Weighted Draperies, Devices and Methods

Abstract

Weight devices, draperies and methods for weighing down draperies include a weight wrapped in a pocket of a weight holder which weight holder is connected to vertical seams and/or vertical hems of the drapery. The weight is elongated and vertically oriented and connected along the vertical seam at a backside of the drapery which in some instances is an overlocked serged seam and provides concealed placement. Drapes are also retrofitted with the weight holders and weights which in some aspects the weights include lead rods.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of draperies, and particularly to draperies having weights added to the drapery fabric, and further to light-weight draperies having weights, and devices and methods for making such weighted draperies.

2. Background Information

Adding weights to draperies is common. In most instances draperies include a bottom hem. The hem may define a pocket or space into which a weight is inserted to assist in weighing down the drapery fabric. The weight is usually not removed from the drapery. There are many instances, however, where a bottom hem is not present or not possible or desirable to be created, such as with lightweight or sheer fabrics, and thus, no pocket for insertion of a weight. For instance, a rolled hem, also sometimes called a Merrow-stitched bottom hem (Merrow is a brand of industrial machine that rolls the hem using an overlock (serger)), is commonly used for sheer types of drapes; yet Merrow stitches for sheer fabrics do not provide a pocket for addition of a weight. Thus, a bead weight is often sewn or added into the rolled Merrow stitch of a sheer drapery. There are many examples of other types of weighted drapes, some of which have been awarded patents, such as the devices shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,577,307, 6,301,754, 2,642,577, 2,272,656, 1,936,198, 1,828,678, 3,224,495, 8,695,193, and 4,142,570.

While the foregoing show a variety of attempts to add weights to draperies in order to provide various benefits, there is room for improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicant has recognized problems with draperies as noted herein; and in one aspect the invention pertains to a drapery having at least one vertically oriented weight sewn along a vertical seam of the drapery, and in some instances along a vertically oriented serge seam (i.e., along a vertical overlocked seam created by a serger or serging device).

In further aspects the invention includes a weight device for connecting to a vertical seam of a drapery where the device includes a weight holder having a pocket configured to hold a weight having a longitudinal length substantially greater than a transverse width, the weight holder having a longitudinally oriented edge tab configured to be connected to the vertical seam. In one aspect an elongated weight is sealed within the pocket and the edge tab is configured to be sewn to the vertical seam which is an overlocked serged seam.

In further aspects the invention includes a method of providing a weight holder having a weight positioned within a pocket of the weight holder, the weight having a longitudinal length substantially greater than a transverse width, the weight holder having a longitudinal edge tab, and connecting the weight holder to a drapery by vertically orienting the weight and connecting the tab to the vertical seam of the drapery. In further aspects the weight is a lead rod encased in the pocket of the weight holder made of non-woven fabric where the tab is sewn to the vertical seam. In one aspect the vertical seam is an overlocked seam.

Applicant has recognized that use of a bead weight at a bottom edge of a drapery is insufficient for weighing down the drapery, especially where the drapery is of long lightweight material, such as sheer fabric. Applicant has also recognized that use of a bottom hem which creates a pocket into which a weight is positioned is not always desired or workable with some draperies. Particularly, with longer draperies, and especially with long sheer drapery, the material will tend to flutter, lift or whisk/billow upward or outward into the room or at unwanted orientations due to air currents or breezes. The bead weights are often too light to counteract such forces. Moreover, due to the stitching of adjacent panels along vertical lengths, especially at serges (i.e., seams having been prepared using a serger or serging device/machine), the vertical joints tend to buckle, pucker or ripple or otherwise distort, especially with lightweight and/or sheer material. For instance, a sheer drapery having adjacent panels sewn together (especially if connected via serges or at seams created by a serger) will tend to pucker or ripple at the vertical seams, causing the drapery to exhibit a sagging or drooping characteristic due to the fabric being slightly lifted along the horizontal bottom edge at the vertical seam locations. FIG. 12 shows a drapery of a prior art configuration where the vertical seam 28 is puckered and lifts slightly upward at the bottom edge 22 to form a slight gap 23 as compared to the remainder of the bottom edge 22 of the drapery. The drapery includes non-uniform puckers 25 along the seam 28 due to the difficulty in obtaining a balanced stitch with such light-weight sheer fabric.

Heretofore such puckering 25 has simply been accepted as the nature of long draperies and/or such long-sheer draperies; or a tall bottom hem in which weights are inserted is used for the prior art drapery 10 (which is often unwanted) because a wide lower hem is not aesthetically pleasing and/or because there is not enough fabric at the edge 22 to create a hem to hold a sufficiently heavy weight. Yet Applicant has solved these problems by connecting a vertically oriented weight along the vertical seam 28, and especially where the seam 28 is a serged seam 29. In one aspect the vertically oriented weight 40 is contained in a vertically oriented weight holder 30. The added weight 40 tends to smooth out the fabric so the drapery hangs naturally and folds naturally in a pleated manner. The bottom edge 22 is finished in one instance with a Merrow stitch with small embedded beads or weights positioned within the bottom seam at edge 22. While such bead weighting is helpful for controlling some light-weight draperies, the bead weight is not sufficient to provide proper weight for some longer draperies or sheer draperies. Use of such small beads embedded within the seam allows the finished edge 22 to flex or “drape” in order to display a pleated or finished look. Otherwise, such as is the case in using one-inch square weights or other larger weights, for instance, the bottom edge 22 will tend not to (or will not) curve or wave in an smooth accordion-like or sinusoidal-like manner, instead appearing as a flat sheet or as having kinks. The vertical orientation of the weight 40 as positioned in the present invention assists in concealing the weight behind the drapery while also providing sufficient or additional weight to smooth the puckering 25 and eliminate an associated lift or gap 23. In one aspect the weight 40 is concealed within a pocket 34 of weight holder 30, which holder 30 is made from the same or similar material as is used for the drapery fabric. The weight 40 projects rearward (or tends to project rearward) of the drapery to better help in concealing. The weight holder device 30 is connected along a single stitch line in one aspect, thus providing only a slight direct connection to the seam which is in a spaced relationship with the front of the drapery fabric to better conceal the weight.

In a further aspect a weight holder comprises a cylindrical or metal rod which is wrapped in a sleeve of fabric. In alternatives the weight may be positioned within a holder made of plastic or other material. The weight holder includes a longitudinal tab which in one aspect receives a stitch for connection to a vertical seam of the drapery. In one aspect the vertical seam connecting adjacent drapery panels is a serged seam. The holder is stitched so that the weight hangs from the seam in a vertical orientation. The stitching along the tab connects the holder to the seam so that no stitching appears at the front side of the drapery and does not cause the panels to pucker.

In a further aspect the invention includes a method of retrofitting an existing drapery. A weight holder having a longitudinal tab and containing a weight is connected by sewing or stapling or clipping the tab to a drapery by vertically orienting the elongated weight and holder and connecting the tab to a vertical seam of the drapery. Other methods include positioning a weight holder containing an elongated weight within a side hem of a drapery. In aspects the elongated weight extends above a top stitch of a bottom hem. Multiple elongated flat weights may be positioned within the side hem.

The above partial summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment, aspect, or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and detailed description and claims that follow more particularly exemplify these and other embodiments and further aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a drapery made in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the drapery shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the drapery of FIG. 1 with a component feature removed for clarity.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a component for use with the drapery and a weight holder in accordance with further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a weight holder component in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a component for use with the drapery and a weight holder in accordance with further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a weight holder component in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross section view taken across line 8-8 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view taken across line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view taken across line 10-10 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a component for use with the drapery and a weight holder in accordance with further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial rear view of a drapery and holder made in accordance with a further aspect of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a section view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a prior art drapery.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not necessarily to limit the invention to the particular embodiments, aspects and features described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Weights are applied to draperies in attempts to control the movement or unwanted movement of the hanging drapes. For instance, with lightweight drapery material, such as lightweight mesh or sheer material, wind currents or breeze will cause the drapes to fly upwards and/or outwards (billow) from the wall or window against which the drapes are positioned. Traffic or people walking past the draperies will also create wind currents which in turn cause the draperies to float or sway or billow or otherwise move in response to the wind currents. Draperies positioned near doorways or windows or air conditioner vents or heating vents will be moved due to the changes in wind current. It is a desire to maintain the natural looking flow and aesthetics of the draperies while also limiting unwanted flow. It is also a desire to limit visible stitch lines and layers of fabrics or weights which tend to defeat the sheer aesthetics of the drapery.

In some cases multiple panels of drapery materials are sewn together to cover a desired area. For instance, a first drapery panel will be sewn to a second drapery panel in order to create a desired width of the drapery. Multiple panels may be sewn together as desired or as needed. The panels are sewn together at or to create a vertical seam. There are many different types of seams and stitches that can be used to join together adjacent panels. Typically with light-weight materials the vertical seam will result in puckering of the fabric or uplift of the fabric at the sections corresponding to the seams, which destroys the nice look of the draperies. If a bottom lower hem is present, a weight or weights may be inserted or connected to help smooth out the puckering. For a drapery without a bottom hem, there is not enough room toward the bottom edge to secure weights, or if weights are secured, such weights would be visible due to the light-weight or relatively transparent nature of the sheer material. Utilizing multiple layers of fabric behind the main drapery panels for a bottom hem also becomes noticeable due to the extra layers of thickness when using or layering the additional material. In many cases use of a bottom hem is less desirable. A hem will tend to pucker and the needle marks or stitches may become visible. Even if a hem is present, there may not be sufficient space to include weights that are heavy enough to reduce or eliminate the puckering. Applicant has solved these issues as noted herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-14, aspects of draperies, weighting devices and methods in accordance with the invention are shown. FIG. 1 depicts drapery 20 having at least a first drapery panel 24 connected to a second drapery panel 26 along a vertical seam 28. Multiple drapery panels may be connected together as desired. A fabric weight holder 30 is connected to the drapery 20 at the vertical seam 28. Weight holder 30 contains a weight 40. In one aspect the panels 24, 26 are light-weight fabrics made of sheer material (other types of fabrics or materials may be used). Such sheer material allows a certain amount of light to pass while also providing some level of coverage or screening. Sheer type draperies are desired for use in many interior decorating applications. Designers use sheer material to have a beautifying impact and are particular about how the drapery 20 appears when hanging in a natural state such as that shown in FIG. 2. In many cases the drapery 20 having sheer panels 24, 26 will be pleated such that an aesthetic wave or flowing style is created. For instance, it is desirable to present the bottom edge 22 in a generally smooth accordion-like or sinusoidal-like wave orientation. This is accomplished with draperies by using a pleated configuration where the drapery panel material is generally collected together at an upper portion of the drapery hanging from a curtain rod or other upper holding device.

In one instance, seam 28 is a serged seam. A serged seam is a seam created by using a serger (or “overlocker” or overlock stitch sewing machine), which is a machine that creates an overlock stitch and trims excess fabric as it stitches. In some instances such overlock or serger machine is a Merrow brand machine. A serger will utilize 2, 3, 4, 5 or even more separate threads in creating the seam. A serger is used to create a finished edge along a fabric. In one aspect, Applicant uses a serger to sew adjacent panels together along a vertical seam. One example of a serged seam 29 is provided herein.

In one instance drapery 20 is made of lightweight sheer material or drapery panels 24, 26 which are serged together to create a vertical seam 28. Non-lightweight and/or non-sheer materials may also be used for panels 24, 26. A serged seam 29 is desired in order to provide a finished look at the backside of the drapery 20 and also to have an overlock stitch to prevent the fabric panels from fraying or unravelling. With fancy draperies, a finished edge on the backside is desired. When the drapery 20 is made of lightweight material, however, the serged seam 28 will tend to pucker. For instance, and depending on the tension used on some of the stitches with the serging machine, some material will be under greater tension compared to adjacent material. To eliminate or at least attempt to reduce such puckering, a weight or weights are connected to the drapes. Yet in prior art instances, it is difficult to add sufficient weight to pull out the unwanted pucker.

The two panels 24, 26 are serged together at the serged seam 29 with a typical width “W” (FIG. 3) of ⅜ inches (measured from the safety stitch line 42 to the terminal edge 44 of the overlocked seam 46). The overlocked seam component 46 (together with the safety seam component 42 comprise the serged seam 29) is a form of an overlock seam made with a serger. The serger locks the raw edges of the layers by encasing the edges with over-stitching 43 as generally shown in FIG. 3. The terminal edge 44 of the seam 46 typically extends freely and rearward from the drapery 20. A seam margin 48 appears between the safety stitch line 42 and the inner edge 45 of the overlocked seam component 46.

In one aspect the invention includes a fabric weight holder 30. The weight holder 30 is sewn to the vertical seam 28. In one aspect the holder 30 is sewn to the margin 48 of a serged seam 29. Holder 30 may also be connected at other portions of the seam 29. Weight holder 30 includes a weight 40 having a longitudinal length “L” substantially greater than a transverse width “X” (FIG. 4). The weight 40 is positioned within a pocket 34 of holder 30. In one aspect, weight 40 is completely encased within holder 30. In other aspects an opening is provided to insert weight 40 into a sleeve of holder 30 so that weight 40 may be inserted and removed as desired. In other aspects weight 40 is completely sealed within holder 30 by stitching or other sealing. For instance, in one aspect holder 30 has a holder fabric layer 36 which is folded over itself to create the pocket 34 or sleeve. The folded layer 36 is then stitched or ultrasonically welded or glued or sealed to itself. The stitching or ultrasonic sealing may occur along the three edges of the folded fabric layer 36 to completely enclose the weight 40 inside. In alternatives, a top 37 or a portion of the top 37 of holder 30 (See FIG. 5) may remain open in order to insert or remove a weight 40. In one aspect weight holder 30 includes a longitudinally oriented edge tab 32. In one aspect edge tab 32 spans the entire length of holder 30. Edge tab 32 is configured to be stitched (or stapled or pinned or clamped or otherwise connected) to the vertical seam 28 (such as by sewing the tab 32 to the margin 48; or even sewing the tab 32 directly to the seam component 46). In other aspects holder 30 is made of plastic or includes a plastic component in which weight 40 is positioned.

In one aspect, the material or fabric used to make fabric holder 30 is the same material or fabric used to make panels 24, 26. Use of the same material assists in concealing holder 30 positioned at the back side 21 of drapery 20. Tab 32 (and 33) may comprise a finished edge which may also be an overlocked or serged edge which lays relatively flat. The tab 32 being a finished overlocked seam lays flat against the seam 29 and is sewn or otherwise attached to the seam 28 at either or both the seam margin 48 or overstitching 43. In alternatives, the tab 32 of holder 30 comprises a finished serged seam (similar to seam 29) which in turn is connected to seam 29. Holder 30 may be connected to both or either of sides of seam 29 (FIG. 10).

Referring again to FIG. 1 (and also with respect to FIG. 10), the holder 30 is connected to a back side 21 of drapery 20 at seam 28. In this example bottom edge 22 includes a finished Merrow-hem containing small beads or weights. The beads or weights allow the edge 22 to flex for a natural and smooth curved bottom edge as shown in FIG. 2 and to provide some minimal weight to help the drapery hang and resist wind currents. The beads allow for greater flexibility as compared to use of larger weights (1 inch by 1 inch) which would otherwise tend to cause the bottom edge 22 to kink or bind and not settle with a smooth curve.

In one aspect seam 28 is an overlock seam and more particularly a serged seam 29 having overstitchings 43. Other types of seams and stitching may also be used (i.e., a rolled seam or other seams). The serged seam 29 extends outward from the panels 24, 26. Holder 30 is stitched to the serged seam 29 at or along seam margin 48. The holder 30 in one aspect is connected to the seam 28 and thereafter a weight 40 is inserted into the holder 30. Alternatively, a weight 40 is already present within holder 30 (yet having the weight 40 already present makes the attachment of holder 30 to seam 28 difficult). The holder 30 has an outer edge 31 which is free to move. The holder 30 projects backwards so that it is less visible from the front side of drapery 20. The weight 40 tends to pull downward along the seam 29 to smooth out puckers and force bottom edge 22 at the seam 29 to orient without binding or uplifting action so as to minimize or eliminate the formation of any gap 23 that might otherwise occur.

Multiple holders 30 may be connected to the seam 28. The multiple holders 30 may be spaced adjacent to and/or apart from each other and holder 30. As shown in FIG. 10, holder 30 is sewn to seam 29 at a left side of seam 29. In alternatives, holder 30 may instead be connected at a right side of seam 29, and in further aspects, a holder 30 may be connected to both right and left side of seam 29. Even further holders 30 may be connected to seam 29 and or connected over holder 30 which is already connected to seam 29. Such additional holders provide increased weight to assist in pulling the seam 29 tight and in controlling drapery 20 in heavier breeze. In one aspect holder 30 is sewn to seam 28 adjacent bottom edge 22. In other cases holder 30 may be sewn to seam 28 at a position upward from bottom edge 22. In one instance, holder 30 is secured to seam 28 at a position of at least 3 to 4 inches upward from bottom edge 22. Thus, if the length of drapery should need to be shortened, the holder 30 is sufficiently spaced from the bottom edge 22 so that removal of the holder 30 is not (or may not be) required if the drapery 20 is shortened. In other aspects holder 30 is stapled to seam 28, such as by securing a staple through tab 32 and into margin 48 (or into rolled seam 46). Holder 30 may also be pinned or secured to seam 28 with other fastening devices. Holders 30 may also be connected to other seams 28 used to secure other panels of drapery 20.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a front side 21′ of drapery 20 is presented. The bottom edge 22 has a natural wave or curve due to the Merrow hem and the edge 22 is oriented adjacent to the floor without outlier gaps 23. The holder 30 is not visible (or difficult to see) from the front side 21′ because holder 30 is secured to the seam 28 on the back side 21 and extends rearward, and is made of the same fabric (or similar fabric) as the fabric of the drapery 20. Holder 30 may be made of different fabrics or materials, and painted or colored to further match the drapery 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates seam 28 as a serged seam 29 having overstitching 43. Serged seam 29 is an overlock seam and has a generally flat profile (See also serged seam 29, FIG. 10). Seam margin 48 is provided for convenient connection of tab 32 of holder 30. In one aspect, seam 29 has a width of ⅜ inches, measured generally from safety stitch line 42 to terminal edge 44.

FIG. 4 shows an example weight 40 as a metal rod such as a lead rod. Weight 40 may also be configured as a parallelogram or have non-circular cross-section. The weight 40 in this example is cylindrical and has a diameter “x” of ¼ inches and a length “L” of 8 inches. Other diameters and lengths may be used. Weight 40 is inserted into holder 30. In one aspect weight 40 is completely encased within a pocket 34 or sleeve within holder 30. As shown in FIG. 5, holder 30 includes an edge tab 32. In one aspect tab 32 extends the entire length of holder 30 along one edge. Tab 32 is flattened or relatively flat and has a width “T” (See FIG. 8) sufficient to receive a stitch such as a weight stitch 50 (See also FIG. 1 and FIG. 10). Weight stitch 50 (FIG. 1, FIG. 10) is used to connect holder 30 to seam 28 at seam margin 48. Holder 30 may also be connected to seam 28 at the overlocked stitching 43 of serged component 29. Weight stitch 50 in one instance spans the length of holder 30. Having an elongated weight 40 within holder 30 stitched along weight stitch 50 vertically orients the weight 40 in such a way that the gravitational force due to the hanging weight 40 is applied along the weight stitch 50 to pull downward on the fabric or material of the panels 24, 26 where such force is needed most. The concentrated force tends to pull or stretch the fabric along the seam 28 (particularly the seam component 29) so that the fabric straightens despite having an otherwise puckering imbalance due to the stitching of seam 28. Holder 30 in one instance has flattened end tabs 33. Weight 40 may be sewn within pocket 34 by sewing about three edges of holder 30. In other aspects an opening at an end tab area may be used so that weight 40 may slide or insert or be removed from sleeve to holder 30. The edges of holder 30 may be closed by ultrasonic welding.

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict additional examples of weight 40 and holder 30. In this example weight 40 has a diameter of ⅜ inches and a length of 7 inches (having a weight, unwrapped, of 5.2 ounces). A larger pocket 34 is configured to hold the larger weight 40. Different sizes of weight 40 and holder 30 may be used. FIG. 8 is a cross section view taken across line 8-8 of FIG. 5. Weight 40 is shown positioned within pocket 34. Flattened portion or edge tab 32 extends from the main body of holder 30. Holder 30 may comprise different configurations. For instance, the tab 32 comprising a double layer of fabric 36 may also be positioned closer to weight 40, thus reducing the amount of open area in pocket 34 and providing a tighter pocket for insertion or holding of weight 40. A stitch may also be applied to create the double layer at tab 32. In one aspect, at least a portion of the tab 32 has a width “T” which is at least 1/8 the measure of the total width “M” of holder 30. In a further aspect, tab 32 has a width “T” which is at least ⅛ inch. In other aspects width “T” measures at least ¼ inch and in further aspects measures ⅜ inches. The tab 32 may be trimmed to a desired width depending on the application. FIG. 9 is a cross section view taken across line 9-9 of FIG. 7, showing weight 40 within pocket 34. End tabs 33 are flattened in one aspect.

FIG. 10 is a cross section view taken across line 10-10 of FIG. 1. Seam 28 in this example is a seam joining first drapery panel 24 to second drapery panel 26. Multiple seams 28 may be used to join multiple panels of drapery 20. In one aspect seam 28 is a serged seam 29 having a safety stitch 42 and overlock stitching 43. The overlock stitching 43 secures together the edges of the panels 24, 26 using thread positioned over the flattened edges. The overlock stitching 43 encircles the edges of the panels 24, 26, providing a tight finished edge connection and prevents unraveling or fraying of the panel fabrics. Seams of varieties other than a serged seam 29 may also be used. In one aspect, holder 30 is connected to seam 28 at a seam margin 48. Particularly, holder 30 has a generally flattened portion or tab 32 which aligns against a flattened portion or seam margin 48 of the seam 28 on the back side 21 of drapery 20. The holder 30 can be sewn to either a left side or rights side (or both) of serged seam 29, and as shown in FIG. 10 is sewn to the left side of seam 29 with weight stitch 50. An additional holder 30 may also be connected to the right side of seam 29. Sometimes the seam 29 will tend to lay to one side or the other, left or right, depending on the tensions of the threads, skill of craftsmanship or variation in alignment, and/or in cases where the seam is urged to one side or the other by a bottom or top hem. A weight stitch 50 is used to secure holder 30 to seam 28. In one aspect weight stitch 50 is a lock stitch made with a single needle. A lock stitch, as opposed to a chain stitch or safety stitch, is configured such that if one of the threads of the lock stitch is broken, the remaining threads or portions of the lock stitch will not unravel (whereas, if one of the threads is broken on a safety stitch, the entire safety stitch may or is prone to unravel). Part of the serged seam 29 includes a safety stitch component 42 which also connects the panels 24, 26 together. When serging together panels 24, 26, a serging machine creates both the safety stitch 42 and the overlock stitching 43. The serge seam 29 has a width “Z” which varies as desired. In one example serge seam 29 has a width Z of ⅜ inches.

In a method aspect, holder 30 (without a weight 40 being present) is secured to serged seam 29 with a weight stitch 50 or staple or other fastener of clamp. After holder 30 is connected, weight 40 is inserted into pocket 34 through an opening at a top portion of holder 30. Weight 40 may be simply slid within the pocket 34 and available for removal as desired, or in alternatives, weight 40 is sealed or secured within pocket 34 and holder 30 by stitching or sealing or ultrasonic sealed or otherwise closing the opening at the top portion of holder 30. With very long or large draperies, such permanently sealed or contained weights 40 are desired or don't typically have to be removed because such draperies are cleaned on-site (i.e. cleaned in place without removal of the drapery 20). In alternatives a holder 30 already containing a weight 40 is connected to the seam 29. The size of the weight (diameter and length) and corresponding size of holder 40 may vary as desired. For instance, the holder 30 and contained weight 40 are available in various lengths such as 4, 6, 8 10 inches long (or greater). A manufacturer or installer may utilize a variety of sized holders 30 and attach them to the serges 29 as needed for a given project.

FIG. 11 is a front view of an alternative weight 40 and holder 30 where the weight is a generally flat lead weight with rounded corners which inserts into a sleeve or pocket 34 of the holder 30. The flat lead weight 40 in the example has a 1 inch width and a 4 inch height and a thickness of ⅛ inches. Other sized weights may be used, including such as longer weights of 4, 6, or 8 inches or even longer (and wider/narrower widths as desired). In one aspect holder 30 is made of a non-woven material. A tab 32 may also be used in conjunction with holder 30 so that the weight 40 may be oriented vertically with respect to a vertical seam 28 by connecting the tab 32 to seam margin 48. For instance holder 30 may also include a tab 32 positioned at a perimeter of holder 30. A tab 33 may also be used at a top edge to secure holder 30 to seam 29. The flat weight 40 and holder 30 of FIG. 11 may be utilized at serges 29 and/or at side hems 70. The “round” or cylindrical weight 40 and holders 30 of FIG. 4-7 may also be used at serges 29 and/or at side hems 70.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of a further aspect of a weight holder 30 and drapery 20′ in accordance with the invention. A holder 30 having a flat lead weight 40 is used at a side hem 70 and at bottom hem 60 of the drapery. Particularly, the hems 60, 70 are positioned at edges of the panels 24, 26, for instance, and not necessarily where adjacent panels 24, 26 are sewn together along a vertical seam. In constructing a drapery 20′ sometimes a bottom hem 60 is desired. In this example there is no Merrow-stitch at the bottom edge 22. The hem 60 includes wrapping the bottom margin of drapery material back upon itself and securing the hem 60 along a hem line 61. A blind stitch 61 is used for the hem line 61 so that the stitching does not penetrate through paneled 24, 26 and so that the stitch is concealed from the front side of the drapery 20′. For instance, while the blind stitch 61 inserts into the fabric, it does not penetrate through the fabric, but nonetheless secures the hem 60 into position along the stitch line 61. In some cases a portion of the stitch line 61 may be left open so that a weight or weights may be inserted into the bottom hem 60. Yet in some cases it is undesirable to position weights within hem 60 because they still may be visible, and especially where traditional square or rectangle weights (i.e., 1 inch by 1 inch lead weights, which weigh only about 0.45 ounce/each even if wrapped in a non-woven fabric) are inserted, the bottom edge 22 of the drapery 20′ will not fold smoothly as desired. Also, the use of such typical 1 inch by 1 inch weights (or other attempts to weight the drapery) is not heavy enough to pull upon some drapery material (especially very long drapery) in order to smooth out puckering and resist wind current or breezes as mentioned above. Applicant instead utilizes a vertically oriented weight 30 positioned at an end portion or within a side hem 70.

After bottom hem 60 is constructed, side hem 70 is created by wrapping the side margin of drapery material back upon itself and securing the hem 70 along a side hem line 71. The side hem has a width of about 1½ inches in one example. Other widths may be used. A blind stitch is used for the hem line 71 so that the stitching does not penetrate through panel 24, 26 so that it is concealed from the front side of the drapery 20′. Creating side hem 71 results in a sleeve 72 within the folded hem 70 into which holder 30 is inserted (See FIG. 13). Particularly, holder 30 is inserted at a bottom opening 74 of side hem 70. The opening 74 is closed after insertion of holder 30. The opening 74 in one aspect is stitched closed so that holder rests on stitched hem (and need not be otherwise connected). In an alternative, holder 30 may have a top tab 33 which is sewn or tacked at the top edge to the side hem 70. In further alternatives, holder 30 includes edge tab 32 which runs longitudinally along holder to be sewn to hem 70. Holder 30, which contains weight 40 having a length of 8 inches, for instance, is thus concealed within side hem 70. The extra height allows for greater mass and weighing force upon hem 70. Such taller weight, if it were inserted into bottom hem 60, would otherwise be visible and extend upward past the hem line 61. The flat weight 40 also allows the side hem 70 to lay flat or relatively flat vertically against a wall (for instance) as is desired. Having a long solid flat weight oriented vertically thus provides extra desired mass/weight and flattening ability, while also be concealed within holder 30 and within hem 70. In alternatives, weight 40 may be inserted into side hem 70 and secured by tacking or sewing and without first being positioned within a holder 30. In further alternatives, multiple holders 30 may be inserted and layered within hem 70 to provide a desired weight to the drapery 20′. Such multiple weights are especially effective at the edges of draperies located near doorways where the drapery may tend to flow outward and through a doorway in some breezy conditions. For purposes of this disclosure a Merrow-hem is considered to be a “pocket-less” hem (despite retaining the beads within the rolled stitch). A pocket-less hem is a hem that lacks a pocket for containing a weight as is shown with respect to the bottom hem 60 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a section view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12. A side hem 70 is provided for drapery panel 24 by folding a margin upon itself and stitching with stitch 71 to create sleeve 72 into which holder 30 is inserted.

In a further method aspect, A side hem 70 is created and thereafter a holder 30 having weight 40 is inserted into a sleeve 72 of the hem and subsequently secured within the hem. In one aspect the weight 40 is a single long flat weight which extends past an upper edge or stitch 61 of a bottom hem 60.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A drapery comprising:

a first drapery panel connected to a second drapery panel along a vertical seam; and at least one weight holder configured to hold a weight, the weight having a longitudinal length greater than a transverse width, the at least one weight holder having a longitudinally oriented edge tab oriented generally vertically and connected to the vertical seam along the edge tab, at least a portion of the weight holder positioned above a hem located along a bottom of the drapery.

2. The drapery of claim 1 where the at least one weight holder is made of fabric and contains a weight oriented vertically along the vertical seam, the at least one weight holder sewn to the vertical seam.

3. The drapery of claim 1 where the weight holder is sewn to the vertical seam along the edge tab, the vertical seam being an overlocked seam.

4. The drapery of claim 1 where the weight holder includes a weight, the weight being a lead rod oriented vertically.

5. The drapery of claim 1 where the vertical seam is an overlocked seam, the edge tab sewn to a margin of the overlocked seam, the margin positioned between a safety stitch line of the seam and an inner edge of the seam.

6. The drapery of claim 1 where the first drapery panel is made of a sheer material, the at least one fabric weight holder is made of the sheer material.

7. The drapery of claim 1 where the longitudinally oriented edge tab is stitched to the vertical seam, the weight being vertically oriented, and a bottom edge of the first drapery panel having a Merrow-hem containing bead weights.

8. A weight device for connecting to a vertical seam and above a hem located along a bottom of a drapery, the weight device comprising:

a cylindrical lead weight having a longitudinal length greater than a transverse width; and

a weight holder having a closed pocket in which the weight is positioned, the weight holder having a longitudinally oriented edge tab configured to be connected to the vertical seam utilizing a straight vertical stitch line such that the weight holder extends rearward from the drapery and above the hem.

9. The weight device of claim 8 where the weight is sealed within the pocket, the edge tab being flat and spans an entire length of the weight holder.

10. The weight device of claim 8 where the weight holder comprises a holder fabric layer, the edge tab defined by the holder fabric layer wrapped upon itself.

11. The weight device of claim 8 where the weight holder is made of fabric and has a maximum width, at least a portion of the edge tab has a tab width at least ⅛ the maximum width.

12. The weight device of claim 8 where at least a portion of the edge tab has a tab width of at least ⅛ inch.

13. The weight device of claim 8 where the weight is a lead rod having a length of about 8 inches and a diameter of about ⅜ inches.

14. The weight device of claim 8 where the edge tab has a width sufficient to sew the edge tab to the vertical seam.

15. The weight device of claim 8 where the weight holder comprises a non-woven fabric layer, the edge tab defined by the non-woven fabric layer welded to a non-woven fabric layer.

16. A method comprising:

providing a weight holder having a weight positioned within a pocket of the weight holder, the weight having a longitudinal length greater than a transverse width, the weight holder having a longitudinal edge tab; and

connecting the weight holder to a drapery by vertically orienting the weight and connecting the tab to a vertical seam which seam connects two panels of the drapery at a rear side of the drapery, the weight holder extending rearward from the drapery and at least a portion of the weight holder positioned above a hem located along a bottom of the drapery.

17. The method of claim 16 where the weight is a lead rod encased in the pocket of the weight holder, the weight holder comprising fabric material, the connecting the tab to the vertical seam including sewing the tab vertically along the vertical seam, the vertical seam being an overlocked seam.

18. The method of claim 16 where the vertical seam is an overlocked serge seam, at least a portion of the tab connected to a seam margin of the seam.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising connecting another weight holder to the seam at a position above the weight holder.

20. The method of claim 16 where the connecting the weight holder to the vertical seam includes stapling the weight holder at the tab.

21. A drapery comprising:

a first drapery panel connected to a second drapery panel along a vertical seam, the vertical seam comprising a first stitch line and overlock stitching; and

at least one weight holder having a pocket containing a metal weight which weight has a longitudinal length greater than a transverse width, the at least one weight holder having a longitudinally oriented edge tab, at least a portion of the edge tab stitched to the vertical seam along a second stitch line parallel to the first stitch line and between the first stitch line and the overlock stitching, at least a portion of the weight holder positioned above a hem located along a bottom of the drapery.

22. The drapery of claim 21 where the pocket is a closed pocket, the weight is a cylindrical lead rod, the first stitch line comprises a safety stitch, and the overlock stitching includes thread positioned over edges of the first panel and the second panel.

23. The drapery of claim 21 where the second stitch line is a straight stitch line.

24. The drapery of claim 1 where the vertical seam is positioned at a back side of the drapery, the weight holder extending rearward from the drapery.