The invention is directed to a vertical sliding window as a closure for an opening in an exterior wall of a building, wherein for opening, at least one window pane of the sliding window may be lowered downwardly, in particular into a flat chamber within a box. The sliding window may be provided as a finished module, with the option of integrating insulation and/or designing the facade; it is also possible to integrate a roller shutter box, in particular also in heat-insulated form. The area of application for such a sliding window component ranges from single-family dwellings to high-rise buildings of any conceivable height.

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.

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.

In one aspect, a covering for an architectural structure may include a shade panel and a bottom rail assembly coupled to the shade panel. The bottom rail assembly may include a rail housing and a roller extending within the rail housing, with the shade panel being looped around the roller such that the bottom rail assembly is vertically supported by the shade panel as the panel is moved between extended and retracted positions. In addition, the relative positioning of the roller within the rail housing may be adjusted, as desired, between the top and bottom ends of the bottom rail housing.

Disclosed is a roman shade assembly that utilizes lift bands rather than lift cords. The shade can be formed of textured materials or woven woods. The shade assembly includes lift bands that attach to a rotatable member(s) and can be extended or retracted within an architectural opening by rotating the member(s). The lift bands can be slidingly connected to the shade at multiple points along the vertical length of the shade. Accordingly, as the wide lift bands are extended or retracted, the attached shade is likewise extended or retracted to cover or uncover an architectural opening.

Window covering assemblies having a housing supporting a first panel and having a second, movable panel are disclosed. The movable panel can have a frame positioned within the housing. The first and second panels can comprise alternating portions of different opacity and/or polarization. The assemblies include a drive assembly that is driven by a motor to move the movable panel relative to the first panel. As the movable panel moves with respect to the second panel, the alignment of the slats for each the panels changes, varying the amount of visible light that is allowed through the assembly.

According to some aspects, provided are curtain assemblies configured to operate in high wind environments. The curtain assembly can include first and second track guide including internal security rails. The internal securing rails moveably engage end portions of fabric stiffeners to provide stability in the curtain. In some embodiments, the securing rails include ramp portions to accommodate drift in the curtain and/or fabric stiffeners without compromising operation of the curtain.

The present disclosure relates to multi-layered fabrics and coverings for architectural features and methods for manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional multi-layered fabric having a first or front exterior layer, a plurality of intermediate or interior layers, and a second or back exterior layer, which are separable from one another, and their method of manufacture, and panels and/or coverings for architectural features having or comprised of a multi-layered fabric, and methods of making the same. The plurality of interior layers extends between the exterior layers, and the separation and stitching of the two paired intermediate layers from at least one of the front exterior layer and back exterior layer are at different locations (points), respectively, which facilitates the formation of a cell, and controls the size and shape of the cell that may form between the two paired, intermediate layers.

A thermally insulating curtain for windows and rooms provided with glass or transparent material. The curtain has an outer solar-energy-absorbing surface outside a thermally insulating layer. A space is disposed between the solar-energy-absorbing surface and a transparent layer situated outside the solar-energy-absorbing layer and/or between the solar-energy-absorbing surface and the thermally insulating layer. The curtain includes a structure that transports air through the space, and a fastener for arranging the curtain on the inside of a window, so that absorbed solar energy is supplied to the room behind the curtain.