Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances. The polymer may be surface modified, e.g., to promote diffuse reflection, total internal reflection, etc.

Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. Holes, invisible to the naked eye, may be formed in the polymer. Those holes may be sized, shaped, and arranged to promote summertime solar energy reflection and wintertime solar energy transmission. The conductor may be transparent or opaque. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances.

A modular shade includes at least one module that consists of a head rail unit, a foot rail unit, at least one intermediate rail unit, and a plurality of slat components. A top slat may be coupled to the head rail unit and the intermediate rail unit, and a bottom slat component may be coupled to the intermediate rail unit and the foot rail unit. Further, additional intermediate rail units and intermediate slat components may be added to the module to alter the shape and size of the module, and the module may be coupled to one or more additional modules to change the overall shape and size of the modular shade.

Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. Holes, invisible to the naked eye, may be formed in the polymer. Those holes may be sized, shaped, and arranged to promote summertime solar energy reflection and wintertime solar energy transmission. The conductor may be transparent or opaque. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances.

The present disclosure relates to a system for supporting a roller clutch assembly for a fabric covering. The system includes a housing assembly with a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth sides defines a mounting interface of the housing assembly within a depth of the housing assembly. The system also includes a bracket received within the depth of the housing assembly and which is removably coupled to the mounting interface.

A modular shade includes at least one module that consists of a head rail unit, a foot rail unit, at least one intermediate rail unit, and a plurality of slat components. A top slat may be coupled to the head rail unit and the intermediate rail unit, and a bottom slat component may be coupled to the intermediate rail unit and the foot rail unit. Further, additional intermediate rail units and intermediate slat components may be added to the module to alter the shape and size of the module, and the module may be coupled to one or more additional modules to change the overall shape and size of the modular shade.

A portable sunshade assembly comprising: an in-use top flexible sheet spaced away from an in-use bottom flexible sheet wherein during use in an extended configuration the top and bottom flexible sheets comprise respective surfaces and are arranged to define a space there-between to provide a plurality of passages located between the first and second sheets to allow air to pass in a direction from a first side of the top and bottom flexible sheets to a second side of the top and bottom flexible sheets.

A range of motorized-drive devices (100, 200, 300) for screening blinds comprises: at least one first drive device (100) for driving a first screening blind, comprising a first support (102), a first shaft (104) rotating about a first axis of revolution (106) with respect to the first support (102), at least a winding drum (108) for winding a drive cord of the first screening blind, rotating as one with the first shaft (104), a first geared motor unit (110) for driving the first shaft (104), housed in the first support (102) and kinematically connected to the first shaft (104), preferably via an overdrive (112), and a first electronic control module (114) fixed remote from the first geared motor unit (110), and at least one second drive device (200) for driving a second screening blind, comprising a second support (202), a winding tube (204) for the second screening blind mounted in the second support (202) so as to rotate about a second axis of revolution (206) with respect to the second support (202), a second geared motor unit (210) for driving the winding tube (204), housed inside the winding tube (204), and a second electronic control module (214) fixed remote from the second geared motor unit (210). The first geared motor unit (110) and the second geared motor unit (210) are identical and define a model of geared motor unit (10) that is common to the motorized-drive devices (110, 210) of the range.

A shading display and sample may include a frame structure, a drive assembly operably connected to the frame structure, and a shade material associated with the drive assembly for corresponding movement thereof. Operation of the drive assembly may move the shade material between open and closed positions. The display may permit users to position and operate a covering sample near an architectural opening to assess the overall operation, appearance, translucence, texture, or other qualities of the covering based on the angular orientation and material of the sample.

A transmittance-variable device is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the transmittance-variable device includes a first guest host layer, a second guest host layer, and a phase difference element disposed between the first and second guest host layers, wherein each of the first and second guest host layers comprise a liquid crystal host and a dichroic dye guest, and the liquid crystal hosts are capable of being horizontally oriented such that their optical axes are horizontal to each other. The transmittance-variable device can switch between a clear state and a black state, can exhibit high transmittance in the clear state and a high shielding rate in the black state, and can exhibit a high contrast ratio even at the inclination angle. Such a transmittance-variable device can be used in architectural or automotive materials, or eyewear such as goggles for augmented reality experience or sports, sunglasses or helmets.