Permanent curtain rod brackets

Abstract

A bracket for supporting window dressings including curtain rods, blinds, and other draperies for use with an opening such as a window. The bracket may be mounted on the corner of a window frame or on a wall near a window or other opening. The bracket includes a support plate, a window dressing coupling clip for connecting the various rods or other elements for supporting window dressings to the bracket, and mounting braces located on the support plate for receiving and securing the coupling clips to the plate. The bracket prevents marring of the window molding or adjacent wall surface in part because the coupling apparatus or elements are interchangeable for supporting a variety of different window dressings, and may have more than one mounting brace, allowing for easy incorporation of a variety of combinations of different window dressings. The bracket may have support flanges with anchoring prongs to assist the user in mounting the bracket. The bracket support plate also has apertures for mounting screws, as well as a slotted aperture for adjusting the positioning of a screw over a particular area.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to brackets used to support various window dressings such as curtains, window shades, and other draperies.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Numerous brackets for supporting various window dressings such as curtains, window shades, and other draperies have been devised. Some of most significant advances in the art have centered around the development of brackets allowing curtain rods to be secured to window frames without damaging the outer facing of their moldings or the adjacent wall surface. However, none of these inventions discloses a permanent bracket which provides complete and easy interchangeability of individual coupling elements or clips for supporting a multiplicity of window dressings including blinds, draperies, or screens on the corners of window frames.

[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,588, issued to Monette, discloses a curtain rod bracket for use in the placement of curtain rods adjacent a window, comprising a generally flat side flange, a generally flat anchoring flange adapted to be disposed intermediate the wall and casing, and a curtain rod coupling element. However, this invention is designed to be disposed intermediate the wall and casing, supports at most only one pair of curtain rods, and may provide a structural arrangement which makes it difficult to change the curtain rods.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. Re. 31,141, issued to Bartels, discloses a flanged bracket having a planar mounting surface for positioning and fastening to the corner of window trim or window openings by abutting the lateral flange with the trim or the interior corner of the window opening. A variety of different window covering mounting brackets can then be secured to the planar mounting surface of the corner bracket in preformed holes or slots on the planar surface. However, this invention is not provided with supporting flanges to assist the user in positioning it for use.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 1,842,786, issued to Kirsch, discusses a wall bracket comprising a wall plate adapted to be permanently mounted on a wall. The plate has a vertical flange having a notch on its rear edge and a pin spanning the notch, providing means for detachably mounting brackets on walls. This patent also does not provide auxiliary supporting flanges. U.S. Pat. No. 1,713,532, issued to Henry, discloses a curtain rod bracket, comprising an upright attaching plate having a longitudinally disposed substantially rectangular supporting plate affixed thereto and projecting at right angles to the attaching plate. The supporting plate is further provided with a central longitudinally disposed slot extending from the outer edge of the supporting plate as well as transverse and longitudinal portions for supporting a curtain rod.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 1,810,676, issued to Parkes, shows a window shade bracket adapted to be secured to a window stop and an laterally extending web portion terminating in a portion adapted to overlie the path of the window shaft and having a bearing hole to receive the gudgeon of a shade roller. And U.S. Pat. No. 2,602,936, issued to Erickson et al., shows a bathtub supporting bracket.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 2,633,322, issued to Barr, discloses a combined shade roller and board support bracket comprising a sheet metal portion shaped to abut against the inside-surface of a window frame, a cup-shaped projection formed with a recess for receiving a shade roller, a plurality of tabs struck out of the metal portion, an opposite edge portion inclined at an angle to the plane of the body and shaped to abut against an outside surface of the window frame for mounting the bracket, and connection means between the body and the opposite edge portion. And U.S. Pat. No. 3,907,240, issued to Belli, discloses a two piece window bracket system, having additional pieces for use with double windows. This invention is intended for placement within the left and right upper corners of a window jamb in order to serve as a universal window accessory support system and is adapted for detachable securement to the stops of a window jamb.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,963, issued to Solo, shows a curtain rod holder configured to engage and support a curtain rod, comprising a relatively flat support member having hooks extending from one side. U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,296, issued to Morehouse, shows a curtain rod hanger having attachment means and associated rod-supporting means. A curtain rod is positioned on the rod-supporting means by the hanger. The attachment means has an elongate portion adapted to be snugly received endwise and thereby secured between the opposing surfaces of the wall and the edge piece of the frame associated with the wall. The rod-supporting means includes a projecting portion attached to the elongate portion so as to project from one side so that when the elongate portion is securely positioned between the opposing surfaces of the wall and frame edge piece the projecting portion may support a curtain rod. And U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,094, issued to Ford, discusses a bracket for curtain rods, including a base bracket able to hold multiple brackets for curtain rods, requiring two screws on each side to mount it to a wall or a solid support.

[0011] The base bracket does not need to be held in place while affixing the screws to the wall. The screws are mounted to the wall before the bracket is affixed to the wall, and then tightened after the bracket is hung on the screws. The preferred base bracket includes a longitudinal clamping groove which extends vertically when the base bracket is mounted on the wall, and in which curtain rod mounting brackets can be adjustably clamped. The groove additionally accommodates a plurality of tongues which extends from the curtain rod brackets, including clamping means which can lock to the tongues to hold the curtain rod bracket in place.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,626, issued to Johnson, discloses a curtain rod and end bracket assembly in which the rod sections have a front wall and upper and lower U-shaped flanges extending lengthwise along the rear side of the front wall. Rod end brackets are provided for supporting the ends of a rod section, and the rod end brackets are adjustable to vary the angle of projection of the rod end brackets relative to the surface on which the bracket is mounted, and also to adjust the angle at which the rod extends relative to the end bracket. A curtain rod connector is formed with end panels adapted for insertion into endwise adjacent rod sections and resilient tabs at one edge of the end panels for engagement with a flange on the curtain rod to hold the curtain rod and connector in assembled relation.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,143, issued to Garza et al. discloses a bracket for supporting a curtain rod for use with an opening such as a window. The bracket is designed to be mounted on the inside surface of a window frame to prevent marring the window molding or adjacent wall surface facing the interior of the room. The bracket is characterized by a main portion, a first extension, and a retaining member. The main portion includes a hole for receipt of a wood screw or nail. The first extension projects from the main portion. The retaining member is displaced from the first end to provide a surface for supporting the curtain rod such that the bracket is capable of supporting the rod in proximity to the window when the main portion is secured to the inside surface of the window frame. U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,878, issued to Guettler, shows a snap-in, snap-out curtain-supporting unit for windows. And U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,104, issued to Riley et al., discloses a conversion system for transverse curtain rods.

[0014] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A window bracket for supporting curtain rods, window shades, draperies, and other window dressing accoutrements is provided. The window bracket comprises an upright bracket plate having apertures disposed thereon for receiving screws for fastening the bracket to a mounting surface. The fastening apertures also include a slotted aperture, the dimensions of which allow for a linear range of sites for positioning its respective screw. The bracket plate may also have anchoring flanges to assist its positioning by the user. The anchoring flanges extend from the edges of the support plate, each flange providing an anchoring prong adapted to be driven into a mounting surface and to provide additional stability. Each of the window dressing brackets further includes at least one or more mounting braces for supporting a multiplicity of interchangeable coupling clips for connecting a variety of different types of curtain rods, blinds, and other draperies to the bracket plate.

[0016] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a multi-purpose window bracket which may be easily and manually attached to a window by an unskilled person to provide a semi-permanent fixture, thereby preventing marring of the window frame.

[0017] It is a further object of the invention to provide a universal window accessory bracket capable of simultaneously supporting a variety of different window dressings.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a curtain rod holder which requires substantially less time for mounting on a wall than do conventional wall brackets.

[0019] Still another object of the invention is to provide a bracket which permits complete and easy interchangeability of individual coupling clips for supporting a multiplicity of window dressings including blinds, draperies, or screens on the corners of window frames.

[0020] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification land drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a permanent window bracket, according to the invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a permanent window bracket, according to the invention, illustrating insertion of the coupling clip and the screws.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an angular view of an alternative embodiment of the permanent window bracket, according to the invention.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an angular view of an alternative embodiment of the permanent window bracket, according to the invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is an angular view of an alternative embodiment of the permanent window bracket, according to the invention.

[0026] FIG. 6a is an angular view of the permanent window bracket according to the invention, illustrating a heavy duty embodiment of the coupling clip.

[0027] FIG. 6b is an angular view of the permanent window bracket according to the invention, illustrating a heavy duty embodiment of the coupling clip.

[0028] FIG. 7a is a side view of the coupling clip, according to the invention.

[0029] FIG. 7b is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.

[0030] FIG. 7c is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.

[0031] FIG. 7d is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.

[0032] FIG. 7e is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.

[0033] FIG. 7f is a angular view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.

[0034] FIG. 7g is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.

[0035] FIG. 7h is an angular view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.

[0036] FIG. 7i is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention. Similar reference characters denote corresponding features Inconsistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The present invention provides a support assembly for curtain rods for use with openings such as windows and doors. The preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The invention is generally referenced by numeral 10.

[0038] Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, in FIG. 1 an environmental perspective view of a pair of curtain rod brackets 10 is shown, the brackets 10 being mirror images of each other and located on the opposite upper corners C of a typical window frame. The environment includes a wall W and a window associated with the wall W. The window includes a glass portion, as well as a frame positioned about the glass portion. A curtain rod R is associated with the frame of the window and spans its width. Draperies D are attached to the curtain rod R, and the curtain rod brackets 10 are utilized to support the curtain rod R across the window. It will be understood that the principles of this invention can be applied to frames of other wall-associated structures such as door frames. Throughout the detailed description, as the preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention are presented, it is also understood that this specification embraces mirror image forms of the embodiments since window dressings must generally be supported by pairs of brackets, one on each end.

[0039] With reference still to FIG. 1, the window frame includes four edge-pieces E, G, H, and F joined together in a rectangular configuration. Each of the edge-pieces E, G, H, and F being fixed to the wall by suitable means. Although the brackets 10 are preferably designed to be used on the front surfaces of the upper corners C of window and door frames, in alternative embodiments, such as in mobile homes or trailers which may not have door or window frames, the invention may be incorporated into a wall in such a manner that only that portion of the bracket 10 necessary to support a particular window dressing extends out from the surface of the wall W. In additional embodiments of the invention, the brackets 10 may be manufactured without the support flanges 16 and 18.

[0040] Now referring to FIG. 2, it can be more clearly seen that the curtain rod bracket 10 comprises a bracket plate 12 having mounting braces, generally referred to by numeral 13, located thereon, a coupling clip 14 which may be fitted through the mounting braces 13, and a pair of side flanges, also generally referred to by numerals 16 and 18. The bracket plate 12 is substantially planar and adapted to engage one surface of a frame corner C and secured thereto by screws S which extend through apertures 20, 26, and 28, provided on the bracket plate 12. In alternative embodiments, other suitable fastening means such as commonly used in the art may be employed. Also provided on the bracket plate 12 are a heavy duty 11 aperture, generally referenced as 22, for providing additional support to the plate, and a slotted aperture, generally referenced as 24. The apertures in FIGS. 1-6b may be created by stamping the metal or may be molded into the bracket plate 12 during the manufacturing process or by any other suitable means.

[0041] And so the upper edge 30 and side edge 32 of the bracket 12, which are respectively associated with the top and side edges of the window or door frame when the bracket is appropriately positioned, each define an identically-shaped flange, 16 and 18, respectively. Both flanges, 16 and 18, are generally normal to the plane of the bracket plate 12. The bracket plate 12 may be sized and shaped to fit neatly over the corners of window frames of various dimensions and sizes, as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. The shape of the bracket plate 12 is also generally rectangular or square; however, in alternative embodiments various other decorative shapes or motifs may be used such as a leaf, clam, sea shell, or a starfish. Additionally, both the coupling clip 14 and the bracket plate 12 may be made of any color and made of any suitably strong material, including brass, plastic, or, preferably, metal.

[0042] The side flanges 16 and 18 each define anchoring prongs, represented generally by the reference numeral 34, and may be formed by first making a substantially U-shaped cut in the central portion of the flanges 16 and 18, and, secondly, by bending the free end of the resulting element downwardly along the line substantially at its midsection and parallel to the line defined by the points in between the furthest extent of the cut. The prong 34 may be moved to the position shown in FIGS. 2-5 by bending it upwardly along the line formed by the intersection of the prong 34 with the flange, placing the prong 34 in it's operative position and ready for use. The end of the prong 34 may be further shaped to form a sharp tip to aid in its insertion into the edge-pieces G and H, and may also be formed, in an alternative embodiment, by making a V-shaped cut. In alternative embodiments, the anchoring prongs 34 may be formed by any suitable method including being integrally formed as part of the manufacturing process or stamped into the flanges 16 and 18. In additional embodiments of the invention, the brackets 10 may be manufactured without the support flanges 16 and 18.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1, 6a, and 6b, it should be obvious that the wall bracket 10 is easily placed in its operative position merely by abutting the anchoring flanges, 16 and 18, against the top and side surfaces of a window frame and thereafter applying force by any suitable means, such as with a hammer (not shown) so as to drive the anchoring prongs 34 into the appropriate top and side surfaces of the edge-pieces G and H. The bracket 10, by virtue of its described structure, enables quick and easy installation of curtain rods R or any other window dressings commonly known in the art.

[0044] The anchoring prongs 34 are generally of the same thickness as the support flanges, 16 and 18, from which they are formed and are adapted to be driven into the surfaces of the frame substantially intermediate the front and back faces of the edge-pieces G and H as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the support flanges, 16 and 18, with their respective prongs (shown in their inserted position in FIGS. 6a and 6b) are used to help position the bracket relative to the corner C of the frame to allow the user to drill holes into the frame for insertion of screws S or other fastening means. The support flanges 16 and 18 also provide additional strength and support to the bracket 10.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2-6b, each corner of the bracket has an aperture. An additional aperture is also located between the top corner apertures and is used for heavy duty embodiments as clearly illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, wherein connecting portions, 36 and 38, respectively, can be seen uniting the coupling clips to form heavy duty coupling clips 40 and 42, respectively. The heavy duty coupling clips, 40 and 42, are both shown with screws securely inserted through their heavy duty connecting portions, 36, and 38, respectively, and in their heavy duty apertures. In FIG. 6b a heavy duty embodiment 42 is shown which extends to abut the edges of the frame corner C, along with the corresponding lateral-most flange portion 44, in order to permit the lateral extent of the wall brackets 10 to provide complete coverage of the window.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the location of the heavy duty aperture 22 is preferably located substantially along the vertical line between the two pairs of mounting braces 13 and the two top corner apertures 20 and 24. However, as shown in FIG. 3. a heavy duty aperture 22 may also be located on the vertical line defined by the longitudinal mid-section of a pair of mounting braces 13. In additional alternative embodiments the heavy duty aperture may be located at any suitable site on the wall bracket.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 6a and 6b, it can be seen that the slotted apertures 24 overlie and are normal to the plane defined by the junction of the edge-pieces G and H of the window frame; the purpose of the slotted aperture 24 is to give the user of the bracket 10 sufficient leeway to adjust placement of the screw S and to drill the hole for the screw in a position where it will not coincide with the joint formed by the two edge-pieces G and H of the window frame; the slotted aperture 24 is an important feature which also allows the user to avoid positioning the screw holes in portions of the frame which may coincide with nails or problem areas in the frame such as knots or where the frame may be rotted. In alternative embodiments of the invention any of the other apertures may also be slotted. Also, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the heavy duty aperture may be absent.

[0048] In accordance with the present invention and with reference again to FIG. 2, the bracket plate 12 is generally upright, having front 33 and back surfaces (not shown). A plurality of mounting braces 13 are located on the front surface 33 of the bracket plate 12. The curtain rod bracket 10 includes a coupling clips 14 for attaching a curtain rod R to the bracket 10. The coupling clip is shaped so as to be insertable between the front surface 33 of the bracket plate 12 and the back surface (not shown) of the mounting braces 13 extending from the front surface 33 of the bracket plate 12 thereof. The coupling clip 14 has a leg element 50 for fitting through the mounting braces 13. However, in alternative embodiments, the coupling clip 14 may be slightly bowed to insure a proper fit through the mounting braces 13. Alternative embodiments of the coupling clip 14 may have more than one leg element as described in this specification.

[0049] The preferred embodiment of the coupling clip 14 is shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 7a. Alternative embodiments of the coupling clip are shown in FIGS. 7b to 7i; however, referring again to FIG. 2, this specification embraces any dimensional configuration for the coupling clip flange 52 which is commonly known in the art and which serves as a connection means for connecting the curtain rod bracket 10 of the present invention with curtain rods, window shades, and other drapery supporting elements now conventionally used.

[0050] And so in FIGS. 2 and 7a, it can be seen that each coupling clip 14 comprises at least one generally flat leg element 50 as well as a flange supporting portion 54, and a coupling clip flange 52. The coupling clip flange 52 is a generally flat vertically disposed side flange which is configured to support rods or other apparatus for supporting drapery, curtains, or other hangings. The coupling clip flange 52 is so formed at its front edge to define a coupling clip flange end portion, represented by the reference numeral 56. In the preferred embodiment, the coupling clip flange end portion 56 comprises upper and lower hook portions 58 and 60, respectively, and upper and lower abutment edges, 62 and 64, respectively. The upper and lower abutment edges, 62 and 64, are adapted to fit into and against the open end of the curtain rod R, as shown in FIG. 1, so as to hold the same in place. The hook portions, 58 and 60, are engageable in the openings defined in the upper and lower portions of the curtain rod R.

[0051] The coupling clip 14, along with the bracket plate 12, is made of any suitably strong material including metal or plastic. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting braces 13 each comprise three integrally formed sides to form a substantially arch-shaped structure for holding a coupling clip leg element 50 against the front surface of the bracket plate, each side of a mounting brace 13 being generally rectangular and planar, with the central portion being substantially longer than the lateral side in order to be suitably dimensioned to fit a coupling clip 14.

[0052] The mounting braces 13 are arranged in pairs, vertically disposed and parallel to each other, and are configured to snugly receive and hold a leg element 50 of the coupling clip 14 securely therein. Each leg element 50 also has a raised ridge portion 66 formed thereon to prevent slippage of the leg element 50 after insertion through the mounting braces 13. The raised ridge portion 66 preferably extends across the front face of the coupling clip leg element 50.

[0053] It is to be understood that this specification embraces any combination of the coupling clips described herein in usage with the various embodiments of the bracket plate also described herein, which may be suitable for use, and which may be permitted by the structural limitations of the number of clips that may be supported by any particular bracket plate. Alternative embodiments of the preferred embodiment of the bracket plate 12 shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 6a-6b are depicted in FIGS. 3-5.

[0054] FIG. 7b shows a coupling clip 114 in which the coupling clip end portion 156 of the flange 152 is identical to the coupling clip 14 of the preferred embodiment in FIG. 7a, but the flange body portion 100 is elongated compared to the flange body portion 99 of the preferred embodiment to provide space for multiple window dressings. Also illustrated are a generally flat leg element 150 as well as a flange supporting portion 154. The coupling clip flange 152 is a generally flat vertically disposed side flange which is configured to support rods or other apparatus for supporting drapery, curtains, or other hangings. The coupling clip flange end portion 156 also comprises upper and lower hook portions 158 and 160, respectively, and upper and lower abutment edges, 162 and 164, respectively. Coupling clip leg element 150 and raised ridge portion 166 are also identical to the leg element 50 and ridge portion 66 of clip 14.

[0055] FIG. 7c shows a coupling clip 214 having a substantially U-shaped notch 222 incorporated in the flange body portion 200 of its flange 252 for supporting a bar or rod for various window dressings. The flange portion 200 is also generally elongated compared to the flange body portion 99 of the preferred embodiment, allowing for more space medially for supporting additional window dressings. The coupling clip flange 322 is generally flat and vertically disposed to its flange supporting portion 254. Coupling clip leg element 250 and raised ridge portion 266 are also identical to the leg element 50 and ridge portion 66 of clip 14.

[0056] FIG. 7d shows a clip 314 for a roll up blind, having a flange body portion 300. The coupling clip flange 322 is generally flat and vertically disposed to its flange supporting portion 354. Coupling clip leg element 350 and raised ridge portion 366 are also identical to the leg element 50 and ridge portion 66 of clip 14. Circular element 377 having aperture 372 is for insertably receiving a support element for a standard roll up blind as commonly known in the art.

[0057] FIG. 7e also shows a clip 414 for a roll up blind, having a flange body portion 400. The coupling clip flange 422 is generally flat and vertically disposed to its flange supporting portion 454. Coupling clip leg element 450 and raised ridge portion 466 are also identical to the leg element 50 and ridge portion 66 of clip 14. U-element 477 having central notch 472 are for insertably receiving a support element for a standard roll up blind as commonly known in the art.

[0058] FIG. 7f shows a clip 514 for a roll up blind, having a flange body portion 500. The coupling clip flange 522 is generally flat and vertically disposed to its flange supporting portion 554. The coupling clip flange 552 has apertures 555 and a raised U-shaped element 577 incorporated on its body portion 500 for receiving a support element for a standard roll up blind as commonly known in the art. Coupling clip leg element 550 and raised ridge portion 566 are also identical to the leg element 50 and ridge portion 66 of clip 14.

[0059] FIG. 7g shows a front view of a double clip 614 for heavy duty use, having clip flange 616, identical to clip flange 52 of clip 14, and clip flange 618, identical to clip flange 152 of clip 114, demonstrating a heavy duty alternative embodiment coupling clip such as might be used for supporting two curtain rods for a window dressing having two types of curtains. This example indicates the enormous variety of heavy duty coupling clips than can incorporate numerous different kinds of clip flange combinations such as mini-blind flanges with curtain flanges or any-other suitable multiple flange combinations. The coupling clip flanges 616 and 618 are both generally flat and vertically disposed to their flange supporting portion 654. Heavy duty aperture 666 is also seen. Coupling clip leg elements 650 and raised ridge portions 658 are also identical to the leg element 50 and ridge portion 66 of clip 14. Other embodiments of heavy duty clips are shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b; heavy duty clips may be formed by any suitable combination of coupling clips by connecting them by a connecting portion 36 and 38 such as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, respectively.

[0060] FIG. 7h shows an angular view of an embodiment of the clip for supporting mini-blinds. The coupling clip 714 has a flange body portion 700. The coupling clip flange 722 is generally flat and vertically disposed to its flange supporting portion 754. The coupling clip flange 722 has a raised square-shaped element 777 incorporated on its body portion 700 for receiving a support element for a standard mini-blind as commonly known in the art. Coupling clip leg element 750 and raised ridge portion 766 are also identical to the leg element 50 and ridge portion 66 of clip 14.

[0061] And FIG. 7i shows a side view of a coupling clip 814 which may be used in heavy duty applications and when it is necessary to have sufficient space for more than one window dressing. A coupling clip 814 is illustrated in which the coupling clip end portion 856 of the flange 852 is identical to the coupling clip 14 of the preferred embodiment in FIG. 7a, but the flange body portion 100 is elongated compared to the flange body portion 99 of the preferred embodiment, as well as the flange portion 100 of the alternative embodiment 114 shown in FIG. 7b, to provide ample space for multiple window dressings. Also illustrated are a generally flat leg element 850 and a flange supporting portion 854. Coupling clip leg element 850 and raised ridge portion 866 are also identical to the leg element 50 and ridge portion 66 of clip 14.

[0062] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A window dressing bracket for supporting curtain rods, window shades, blinds, and other window draperies adjacent an opening comprising:

an upright bracket plate for positioning generally vertically near an opening, said bracket plate having front and back surfaces and at least one edge, said bracket plate further defining at least one planar anchoring flange in substantial normality therewith to assist the positioning of said bracket plate near said opening, each said at least one edge having an anchoring flange extending from a said edge of said bracket plate, said anchoring flange defining an anchoring prong projecting therefrom, said prong being adapted to be driven into a surface near said opening to support said bracket plate;

said bracket plate also having at least one aperture disposed thereon for receiving fastening means, at least one of said apertures being a slotted aperture to enable the user to adjust positioning of said fastening means.

2. The window dressing bracket according to claim 1, wherein said bracket plate has at least one substantially arch-shaped mounting brace disposed thereon for supporting a window dressing coupling clip leg element:

3. The window dressing bracket according to claim 2, wherein said coupling clip has front and back surfaces; said coupling clip further comprising at least one leg element, at least one raised ridge portion disposed on said coupling clip leg element front surface for frictionally securing at least one said leg element when inserted between said at least one mounting brace and said coupling clip front surface, a body portion connected to said at least one said leg element, and a flange portion normally disposed to said body portion, said flange portion being configured to couple to a window dressing support apparatus.

4. The window dressing bracket according to claim 3, wherein said at least one mounting brace is disposed in vertical alignment on said front surface of said bracket plate and spaced apart to receive said leg element of said coupling clip.

5. The window dressing bracket according to claim 4, wherein at least one aperture is disposed thereon for receiving fastening means for fastening said bracket plate to a surface near an opening.

6. The window dressing bracket according to claim 5, wherein said coupling clip flange portion defines an upper hook portion engageable in an opening in a curtain rod and further defines upper and lower abutment edges which are adapted to fit into the open end of a curtain rod so as to hold the same in place on said hook portion.

7. The window dressing bracket according to claim 6, wherein said leg element is substantially bowed to secure said leg element in said at least one mounting brace.

8. The window dressing bracket according to claim 7, wherein said anchoring flange further defines an integrally formed anchoring prong.

9. The window dressing bracket according to claim 8, wherein said anchoring prong is formed by removing a substantially U-shaped portion from said flange and bending said prong to form a right angle, said prong being adapted to be driven into a surface near an said opening.

10. The window dressing bracket according to claim 8, wherein said anchoring prong is formed by removing a substantially V-shaped portion from said flange and bending said prong to form a right angle, said prong being adapted to be driven into a surface near said opening.

11. A window dressing bracket for supporting curtain rods, window shades, blinds, and other window draperies on a surface adjacent an opening comprising:

an upright bracket plate for positioning generally vertically near an opening, said bracket plate having front and back surfaces and at least one edge;

said bracket plate also having at least one aperture disposed thereon for receiving fastening means, at least one of said apertures being a slotted aperture to enable the user to adjust positioning of said fastening means;

said bracket plate having means disposed thereon for connecting apparatuses for supporting window dressings to said bracket plate.

12. The window dressing bracket according to claim 11, wherein said bracket plate has at least one substantially arch-shaped mounting braces disposed thereon for supporting a window dressing coupling clip.

13. The window dressing bracket according to claim 12, wherein said coupling clip has front and back surfaces; said coupling clip further comprising at least one leg element, a raised ridge portion disposed on said coupling clip front surface for frictionally securing said leg element when inserted between said at least one mounting brace and said coupling clip front surface, a body portion connected to said at least one said leg element, and a flange portion normally disposed to said body portion, said flange portion being configured to couple to a window dressing support element

14. The window dressing bracket according to claim 13, wherein the at least one mounting brace is disposed in vertical alignment on said front surface of said support plate to receive said leg element of said coupling clip.

15. The window dressing bracket according to claim 14, wherein at least one aperture is disposed thereon for receiving fastening means for fastening said bracket plate to a surface near said opening.

16. The window dressing bracket according to claim 15, wherein said coupling clip flange portion defines an upper hook portion engageable in an opening in a curtain rod and further defines upper and lower abutment edges which are adapted to fit into the open end of a curtain rod so as to hold the same in place on said hook portion.

17. The window dressing bracket according to claim 16, wherein said leg element is substantially bowed to secure said leg element in said at least one mounting brace.