Drapery with integrated motor and finial connector

Abstract

A drive assembly with finial connector for a drapery rod system that is configured to facilitate assembly of a drapery rod and finials with the finials aligned with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod and facilitate connection with and disconnection of drapery rod and finials from brackets while assembled. In one or more arrangements, the drive assembly includes a drive coupler, a gearbox, a motor, a control circuit housing positioned within a hollow interior of a drapery rod. In one or more arrangements, the drive assembly includes a lug and a shaft operably connected to an outward end of the control circuit housing. The lug is configured to connect with a bracket. In one or more arrangements, the drive assembly includes a finial connector configured to operably connect with the lug and/or shaft and facilitate connection with a finial aligned with the drapery rod.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A drapery rod window covering system, comprising:
 a drapery rod;   the drapery rod extending a length between a first end and a second end;   a pair of brackets;   the pair of brackets configured to attach to a structure;   a drive assembly;   the drive assembly configured to be inserted within and operably connect with the first end of the drapery rod;   the drive assembly having an inward portion and an outward portion;   the drive assembly configured to rotate the inward portion relative to the outward portion during operation to cause drapery rod to be rotated;   the outward portion of the drive assembly includes a first lug positioned proximate to the first end of the drapery rod;   the first lug configured to connect with a first bracket of the pair of brackets to facilitate mounting of the first end of the drapery rod and prevent the outward portion of the drive assembly from rotating during operation;   the outward portion of the drive assembly having a first finial connector configured to facilitate attachment of a first finial with the outward portion of the drive assembly with the first finial aligned with an axis of rotation of the drapery rod.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first lug and first bracket are configured to permit the drapery rod, the drive assembly, and the first finial to remain assembled together when the first lug is disconnected from the first bracket. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first finial connector is configured to self-align the first finial with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod when the first finial is connected to the first finial connector. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first finial connector has an alignment feature to align the first finial connector with the first lug. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first bracket includes a u-shaped holder with an open end;
 the u-shaped holder having an interior surface;   the u-shaped holder having a channel formed by two partitions extending from the interior surface;   wherein the channel is configured to receive the first lug through the open end of the u-shaped holder.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first bracket includes a u-shaped holder with an open end;
 the u-shaped holder having an interior surface;   the u-shaped holder having a channel formed by two partitions extending from the interior surface;   wherein the channel is configured to receive the first lug through the open end of the u-shaped holder;   wherein the first finial connector includes a locking mechanism;   the locking mechanism configured to secure the first lug in place within the channel of the first bracket;   with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod when the first finial is connected to the first finial connector.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drive assembly includes:
 a drive coupler;   the drive coupler configured to operably connect with an internal surface of the drapery rod;   a gearbox;   the gearbox having an output shaft operably connected to the drive coupler;   a motor;   the motor operably connected to an input shaft of the gearbox; and   a control circuit housing;   the control circuit housing operably connected to the motor;   wherein the first lug is configured to operably connect with an outward end of the control circuit housing.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drive assembly includes:
 a drive coupler positioned within the drapery rod;   the drive coupler configured to operably connect with an internal surface of the drapery rod;   a gearbox positioned within the drapery rod;   the gearbox having an output shaft operably connected to the drive coupler;   a motor positioned within the drapery rod;   the motor operably connected to an input shaft of the gearbox; and   a control circuit housing positioned within the drapery rod;   the control circuit housing operably connected to the motor;   wherein the first lug is configured to operably connect with an outward end of the control circuit housing;   a bearing assembly positioned on the control circuit housing;   wherein operation of the motor causes the drive coupler, the drapery rod, and the bearing assembly to rotate relative to the gearbox, the motor, and the control circuit housing.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drive assembly includes:
 a drive coupler;   the drive coupler configured to operably connect with an internal surface of the drapery rod;   a gearbox;   the gearbox having an output shaft operably connected to the drive coupler;   a motor;   the motor operably connected to an input shaft of the gearbox; and   a control circuit housing;   the control circuit housing operably connected to the motor;   wherein the first lug is configured to operably connect with an outward end of the control circuit housing;   a shaft aligned with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod;   wherein the shaft is threaded into an opening in the outward end of the control circuit housing.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the drive assembly includes:
 a drive coupler;   the drive coupler configured to operably connect with an internal surface of the drapery rod;   a gearbox;   the gearbox having an output shaft operably connected to the drive coupler;   a motor;   the motor operably connected to an input shaft of the gearbox; and   a control circuit housing;   the control circuit housing operably connected to the motor;   wherein the first lug is configured to operably connect with an outward end of the control circuit housing;   a shaft aligned with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod;   wherein the shaft is threaded into an opening in an outward end of the control circuit housing;   the shaft having a hollow interior and a channel extending along the shaft;   a control circuit positioned within the control circuit housing;   the control circuit having a wired connection extending out through the opening in the outward end of the control circuit housing and out through the channel extending along the shaft.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first finial connector includes a spacer configured to separate an inward end of the first finial connector from an outward end of the first lug. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the outward portion of the drive assembly includes a control circuit housing;
 wherein the drive assembly further includes a shaft;   wherein the shaft extends out from an opening in the outward end of the control circuit housing;   wherein the first finial connector has a main body;   the main body having a cylindrical tube shape;   wherein the main body of the first finial connector is configured to fit over the shaft.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the outward portion of the drive assembly includes a control circuit housing;
 wherein the drive assembly further includes a shaft;   the shaft extending out from an opening in the outward end of the control circuit housing;   wherein the first finial connector has a main body;   the main body having a cylindrical tube shape;   wherein the main body of the first finial connector is configured to fit over the shaft;   wherein the first finial includes an extension tube and an end cap;   wherein an outward end of the main body has a cylindrical recess configured to receive an end of the extension tube;   wherein the end cap is configured to thread onto the shaft and thereby clamp the extension tube between the end cap and the main body of the first finial connector.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first finial includes a drapery tube extension;
 wherein when the drapery rod, drive assembly, and first finial are assembled together and the first lug is connected with the first bracket, the drapery rod and the drapery tube extension have the appearance of a continuous drapery rod.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a passive connection assembly;   the passive connection assembly configured to be inserted within and operably connected with the second end of the drapery rod;   the passive connection assembly having a hub and a bearing assembly;   the bearing assembly configured to operably connect with the hub of the passive connection assembly and the second end of the drapery rod and permit the drapery rod to rotate relative to the hub;   the passive connection assembly including a second lug operably connected to an outward end of the hub;   the second lug configured to connect with a second bracket of the pair of brackets to facilitate mounting of the second end of the drapery rod;   passive connection assembly including a second finial connector configured to facilitate attachment of a second finial with the passive connection assembly.   
     
     
         16 . A drapery rod window covering system, comprising:
 a drapery rod;   the drapery rod extending a length between a first end and a second end;   a pair of brackets;   the pair of brackets configured to attach to a structure;   a drive assembly positioned within the first end of the drapery rod;   the drive assembly configured to operably connect the first end of the drapery rod with a first bracket of the pair of brackets;   the drive assembly including a motor;   the motor configured to rotate the drapery rod when operated;   a first finial;   wherein the drive assembly is configured to operably connect the first finial with the drapery rod;   wherein the drive assembly is configured to align the first finial with an axis of rotation of the drapery rod;   wherein the drive assembly is configured to connect with and disconnect from the first bracket while the first finial remains operably connected with the first end of the drapery rod.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the drive assembly has an inward portion and an outward portion;
 the drive assembly configured to rotate the inward portion relative to the outward portion during operation to cause drapery rod to be rotated;   the outward portion of the drive assembly includes a first lug positioned proximate to the first end of the drapery rod;   the first lug configured to connect with the first bracket of the pair of brackets to facilitate mounting of the first end of the drapery rod and prevent the outward portion of the drive assembly from rotating during operation;   the outward portion of the drive assembly having a first finial connector configured to facilitate attachment of the first finial with the outward portion of the drive assembly with the first finial aligned with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the drive assembly includes a first lug;
 wherein the first lug and first bracket are configured to permit the drapery rod, the drive assembly, and the first finial to remain assembled together when the first lug is disconnected from the first bracket.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the drive assembly includes a first finial connector;
 wherein the first finial connector is configured to self-align the first finial with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod when the first finial is connected to the first finial connector.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the drive assembly includes a first lug;
 wherein the first bracket includes a u-shaped holder with an open end;   the u-shaped holder having an interior surface;   the u-shaped holder having a channel formed by two partitions extending from the interior surface;   wherein the channel is configured to receive the first lug through the open end of the u-shaped holder.   
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the drive assembly includes a first lug;
 wherein the first bracket includes a u-shaped holder with an open end;   the u-shaped holder having an interior surface;   the u-shaped holder having a channel formed by two partitions extending from the interior surface;   wherein the channel is configured to receive the first lug through the open end of the u-shaped holder;   wherein the drive assembly includes a first finial connector operably connected to the first lug;   wherein the first finial connector includes a locking mechanism;   the locking mechanism configured to secure the first lug in place within the channel of the first bracket;   with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod when the first finial is connected to the first finial connector.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the drive assembly includes:
 a drive coupler;   the drive coupler configured to operably connect with an internal surface of the drapery rod;   a gearbox;   the gearbox having an output shaft operably connected to the drive coupler;   a motor;   the motor operably connected to an input shaft of the gearbox; and   a control circuit housing;   the control circuit housing operably connected to the motor;   a first lug;   the first lug configured to operably connect with an outward end of the control circuit housing.   
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the drive assembly includes:
 a drive coupler positioned within the drapery rod;   the drive coupler configured to operably connect with an internal surface of the drapery rod;   a gearbox positioned within the drapery rod;   the gearbox having an output shaft operably connected to the drive coupler;   a motor positioned within the drapery rod;   the motor operably connected to an input shaft of the gearbox; and   a control circuit housing positioned within the drapery rod;   the control circuit housing operably connected to the motor;   a first lug;   the first lug configured to operably connect with an outward end of the control circuit housing;   a bearing assembly positioned on the control circuit housing;   wherein operation of the motor causes the drive coupler, the drapery rod, and the bearing assembly to rotate relative to the gearbox, the motor, and the control circuit housing.   
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the drive assembly includes:
 a drive coupler;   the drive coupler configured to operably connect with an internal surface of the drapery rod;   a gearbox;   the gearbox having an output shaft operably connected to the drive coupler;   a motor;   the motor operably connected to an input shaft of the gearbox; and   a control circuit housing;   the control circuit housing operably connected to the motor;   a first lug;   the first lug configured to operably connect with an outward end of the control circuit housing;   a shaft aligned with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod;   wherein the shaft is threaded into an opening in an outward end of the control circuit housing.   
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the drive assembly includes:
 a drive coupler;   the drive coupler configured to operably connect with an internal surface of the drapery rod;   a gearbox;   the gearbox having an output shaft operably connected to the drive coupler;   a motor;   the motor operably connected to an input shaft of the gearbox; and   a control circuit housing;   the control circuit housing operably connected to the motor;   a first lug;   the first lug configured to operably connect with an outward end of the control circuit housing;   a shaft aligned with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod;   wherein the shaft is threaded into an opening in an outward end of the control circuit housing;   the shaft having a hollow interior and a channel extending along the shaft;   a control circuit positioned within the control circuit housing;   the control circuit having a wired connection extending out through the opening in the outward end of the control circuit housing and out through the channel extending along the shaft.   
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the first finial includes a drapery tube extension;
 wherein when the drapery rod, drive assembly, and first finial are assembled together and the first lug is connected with the first bracket, the drapery rod and the drapery tube extension have the appearance of a continuous drapery rod.   
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a passive connection assembly;   the passive connection assembly configured to be inserted within and operably connected with the second end of the drapery rod;   the passive connection assembly having a hub and a bearing assembly;   the bearing assembly configured to operably connect with the hub of the passive connection assembly and the second end of the drapery rod and permit the drapery rod to rotate relative to the hub;   the drive assembly including a first lug operably connected to an outward end of the drive assembly;   the first lug configured to connect with the first bracket of the pair of brackets to facilitate mounting of the second end of the drapery rod;   the passive connection assembly including a second lug operably connected to an outward end of the hub;   the second lug configured to connect with a second bracket of the pair of brackets to facilitate mounting of the second end of the drapery rod;   passive connection assembly including a second finial connector configured to facilitate attachment of a second finial with the passive connection assembly.   
     
     
         28 . A method of installing a rotating drapery rod system, comprising:
 providing a pair of brackets;   providing a drapery rod the drapery rod extending a length between a first end and a second end;   providing a first drive assembly;   connecting the first drive assembly with the first end of the drapery rod;   connecting a first finial with the first drive assembly;   wherein the first drive assembly aligns the first finial with an axis of rotation of the drapery rod;   after connecting first finial with the first drive assembly, connecting the first drive assembly with a first bracket of the pair of brackets.