CORNICE FIXTURE
A cornice fixture for decorating a wall and a method of installing the cornice fixture are disclosed. The cornice fixture includes a rod from which window treatments are hung and at least one bracket. Typically, the cornice fixture includes a pair of brackets, and the rod is slidably coupled to the brackets. Slidably coupling the rod to the brackets enables the installer to center the rod about a given point after the rod has been coupled to the bracket.
This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional application entitled, “SNAP FIT MODULAR CORNICE ROD SYSTEM,” having Ser. No. 60/592,962 filed Aug. 2, 2004, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is generally related to hanging window treatments and, more particularly, is related to a system and method for slidably coupling a rod and a bracket.
Many homes, especially well decorated homes, have decorative fixtures such as cornice fixtures, which can look like a three sided box. A cornice fixture is centered around a window and covers the top of the window. It is often made of wood, which is then padded and then covered in fabric. It can also be made of decorative wood molding, polystyrene, metal or any other decorative material.
Standard cornice fixtures include custom made fixtures and manufactured fixtures. Typically, a custom made cornice fixture includes a pair of L-shaped brackets and a wooden board, or cornice board, which extends between the brackets. Typically, the cornice board is wood and has a depth of 4.5 inches to 6 inches and a specific length, which corresponds to the size of window over which the cornice board is to be hung. Window treatments, which are frequently fabric drapes or the like, are constructed specifically to fit that board and then attached to the board with staples or Velcro™. The window treatments may be sewn together as one piece (i.e. a box valance) or can be made of multiple overlapping pieces (i.e. Swag and Cascades). The pair of brackets are attached to a wall—one bracket on each side of a window—and then the cornice board, usually with the window treatment already installed, is attached to the pair of brackets. Because the cornice board of a custom made fixture is normally made of wood, it must be cut to the desired size very accurately because it cannot expand.
Cairns, U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,741, discloses a manufactured cornice fixture having a telescopic rod and at least two brackets. The telescopic rod has attachment surfaces, which are used for removably attaching window treatments. The brackets are attached to the wall—on both sides of a window. Then, the telescopic rod is attached to the brackets such that it extends between the two brackets. Then, window treatments are attached to the attachment surfaces of the telescopic rod. As opposed to a cornice board of a custom made cornice fixture, the telescopic rod does not need to be cut to a specific length. Instead, the telescopic rod is expanded/contracted to extend between the brackets. However, this means that in order for the cornice fixture itself to be centered around the window, the brackets must be centered around the window. Consequently, installing the brackets requires very accurate measurements to ensure that they are centered around the window, which means that the installation is normally preformed by a professional.
Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONEmbodiments of the present invention provide a cornice fixture and method for installing the cornice fixture.
Briefly described, one embodiment of the fixture, among others, includes a bracket, which is adapted to couple to a wall, and a rod. The rod defines a longitudinal length, and window treatments are hung along its longitudinal length. The fixture also includes a means for slidably mounting the rod to the bracket. An aspect of slidably coupling the rod to the bracket is that the rod can be centered about a given point after the rod has been coupled to the bracket.
Embodiment of the present invention can also be viewed as providing methods for installing the cornice fixture. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: mounting two brackets to a wall, wherein a given point lies somewhere on a line connecting the two brackets; and slidably coupling a rod to the two brackets.
Other features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGMany aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Referring to
It should be noted that the brackets 102 and 104 do not need to be centered around the window 96. Because the rod 106 extends past the brackets 102 and 104 and is adapted to slidably couple with the brackets 102 and 104, the rod 106 can be slid in the direction of the longitudinal axis 108 such that the rod 106 is centered around the window 96. With the rod 106 centered around the window 96 (or some other point), the cornice fixture 100 has the appearance of being centered around the window because most observers do not notice the brackets. Not needing to center the brackets 102 and 104 has the advantage that the brackets can be mounted to studs (not shown).
A plurality of window treatments 110, 112, and 114 are attached to the rod 106 and hang generally downward therefrom. A non-limiting example of a window treatment is a drape. In one embodiment, the rod 106 includes fasteners for removably coupling the window treatments 110, 112, and 114 to the rod 106. Examples of fasteners include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro™, snaps, hooks, and other fasteners known to those skilled in the art. For the sake of clarity, embodiments will be described employing hook and loop fasteners, but it is to be remembered that other fasteners are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description hereinbelow specific locations of hook fasteners and loop fasteners are provided only for the sake of clarity and that the locations can be reversed.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
A window treatment 112(B), which is a mirror copy of the window treatment 112(A), is positioned over the other end of the window treatment 110 and attached in a manner that is similar to that of window treatment 112(A).
Next, as illustrated in
It should be noted that the window treatments 110, 112(A), 112(B), 114(A) and 114(B) can be attached to the rod 106 before coupling the rod 106 to the brackets 102 and 104. This feature provides a measure of safety to the end-user because it reduces the amount of time that the end-user must stand on a chair or ladder while installing the cornice fixture 100. Furthermore, attaching the window treatments before coupling the rod 106 to the brackets 102 and 104 provides a measure of convenience to the end-user because the end-user can attach the window treatments without having to work with his or her hands above their head. Because the rod 106 need not be coupled to the brackets 102 and 104 prior to attaching the window treatments, the end-user can attach the window treatments with the rod laying on a table or work bench, and consequently, the end-user can easily view the top of the rod 106 while attaching the window treatments. After the rod and window treatments are coupled to the brackets 102 and 104, the rod and window treatments can be slid back and forth in the directions denoted by dashed line 108 (see
In one embodiment, the outer member 144 is generally C-shaped in cross section. The outer member 144 includes a curved front portion 146(A) and a curved rear portion 148(A). The front portion 146(A) and rear portion 148(A) are approximately U-shaped and are aligned to be inwardly opening and approximately horizontal such that the front portion 146(A) includes an upper leg 150(A) and a lower leg 152(A) and such that the rear portion 148(A) includes an upper leg 150(B) and a lower leg 152(B). An upper surface 154(A) extends between the upper legs 150(A) and 150(B). The outer member 144 defines a hollow interior 156(A) with an opening 158(A) extending between the lower legs 152(A) and 152(B).
The inner member 142 is generally C-shaped in cross section. The inner member 142 includes a curved front portion 146(B) and a curved rear portion 148(B). The front portion 146(B) and rear portion 148(B) are approximately U-shaped and are aligned to be inwardly opening and approximately horizontal such that the front portion 146(B) includes an upper leg 150(C) and a lower leg 152(C) and such that the rear portion 148(B) includes an upper leg 150(D) and a lower leg 152(D). An upper surface 154(B) extends between the upper legs 150(C) and 150(D). The inner member 142 defines a hollow interior 156(B) with an opening 158(B) extending between the lower legs 152(C) and 152(D).
The outer member 144 defines a transverse width 160(A) that extends inclusively between the front portion 146(A) and the rear portion 148(A) and a longitudinal length, L1, extending from opposed ends 162(A) and 162(B). The upper surface 154(A) defines two channels 164(A) and 164(B), which extend along the longitudinal length of the upper surface 154(A). The channels 164(A) and 164(B) carry strips of hook material 166(A) and 166(B) along at least a portion of their longitudinal lengths.
The inner member 142 defines a transverse width 160(B) that extends inclusively between the front portion 146(B) and the rear portion 148(B) and a longitudinal length, L2, extending from extending from opposed ends 168(A) and 168(B). The upper surface 154(B) defines two channels 170(A) and 170(B), which extend along the longitudinal length of the upper surface 154(B). The channels 170(A) and 170(B) carry strips of hook material 172(A) and 172(B) along at least a portion of their longitudinal lengths.
Typically, the strips of hook material 166(A) and 166(B) are secured to the outer member 144 by an adhesive such as glue or tape and are positioned on the outer member 144 such that the hook material will engage loop material disposed on the back side 118 of window treatments.
Similarly, the strips of hook material 172(A) and 172(B) are secured to the inner member 144 by an adhesive such as glue or tape and are positioned on the inner member 142 such that the hook material will engage loop material disposed on the back side 118 of window treatments.
As previously stated, the inner member 142 telescopes within the outer member 144. Thus, the transverse width 160(A) is larger than the transverse width 160(B). Similarly, the channels 170(A) and 170 (B) are deep enough such that the strips of hook material 172(A) and 172(B) are not engaged by the outer member 144.
Referring now to
The inner member 186 includes opposed ends 200 and a bottom surface 202 and an upper surface 204. The bottom surface 202 and the upper surface 204 are generally flat and extend between the opposed ends 200. The upper surface 204 has two strips of hook material 206 disposed thereon. The inner member is sized and shaped such that it can slide within the interior 190 of the outer member. The upper surface 196 is arched or bowed such that the two strips of hook material 206 are not engaged by the upper surface 196 as the inner member 186 is slid into and out of the outer member 188.
The rod 210 defines a generally hollow interior 230 and opposed ends 232 and 234. The end 234 defines an opening 236 that extends to the hollow interior 230. The leg 220 and hollow interior 230 are complementary in shape such that the portion of the 220 that extends outward from the pair of grooves (226(A), 228(A)) or (226(B), 228(B)) is received by the hollow interior 230. The opening 236 is shaped to conform to the pair of grooves.
The rod 210 is coupled to the brackets 208 by aligning the opening 236 with the legs 220 and then pushing the rod 210 inward towards the leg 218. The rod 210 is slid onto the leg 220 until the opening 236 engages the pair of grooves. Typically, the rod 210 is made of a resilient material and the opening 236 is formed such that the end 234 squeezes the grooves to hold the rod in place.
As previously described, the pair of grooves 226(A) and 228(A) are proximal to the leg 218. In this embodiment, the end 234 is proximal to the wall 98. Thus, in this embodiments, the formed end 212 and/or the end cap 214 are not necessary for hanging side window treatments, i.e., window treatments that extend outward from the wall 98.
It should be noted that the opening 236 engages the grooves to hold the rod 210 onto leg 220. However, even when the rod 210 is mounted to the brackets 208, the rod 210 can be slid in directions that are generally parallel to the wall 98. Thus, the rod 210 can be centered with respect to a given point after the rod 210 has been coupled to the brackets.
In some embodiments, the rod 238 is telescopic. The rod 238 extends longitudinally between opposed ends 242 and 244. The opposed ends 242 and 244 extend inward. The rod defines an outer face 246 and an inner face 248. A strip of hook material 250 is disposed on the inner face 246. The rod 238 defines a generally hollow interior 252.
A slot 254 is defined in the inner face 246. The slot 254 provides an opening into the hollow interior 252 of the rod. The hollow interior 252 and slot 254 are configured to receive mounting members 256. Typically, the mounting members 256 are slid into the hollow interior 252 at one or the other of the opposed ends 242 or 244. As denoted by the dashed line 257, the mounting members 256 can slid along between the opposed ends 242 and 244. The mounting members 256 can also be slid along the opposed ends 242 and 244.
Each of the mounting members 256 include a body 258 that fits within the hollow interior 252. A stub 260 extends outward from the body 258 through the slot 254. The stub 260 defines a notch 262. Typically, the notch 262 circumscribes the stub 260.
The brackets 240 define a generally vertical leg 264, which is mounted to the wall 98, and a generally horizontal leg 266, which extends outward from the leg 264 to an end 268. The end 268 defines an opening 270 to a hollow interior 272. The hollow interior 272 is shaped and configured to receive at least a portion of the stub 260. The hollow interior 272 defines a protrusion 274 that is shaped to conform to the notch 262.
In the embodiment illustrated in
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.
Claims
1. A method of mounting a cornice fixture, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) mounting two brackets to a wall, wherein the two brackets define a line connecting the two brackets;
- (b) slidably coupling a rod to the two brackets, wherein when the rod is in operable position with respect to the brackets, the rod can be slid in a direction that is generally parallel to the line connecting the two brackets, wherein the rod includes a face extending between a pair of opposed end portions; and
- (c) attaching a window treatment to the face of the rod.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
- after step (b), sliding the rod in a direction that is generally parallel to the line connecting the two brackets such that the rod is centered around a given point on the line connecting the two brackets.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises the steps of:
- aligning the rod above the two brackets;
- pressing the rod downward; and
- engaging a tab disposed on a first bracket of two brackets, wherein the engagement of the tab holds the rod onto the first bracket.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises the step of:
- aligning the rod approximately in front of the brackets, wherein the rod defines an exterior surface and hollow interior, the exterior surface defines a slot that extends to the hollow interior;
- pressing the rod towards the wall; and
- engaging a first bracket of the two brackets, wherein the first bracket includes a leg that extends generally outward from the wall, and wherein at least a portion of the leg extends through the slot and is received by the hollow interior.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises the steps of:
- aligning the rod approximately in front of the brackets, wherein the rod defines an exterior surface and hollow interior, the exterior surface defines a slot that extends to the hollow interior;
- aligning a mounting member with a first bracket of the two brackets, wherein the mounting member is slidable along at least a portion of the hollow interior of the rod, and wherein the first bracket includes a leg having an end that defines a hollow interior; and
- engaging the hollow interior of the first bracket with a portion of the mounting member.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein step (c) is preformed prior to performing step (b).
7. A fixture for decorating a wall, the fixture comprising:
- a bracket adapted to couple to the wall;
- a rod having a longitudinal length, wherein the rod includes a transverse face extending between a pair of opposed end portions, wherein the face includes means for affixing a window treatment thereto;
- a mounting means for slidably mounting the rod to the bracket, wherein when the rod is slidably coupled to the bracket, the longitudinal length of the rod can be slid through the mounting means.
8. The fixture of claim 7, wherein the bracket includes a leg, wherein when the bracket is coupled to the wall, the leg extends generally outward from the wall to an end, wherein the mounting means includes:
- a pair of coupling members that extend generally upward from the bracket, wherein the pair of coupling members are configured to receive the rod between the coupling members.
9. The fixture of claim 8, wherein when the rod is positioned between the pair of coupling members, the pair of coupling members exert pressure on the rod.
10. The fixture of claim 8, wherein at least one of the pair of coupling members is resilient, wherein the at least one resilient coupling member is pressed away from its natural state while the rod is being coupled to the bracket, and the at least one resilient coupling member moves back towards its natural state when the rod is in operational position.
11. The fixture of claim 7, wherein the mounting means includes a leg of the bracket, wherein the rod defines an exterior surface and a generally hollow interior, the exterior surface defining an opening to the hollow interior, and wherein the opening and the hollow interior are configured to receive at least a portion of the leg therein.
12. The fixture of claim 7, wherein the mounting means includes a leg of the bracket and a mounting member, wherein the rod defines an exterior surface and a generally hollow interior, the exterior surface defining an opening to the hollow interior, and wherein the opening and the hollow interior are configured to receive the mounting member, and wherein the mounting member is configured to couple to the leg.
13. A cornice fixture for decorating a wall, the cornice fixture comprising:
- a pair of brackets, each bracket having a first leg for coupling to a wall and a second leg, wherein the second leg extends generally outward from the first leg;
- a telescopic rod having an inner member and an outer member, wherein the outer member defines a first generally hollow interior, and wherein the inner member is configured to slide in and out of the outer member through at least a portion of the first hollow interior, and wherein the inner member and the outer member each define an exterior surface;
- a window treatment attachment member for removably attaching at least one window treatment to the rod, wherein the window treatment attachment member is disposed on the exterior surface of the rod; and
- mounting means for slidably coupling the rod to the pair of brackets, wherein when the rod is in operable position, the rod can slid in a direction that is generally parallel to a line connecting the pair of brackets.
14. The cornice fixture of claim 13, wherein the outer member of the rod defines a first upper surface extending between a first front portion and a first rear portion, wherein the inner member of the rod defines a second upper surface extending between a second front portion and a second rear portion, wherein the first upper surface is bowed, and wherein the window treatment attachment member is disposed on the first upper surface and the second upper surface.
15. The cornice fixture of claim 13, wherein the outer member of the rod defines a first rear surface extending between a first upper portion and a first lower portion, wherein the inner member of the rod defines a second rear surface extending between a second upper portion and a second lower portion, wherein the window treatment attachment member is disposed on the first rear surface and the second rear surface, wherein when the rod is in operable position a substantial portion of the first and second rear surfaces face towards the wall.
16. The cornice fixture of claim 13, wherein the inner member defines a second generally hollow interior and an opening to the second hollow interior, wherein the outer member defines an opening to the first hollow interior, wherein the mounting means includes the second legs of each of the brackets, and wherein the openings and the hollow interiors of the inner member and the outer member are configured to receive at least a portion of the second legs therein.
17. The cornice fixture of claim 13, wherein the inner member defines a second generally hollow interior and a slot extending to the second hollow interior, wherein the outer member defines a slot extending to the first hollow interior wherein the mounting means includes the second legs of each of the brackets and a pair of mounting members, wherein the slot of the inner member and the second hollow interior are configured to receive at least one of the mounting members, wherein the slot of the outer member and the first hollow interior are configured to receive at least one of the mounting members, and wherein the mounting members are configured to couple to the second legs.
18. The cornice fixture of claim 13, wherein each of the second legs of the pair of brackets includes a pair of coupling members, wherein when the brackets are in operable position, each coupling member extends generally upward, and wherein each pair of coupling members are configured to receive the rod between the coupling members.
19. The cornice fixture of claim 18, wherein when the rod is positioned between the pair of coupling members, the pair of coupling members exert pressure on the rod.
20. The fixture of claim 18, wherein for each pair of coupling members, at least one of the coupling members is resilient, wherein the at least-one resilient coupling member is pressed away from its natural state while the rod is being coupled to the brackets, and the at least one resilient coupling member moves back towards its natural state when the rod is in operational position.
21. A cornice fixture for decorating a wall, the cornice fixture comprising:
- a telescopic rod having an inner member and an outer member, wherein the outer member defines a first generally hollow interior, and wherein the inner member is configured to slide in and out of the outer member through at least a portion of the first hollow interior, and wherein the inner member and the outer member each define an upper surface;
- a window treatment attachment member for removably attaching at least one window treatment to the rod, wherein the window treatment attachment member is disposed on the upper surface of the rod; and
- a pair of brackets, each bracket having a first leg for coupling to a wall and a second leg, wherein the second leg extends generally outward from the first leg, wherein each second leg includes a pair of coupling members that extend generally upward in operational position, and wherein in operational position, the rod is slidably coupled by each pair of coupling members, wherein the rod is slidable in the direction of a line connecting the pair of brackets.
22. The cornice fixture of claim 21, wherein when the rod is positioned between the pair of coupling members, the pair of coupling members exert pressure on the rod.
23. The fixture of claim 21, wherein for each pair of coupling members, at least one of the coupling members is resilient, wherein the at least one resilient coupling member is pressed away from its natural state while the rod is being coupled to the brackets, and the at least one resilient coupling member moves back towards its natural state when the rod is in operational position.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein the face of the rod having the window treatment attached thereto defines an upper face, and further including the step of:
- coupling an attachment means to the upper face.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the an upper face of the rod defines at least one channel, wherein the attachment means is generally disposed along a length of the at least one channel.
26. The fixture of claim 7, wherein the face defines a channel, and wherein the means for attaching a window treatment is disposed along a length of the channel.
27. The fixture of claim 26, wherein the face is an upper face.
28. The cornice fixture of claim 13, wherein the exterior surface defines at least one channel, wherein the window treatment attachment member is disposed along a length of the at least one channel.
29. The cornice fixture of claim 21, wherein the upper surface defines at least one channel, wherein the window treatment attachment member is disposed along a length of the at least one channel.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 4, 2005
Publication Date: Feb 2, 2006
Inventor: Kathleen Haffamier (Marietta, GA)
Application Number: 10/907,510
International Classification: E04F 10/00 (20060101);