially, substantially in-line with the body 472 of the clutch element 470. The resilient arm 474 in combination with the outer surface 482 defines a gap 486 in the body 472 of the clutch element 470. In addition, in one embodiment, the clutch element 470 may include a second, blunt projection or arm 492 extending from the body 472. In use, contact of the second end 266 of the cam member 262 with the second, blunt projection or arm 492 causes the body 472 of the clutch element 470 to rotate with the drum 250.

[0064] In use, in accordance with the features of the present disclosure, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, during, for example, retraction of the covering, the rotatable member 104 is rotated (e.g., counterclockwise rotation as shown in FIG. 11, clockwise in FIG. 12) via, for example, a human operator lifting up on the bottom rail of the covering. As a result, rotation of the rotatable member 104 rotates the hub 210, as previously described. Rotation of the hub 210 causes the wrap spring 230 to unwind and to rotate the drum 250 in the manner previously described. In this arrangement, the second end 266 (e.g., blunt end 267) of the cam members 262 on the drum 250 contacts the blunt projection or arm 492 extending from the body 472 of the clutch element 470 causing the clutch element 470 and drum 450 to rotate in unison with the rotatable member 104, the hub 210, and the wrap spring 230 (e.g., the resilient arm 474 of the clutch element 470 does not engage the serrations 308 formed in the housing 300). As such, the rotatable member 104 is free to rotate with little to no resistance from the brake assembly 200 (e.g., the hub 210, the wrap spring 230, the drum 250, and the clutch element 470 all rotate in unison).

[0065] However, when rotated in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 11, counterclockwise in FIG. 12) to, for example, deploy or extend the covering by, for example, an application of a force by a human operator (e.g., the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail), additional unintended or unwanted deployment or extension of the covering caused by, for example, gravity, may be prevented by the brake assembly 200 once the covering has been deployed or extended to a desired position (e.g., once the application of force applied by the human operator is removed). That is, rotation of the rotatable member 104 in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 11, counterclockwise in FIG. 12) rotates the hub 210 in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 11, counterclockwise in FIG. 12), which causes the wrap spring 230 to wind about the hub 210 so that the wrap spring 230 contracts. Initially, rotation of the hub 210 is transmitted to the drum 250 via the wrap spring 230 so that the drum 250 begins to rotate in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 11, counterclockwise in FIG. 12). This rotation enables the covering to be moved such as, for example, extended by the human operator pulling down on the bottom rail of the covering. However, rotation in the second or opposite direction also causes the first end 264 (e.g., ramped surface 265) of the cam member 262 to contact and bias the resilient arm 474 of the clutch element 470 outwards into engagement with the serrations 308 formed in the housing 300 fixing the clutch element 470 to the housing 300. However, with the application of sufficient force by, for example, a human operator, the wrap spring 230 can slip relative to the drum 250 so that the hub 210 and the wrap spring 230 rotate relative to the drum 250, the clutch element 470, and the housing 300. That is, rotation of the drum 250 in the second or opposite direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 11, counterclockwise in FIG. 12) causes the ramped surface 265 formed on the first end 264 of the cam member 262 to be positioned within the gap 486 between the resilient arm 474 and the body 472 of the clutch element 470, which causes the resilient arm 474 to be biased outwards from the body 472 and into engagement with the plurality of serrations 308 formed in the housing 300 (e.g., the barb 488 of the resilient arm 474 engages one of the serrations 308) thereby causing the resilient arm 474 of the clutch element 470 to engage the housing 300, which in turn, with the application of sufficient force by, for example, a human operator, causes the wrap spring 230 to slip relative to the drum 250 so that the hub 210 and the wrap spring 230 rotate relative to the drum 250, the clutch element 470, and the housing 300. That is, at this point, the drum 250 can slip relative to the hub 210 and the wrap spring 230 so that rotation of the rotatable member 104, the hub 210, and the wrap spring 230 is permitted relative to the clutch element 470 and the housing 300. Thus arranged, in use, engagement of the resilient arm 474 of the clutch element 470 with the housing 300 prevents movement of the covering via, for example, the force of gravity. However, when the human operator applies a sufficiently larger force by pulling down on the bottom rail of the covering, the wrap spring 230 can slip relative to the inner surface 260 of the receptacle 258 of the drum 250 thereby allowing the human operator to extend or deploy the covering.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, with the brake assembly 200 in a first or disengaged state or configuration, the resilient arm 474 of the clutch element 470 is in a non- expanded, relaxed or compressed state. As such, the resilient arm 474 of the clutch element 470 does not engage the serrations 308 of the housing 300. In this manner, rotation is freely permitted.

[0067] While the present disclosure makes reference to certain embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the appended claim(s). Accordingly, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

[0068] The foregoing description has broad application. It should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may apply to many types of shades, in addition to the roller shades described and depicted herein. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may apply to many types of operating systems, in addition to the operating system described and depicted herein. For example, the concepts may apply equally to any type of architectural- structure covering having a covering movable across an architectural structure. The discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be explanatory and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these embodiments. In other words, while illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.

[0069] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the embodiments or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiment, or configurations. Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0071] The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’ s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., engaged, attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative to movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative to sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

Claims

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

2. The brake assembly of claim 1, wherein the wrap spring includes one or more inwardly projecting tines arranged and configured to be received within an opening formed in the hub.

3. The brake assembly of claim 1, wherein: rotation of the hub in the first direction causes the wrap spring to expand thereby increasing frictional forces between the wrap spring and the drum; and rotation of the hub in the opposite direction causes the wrap spring to constrict thereby decreasing the frictional forces with the drum.

4. The brake assembly of claim 1 , wherein the hub includes a larger diameter first segment and a smaller diameter second segment, the wrap spring is arranged and configured to be positioned about the larger diameter first segment of the hub.

5. The brake assembly of claim 4, wherein the smaller diameter second segment is arranged and configured to extend through the drum, and through the clutch element, and into engagement with the housing to hold the brake assembly together.

6. The brake assembly of claim 5, wherein the drum includes a receptacle extending from a first end thereof, the receptacle arranged and configured to receive the larger diameter first segment of the hub and the wrap spring wound thereabout.

7. The brake assembly of claim 6, wherein the wrap spring is arranged and configured to operatively contact an inner surface of the receptacle of the drum to transfer rotation between the hub and the drum in the first direction, and is arranged and configured to slip with respect to the inner surface of the receptacle of the drum thereby preventing transfer of rotation between the hub and the drum in the opposite direction.

8. The brake assembly of claim 1, wherein the drum includes at least one axially extending cam member disposed on a second end thereof, each of the at least one axially extending cam member including a first end and a second end for contacting the clutch element, wherein interaction of the at least one cam member with the clutch element causes the clutch element to engage or disengage the housing depending on the direction of rotation.

9. The brake assembly of claim 8, wherein the first end includes a ramped surface and the second end includes a blunt surface.

10. The brake assembly of claim 8, wherein the clutch element includes a body and at least one resilient arm arranged and configured to selectively engage the housing, the at least one resilient arm wraps about an outer surface of the body of the clutch element in a radially spaced relationship, the at least one resilient arm in combination with an outer surface of the body of the clutch element defining a gap arranged and configured to receive the first end of the at least one axially extending cam member, and receipt of the first end in the gap biasing the at least one resilient arm into engagement with the housing to prevent rotation of the clutch element.

11. The brake assembly of claim 10, wherein the clutch element includes an internal bore arranged and configured to receive a post extending from the housing.

12. The brake assembly of claim 10, wherein the body of the clutch element is arranged and configured in a form of a discontinuous circle with the body of the clutch element including a groove formed therein so that the body of the clutch element can expand and contract.

13. The brake assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one resilient arm is a first resilient arm and the clutch element includes a second resilient arm extending in a direction opposite the first resilient arm, wherein the second resilient arm is arranged and configured to contact the second end of the axially extending cam member, and wherein rotational contact of the second end with the second resilient arm causes the body of the clutch element to expand.

14. The brake assembly of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a plurality of serrations arranged and configured to engage a free end of the at least one resilient arm.