Hanger system for draperies and other vertical structure treatments

Abstract

A treatment for mounting on a vertical structure, the treatment comprising a continuous insertion means or plurality of insertion elements and a drapery rod having a central axis. The drapery rod also has at least one channel groove. The at least one channel groove includes an opening narrower than the insertion means or elements. Further, the at least one channel groove is substantially parallel with the central axis of the drapery rod to allow the continuous insertion means or elements to be placed therein. The insertion means or insertion elements fit within the at least one channel groove. Finally, the drapery rod is supported at either end by end brackets which have a mating profile for fitting within the channel groove.

Description

1. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of earlier filed Ser. No. 10/028,477, filed Dec. 19, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/982,378, filed Oct. 18, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/545,553, filed Apr. 7, 2000, all entitled “Drapery Treatment”, by the same inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

2. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to treatments for windows. More particularly, the present invention relates to treatments such as drapes and curtains and the rod that holds such in place on a wall.

3. Description of the Prior Art

Draperies, curtains, and other solid or soft materials have been used for years in the interior decorating arts. These devices serve both a functional and a decorative purpose. The draperies can act as insulation both in the winter and summer for windows and doorways, while also keeping light out of a room, or diminishing direct light. Further, drapes and other treatments are decorative and enhance the aesthetic beauty of an interior room. Given the abundant use of drapes and other window treatments, much attention has been given to finding ways in which to hang the drapes from the wall or window.

Given the time and expense in installing window treatments, it would be ideal to have the drapery material and the drapery rod be both functional and decorative, while also easily installed. What is thus needed is a treatment that is versatile enough to allow both solid and fabric drapery materials to be installed on a wall, while also being easy and inexpensive to implement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a means for placing a drapery or solid structure on a wall for functional and decorative effect, especially before a window.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treatment that is simpler to use than prior window treatments.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treatment that is easier to use and of lower cost than prior art treatments.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a treatment that can utilize heavier fabrics such as upholstery weight and flannel inter-lined draperies.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a treatment wherein draperies can be easily moved with respect to the drapery rod without becoming jammed.

These and other objects are achieved by providing a treatment for mounting on a vertical structure such as a wall, the treatment comprising a drapery having a continuous insertion means or plurality of insertion elements and a drapery rod having a central axis. The drapery rod has at least one channel groove. The rod is typically mounted by at least two brackets onto the vertical structure such that it is substantially parallel with the horizon. Further, at least one channel groove is substantially parallel with the central axis of the drapery rod, the channel groove forming a uniform groove on the rod surface to allow the insertion means to be placed therein. The drapery rod is coupled to the vertical structure, the continuous insertion means or plurality of insertion elements fitting within at least one channel groove, thus allowing the drapery to hang substantially parallel to the vertical structure.

The term “drapery” refers in general to fabric, wood, metal, or plastic formations such as traditional curtains, drapes, fabric draperies, valances, or shade boards, that are used as decorative and functional treatments to hang from vertical or above-floor level structures such as walls, doors, ceilings, windows, or other structures.

The drapery rod can be made of wood, metal, or other suitable, sturdy materials. The drapery can be either soft materials such as fabric or a solid material such as wood or metal, and being made decorative and of various shapes and sizes. The continuous insertion means or plurality of insertion elements that are coupled to the drapery are of a shape and size that will allow them to fit within the channel groove or mortise within the drapery rod and held in place once mounted on a wall. Among the devices that may be used as the insertion means or elements is a traversing mechanism, such as one employing rollers, welt-cording sewn to the top edge of a fabric insert, fabric draped over a metal rod, or a wooden dowel.

Additional objects, features and advantages will be apparent in the written description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the treatment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of one embodiment of the drapery rod and continuous insertion means of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 wherein the insertion means is inserted into the drapery rod;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the insertion means of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insertion means in FIG. 4 being inserted into a drapery rod of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the treatment;

FIG. 7 is a close-up of the drapery in FIG. 6 being inserted into the drapery rod of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an end bracket used with the drapery rod of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a side view of the end bracket inserted into the drapery rod of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing a drapery rod with a plurality of insertion elements;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a window treatment for mounting on a vertical structure such as a wall, door, or window. Typically, the treatment is a drapery placed before a window or doorway having an opening, the drapery being both decorative and functional in blocking light and as insulation. The term drapery is used to refer to any fabric, wood, metal, plastic, or other type of material that is draped or hung from a rod for decorative and/or insulation purposes. When traditional fabric drapes or curtains are used as the drapery, the drapes may have associated drawing apparatuses. The treatment comprises a drapery rod and a drapery having a continuous insertion means, such as sewn-in cording or an attached dowel, or a drapery attached to a plurality of insertion elements, such as elements including a traversing mechanism.

The drapery rod is best described as having a central axis and also having at least one channel groove. The drapery rod can be cylindrical in shape, square or rectangular in cross-section, oval, or other shapes. Preferably, the drapery rod should be of such strength that it can hold drapery or wood structures from at least 1-60 lbs. The drapery rod is typically mounted to the wall or other vertical structure by at least two brackets such that the drapery rod is substantially parallel with the horizon, or level. The brackets can be any solid structure that can hold the entire treatment to the wall.

The channel groove cut into the drapery rod allows the fabric to slide inside the channel. If a continuous insertion means is utilized, cording or a metal rod can act as the continuous insertion means and hold the fabric in place on the drapery rod. If a plurality of insertion elements is used, cording, a metal rod, or a traversing mechanism including rollers may act as the insertion means and hold the fabric in place. The fabric can be hand-folded as well to create a variety of drapery treatments. The drapery rod and continuous insertion means or plurality of insertion elements can be designed such that no hooks, pleats, rings, tabs, or hook-and-loop materials are needed to hold the fabric in place.

There may be more than one channel groove cut into the drapery rod. In the preferred embodiment, there is one channel groove in the drapery rod that is substantially parallel with the central axis of the drapery rod. The channel groove forms a uniform groove on the rod surface to allow the insertion means or elements to be placed therein.

The drapery and the continuous insertion means or insertion elements are a unitary feature of the invention, both being coupled together to form one unit. The drapery is inserted using manual force into the drapery rod through the channel, thus forming the treatment of the invention. The treatment, when assembled, comprises the drapery rod being coupled to the vertical structure while the continuous insertion means or plurality of insertion elements are fitted within at least one channel groove, thus allowing the drapery to hang substantially parallel to the vertical structure.

As stated, the continuous insertion means can be a rod, wherein the rod is positioned within the groove created within the drapery rod. The insertion means can be made from either a solid material such as wood or metal, or made from a flexible material such as a natural or synthetic fiber or mesh formed into a cylindrical shape that fits the width of the drapery rod to be used.

Alternatively, a plurality of insertion elements, each of a discrete length less than the length of the groove created within the drapery rod, can be utilized in place of the continuous insertion means. Like the continuous insertion means, each insertion element can be a rod of either solid material or flexible material. Or, the insertion elements can be traversing mechanisms. In either case, the plurality of insertion elements are positioned within the groove created within the drapery rod. In this embodiment, it is preferred that each insertion element be a traversing mechanism including four rollers.

The invention is described more particularly with reference to the Figures, beginning with FIG. 1. In general, treatment 11 consists of drapery rod 13 having a central axis A, and drapery 15. Drapery 15 can be made from a variety of soft or rigid materials. The soft material may be such materials as cotton, nylon, polyester, or other woven and non-woven material, while the rigid material may be material such as metal or wood. The drapery 15 is typically of a decorative nature such that it may have pleats, various colors and/or designs. Also, drapery 15 may be designed so that it can be drawn upwards or downwards with a drawing means, such as drawstrings that utilize grommets attached below the cording that is inserted into the groove of the drapery rod.

The continuous insertion means will be described in further detail with reference to FIG. 2. The drapery rod end 27 of drapery rod 13 is shown having the channel groove 17 therein. Further, the drapery rod 13 has a rod surface 29 through which the channel groove 17 forms a groove or cavity along the outside surface extending inward into drapery rod 13. In the present embodiment, the groove consists of surfaces 101 and 103 that form an initial groove between the surface 29 and the groove 17, and surfaces 105, 107, and 109 which form the inside surface of the groove 17 wherein the continuous insertion means resides once inserted.

The channel groove is designed so that the bottom section of the groove is smaller than the top section. This design allows the continuous insertion means 31 to stay secure within the groove as shown in FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the continuous insertion means 31 is a circular-shaped welt-cording designed to insert into the channel 17. FIG. 2 also illustrates (with the use of a dotted line) a second application of a ⅜″ solid metal rod with fabric 35 wrapped over 31 being inserted in the same manner into the channel groove. Although only one channel groove is shown in FIG. 2, it is to be understood that more than one groove can be formed into the drapery rod 13, such that layered fabrics or stationary panels can be added to the rod 13.

The continuous insertion means inserted into the drapery rod 13 is shown with reference to FIG. 3, showing a cutaway end view of drapery rod 13 with the continuous insertion means 31 therein. Bracket 19 supports the drapery rod 13 against a vertical wall structure 31 therein. Bracket 19 supports the drapery rod 13 against a vertical structure 33. The bracket 19 is supported by fastening means 37 such as a screw, hollow-wall anchor, toggle, bolt or other suitable fastening mean. As shown in FIG. 8, special end brackets 80 may be used to hold the fabric 15 in place. The end brackets have a plate 89 that can be attached to the vertical structure 33 by fastening means 37. Perpendicularly extending from the plate 86 (82 in FIG. 9) is a horizontal support member 84. The length of the horizontal support member 84 is at least the radius of the drapery rod 13. Since the drapery rod 13 is supported by the special brackets there must be sufficient area between the vertical structure 33 and the special bracket 80 to allow for placement and support of the drapery rod 13. The vertical support member 84 has a decorative side 90 (92 in FIG. 9) and a support side 94 parallel to the function of supporting the drapery rod 13. The support side 94 ends in a general “T” shaped profile 88 (FIG. 9) or any other profile that would fit into channel groove 17. Thus, the profile 88 fits within the same groove 17 that is used to support the continuous insertion means 31.

As shown in FIG. 3, the drapery material 15 (in this case a fabric material) is wrapped or sewn around continuous insertion means 31. The fabric thus formed constitutes a sleeve or wrap 35 (FIG. 2) and 15 (FIG. 3). In general, channel groove 17 should be formed such that the distance between surface 101 and 103 (FIG. 2) is smaller than the distance between surface 105 and 107 (FIG. 3). This allows the continuous insertion means 31, which can be either a solid metal rod or welt-cord formed into the fabric material, to be secured within the groove 17 while the material hangs down from the channel to the exterior thus forming a drapery.

FIG. 4 further illustrates the embodiment of the invention, wherein flexible welt-cording 39 (or a ⅜″ solid metal rod) forms the continuous insertion means of the invention. The welt-cording 39 is made of a flexible material such as a cotton, polyester, or polymer like nylon material woven tightly enough to form a cylindrically shaped cord. The welt-cording 39 is either sewn into a sleeve 41 or the fabric drapery material 15 is wrapped around the ⅜″ solid metal rod 39, forming the sleeve or wrap 41. The manual insertion of the welt-cording 41 with the drapery rod 13 is shown with reference to FIG. 5, wherein the drapery rod 13 is manually manipulated while also manipulating the welt-cording 41 to insert the fabric into the channel groove 17. The welt-cording 41 is inserted into the channel groove 17 with the fabric drapery hanging free from the channel formed by the channel groove 17. The welt-cording 39 (FIG. 4) (or the ⅜″ solid metal rod 39 FIG. 4) can be inserted continuously until it forms one continuous drapery as shown in FIG. 1. It is to be understood that the length of the welt-cording 39 (FIG. 4) (or the ⅜″ solid metal rod 39 FIG. 4), can be equal to or less than the length of the drapery rod 13 (FIG. 5).

The invention can be easily assembled by one person as shown in FIG. 5, wherein a cording of about ¾ inch coupled to a drapery is being inserted into the channel groove. While one hand is gripping the rod, another hand grips the drapery. The insertion means is then inserted into the channel 17 at either end of the rod, followed by insertion of the drapery into the channel. The drapery is slid into the channel as one continuous piece, the insertion means being a continuous, unitary part of the drapery itself.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown specifically with reference to FIG. 6. A solid drapery material 43 or “shade board” is made of wood, plastic or metal and cut to any design or shape. This formation (even though it is elongated in the illustration) is designed to cover the top of the wall space above the window. Covering the top of the window also conceals the headrails of blinds and shades that are often used in windows to provide light control and privacy. The drapery 43 has a width W that, in the present embodiment, is less than the length of the drapery rod. The shade board also allows the wall space above the window openings to be covered. Covering the wall space above a window opening allows the window fashion treatment to be made taller. In window fashions, height is a desirable element of design. The solid drapery rod 43 hangs from drapery rod 13 in a similar manner to a fabric drapery such as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring further to FIG. 7, solid drapery 43 has a routed T-slot tenon joint 45 cut into the upper portion of the drapery, thus forming the continuous insertion means of the present invention. The T-slot joint 45 is cut such that it matches the inside structure of channel groove 17 (mortise). The T-slot joint 45 forms two lips 47 (other not shown) on either side of drapery 43, thus contacting surfaces 49 and 51 once inserted into groove 17. It is to be understood that the total width W of the drapery 43 can be equal to or less than the length of drapery rod 13.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown with reference to FIG. 10. In this embodiment of the invention, a plurality of insertion elements 111 is utililized. Preferably each insertion element 111 is a traversing mechanism consisting of multiple rollers 113, 115, 117, 119 and a stem 121. The stem 121 can be attached to the drapery material 15 in any number of ways, such as by sewing the stem 121 to the drapery material 15, or through the use of hooks, rings, Velcro, or other individual fastening devices. Also, the drapery material 15 can first be attached to a support structure 123 which then attaches to the insertion element 111. The finial plug 125 is inserted into the channel groove at each end of the drapery rod. The finial plug 125 is used to both attach the finial to the rod with pendant 127 and to secure the last pleat on a drapery panel so that it does not move when the drapery is opened or closed.

There are several advantages to the present invention.

The treatment, once assembled, creates a system for a variety of design applications. The fabric can be designed in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors to create swags, traditional draperies, Roman shades, balloons, and stationary panels.

The treatment allows the use of heavier drapery materials, such as upholstery fabrics and flannel interlined draperies.

The cording often used merely for decorative purposes on draperies can be used functionally in the present invention, whereby the cording is inserted into the channel groove, thus serving as a continuous insertion means.

The present invention allows the use of solid (wood, metal) and fabric draperies on the same structure, both of which can be easily changed out. This is not possible in the prior art, wherein one rod was made exclusively for hanging fabric drapes using hooks or other means that would not easily be adaptable to a heavier, solid wood or metal structure.

The use of a plurality of insertion elements as disclosed herein allows one to open and close draperies without having the traversing mechanism lock up and bind and without the traversing mechanism quickly wearing out from the weight of the drapery.

The special end brackets used to support the drapery rod have special engagement regions which utilize the same channel groove as the insertion means, thereby further simplifying the design and installation of the window treatment.

Prior to the present invention all traversing wood drapery rods were fabricated having either a ¼ section or ½ section of the rod cut out and a metal track added to the back of the rod to allow pleated draperies to traverse. With the present invention the metal track is an added expense that is not necessary. The channel groove, along with the traversing mechanism employing rollers allows drapery panels to traverse with ease.

While the invention has been shown in only the above-described forms, it is not thus limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

1. A treatment for mounting on a vertical structure, the treatment comprising:

a continuous insertion means;

a drapery rod having a central axis and also having at least one channel groove;

the at least one channel groove including an opening narrower than the continuous insertion means and being substantially parallel with the central axis of the drapery rod to allow the continuous insertion means to be placed therein;

the continuous insertion means fitting within the at least one channel groove; and

end brackets which have a mating profile for fitting within the channel groove.

2. The treatment of claim 1, wherein said mating profile includes a first portion narrower than said channel groove opening and a second portion wider than said channel groove opening.

3. The treatment of claim 1, wherein the continuous insertion means is cording.

4. The treatment of claim 1, wherein the continuous insertion means is a rod.

5. The treatment of claim 4, wherein the rod is positioned within a channel created within a drapery.

6. The treatment of claim 4, wherein the rod is made from a rigid material such as metal.

7. The treatment of claim 1, wherein the continuous insertion means is coupled to a drapery.

8. The treatment of claim 7, wherein the drapery is a fabric material.

9. The treatment of claim 7, wherein the drapery is a rigid material such as metal or wood.

10. A treatment for mounting on a vertical structure, the treatment comprising:

a plurality of insertion elements;

a drapery rod having a central axis and also having at least one channel groove;

the at least one channel groove including an opening narrower than the insertion elements and being substantially parallel with the central axis of the drapery rod to allow the insertion elements to be placed therein;

the insertion elements fitting within the at least one channel groove; and

end brackets which have a mating profile for fitting within the channel groove.

11. The treatment of claim 10, wherein said mating profile includes a first portion narrower than said channel groove opening and a second portion wider than said channel groove opening.

12. The treatment of claim 10, wherein the insertion elements are cording.

13. The treatment of claim 10, wherein the insertion elements are rods.

14. The treatment of claim 13, wherein the rods are positioned within a channel created within a drapery.

15. The treatment of claim 13, wherein the rods are made from a rigid material such as metal.

16. The treatment of claim 10, wherein each of the insertion elements is a traversing mechanism.

17. The treatment of claim 16, wherein each of the traversing mechanisms has at least one roller.

18. The treatment of claim 16, wherein each of the traversing mechanisms has multiple rollers.