COMBINATION SPRING TENSION ROD AND MOUNTING BRACKETS FOR WINDOW COVERINGS

Abstract

A combination spring loaded rod and mounting brackets for window coverings is provided. A pair of mounting brackets are adapted to connect with opposite ends of the spring loaded rod. The spring loaded rod is extended and positioned such that bearing surfaces of the mounting brackets extend beyond the window frame. When released, the spring exerts a force through the bearing surfaces such that the rod and brackets are held in place.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/728,993, filed Oct. 21, 2005. The disclosure of this Provisional Patent Application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to window covering mounting hardware, and more particularly to a combination spring tension rod a mounting bracket system for hanging window coverings without the need for nails, screws or other fasteners to be embedded into a wall or window frame.

2. DESCRIPTION OF BACKGROUND

There are many types of hardware for hanging various forms of window coverings. Typically, curtains hang from a curtain rod that is suspended horizontally along the width of a window opening.

One example of a curtain rod and bracket assembly is one screwed or nailed to a wall or window frame along the window opening to accommodate curtains with pull cords or draw strings that are used to open and close the curtains. An example of a very simple construction is a spring tension rod that is compressed, set within a window opening, and released. The ends of the rod forcibly bear against opposite sides of the opening and use tension to retain the rod in position. The rod supports a curtain with loops or a tunnel through which the rod is threaded.

Problems with the more common systems are the need to screw or nail the rod assembly into the window frame or wall surrounding the window.

Other problems with a simple spring tension curtain rod are that they do not support a curtain outside or spaced outward from the window frame. Further, a typical spring tension rod requires that the rod is positioned within the window opening between opposed surfaces and thus, a curtain can only be suspended within the window opening. As a result, the rod cannot be used to hang curtains positioned outside of the window frame. Such a look is often undesirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A combination spring tension rod and mounting bracket assembly is disclosed and described herein. The assembly solves or improves upon the above noted problems in the prior art. The disclosed combination spring tension rod and mounting bracket assembly has a pair of mounting bracket devices for use with a spring tension rod. The bracket devices are adapted to mount on the outside of a window frame and support the spring tension rod spaced outward from the window frame. Portions of the bracket devices compress against the window frame and portions connect with the ends of the rod. Tension in the rod forces the bracket devices to retain the rod in the desired position relative to the window frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a combination spring loaded rod and mounting bracket assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the left end of the assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the of the assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective cross section of the rod assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective end view of the left end of the rod assembly shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the disassembled left end of the combination spring loaded rod and mounting bracket shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the disassembled left end of the combination spring loaded rod and mounting bracket shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another example of a combination spring loaded rod and mounting bracket assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the combination spring loaded rod and mounting bracket assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded and rotated view of the features shown in FIG. 9 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 illustrate a combination spring tension rod 22 and mounting bracket assembly 10A constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The assembly 10 generally has a spring tension rod 22 constructed of two telescoping rod sections 22a and 25 in a conventional manner known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Each rod section 22a and 25 defines one of two opposed rod ends 22C and 25A, respectively. A spring 28 is captured within the rod sections 22a and 25 of the rod 22A. It will be understood that the length of the rod 22 can be changed to a desired length in a conventional manner. Any desired rod length can be selected as long as it is between the minimum and maximum length for a particular rod.

Once adjusted to the selected length, the rod ends 22C and 25A can be extended away one another by overcoming the biasing force of the spring 28. When released, the spring 28 attempts to return rod 22 to the selected length. Rod extension and release is performed for installation and removal. The assembled rod defines a concentric longitudinal rod axis over its length in this example. See FIG. 5 showing a perspective end view of the left end of the rod assembly shown in FIG. 4

In this example, the assembly 10 also has a pair of mounting bracket devices 21 and 21A, one each removably attached to the ends of the rod 22A and 25, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the two bracket devices 21 and 21A in this example are formed as left side and right side, or substantially mirror image devices and substantially identical in configuration and construction. Therefore, only one of the bracket devices, the left side device 21, is described in detail herein. The description for device 21 herein is thus equally applicable to both devices 21 and 21A. Similarly, the rod and rod ends are hereinafter discussed with reference to the rod 22A (otherwise no reference to the specific rod section 22a or 25) and the rod end 22C (otherwise no reference to the specific end 22C or 25A).

Still referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, the disclosed mounting bracket assembly device 10A has a mounting section 23, 24 and an elbow section 21. The mounting section 23, 24 is generally configured to attach or bear against a side surface of a window opening as is described below with reference to FIG. 2.

Referring also to FIG. 6 there is shown a perspective view of the disassembled left end of the combination spring loaded rod and mounting bracket shown in FIG. 2. The elbow section 21 is generally configured to couple with the mounting section 23 at one end of the elbow section 21 and with an end 22C of the rod 22A at its opposite end 61.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the disclosed mounting sections 23 and 24, include bearing surfaces 23B and 24A have generally flat portions generally perpendicular to each other and form bearing surfaces. The bearing surfaces 23B and 24A are oriented and configured to bear against a side and front surface of a window frame as shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2; and FIG. 8.

It will be appreciated that the size, shape, and contour of the disclosed mounting sections 23 and 24 can vary according to the needs of a particular project. Some forward facing surfaces surrounding window openings are not smooth or perpendicular to the window frame, but are instead rounded or curved and/or at non-right angles to the opening. The mounting sections can be configured and sized to properly function and accommodate such different surfaces characteristics.

Referring also to FIG. 7 one example of the elbow section 21 with end 71 is disclosed. In this example, the elbow section 21 has a female receptacle 23A formed at a first end or bracket attachment end 71. The receptacle 23A has a generally rectangular or square configuration in the disclosed example. The elbow section 21 also has a rod interface for connection to an end of the spring tension rod 22A. In this example, interface is a rod insertion opening 61 that is formed at an opposite second end or rod attachment end 61. The insertion opening 61 is constructed and arranged to receive or insert an end 22C of the rod 22A. The opening 61 in this example has an axis that corresponds with the rod axis when installed in the opening. Its shape corresponds to that of the rod end 22C.

Still referring to FIG. 7, elbow 21 further includes cut away slots 71, 71A for receiving and holding distal ends of left spring plate 27, 27A protruding from rod 22A.

The disclosed elbow section 21 can be fabricated from virtually any suitable material. However, in this example, the elbow section 21 is molded from a suitable thermoplastic material. Though not shown in this example, the elbow section 21 can be fabricated with one or more strengthening ribs, ridges, or the like to stiffen the part so that it does not flex or bend beyond a permissible range, if at all.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the flat portion 23 is adapted to be inserted in the receptacle 23A of the elbow section 21. It will be appreciated that the flat portion 23 may be integrally formed with elbow section 21. Alternatively, the flat portion 23 may be inserted into the elbow section 21 and held in place by any suitable means, such as, for example, a snap in detent.

In one example, the mounting sections 23, 24 are formed from a steel material, such as spring steel. The mounting sections 23, 24 can be die cut from sheet steel and stamped or otherwise bent to form. The sections 23, 24 can then be heat treated or otherwise further treated as necessary to provide the desired resilient material characteristics. However, the material used to fabricate the mounting section 23, 24 can vary considerably and yet fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the mounting section 23, 24 can be molded from resilient, relatively flexible plastic or thermoplastic materials if desired. Also, one or more strengthening ribs or ridges can be formed in the mounting section 23, 24 to increase its strength and to prevent bending in unintended regions of the mounting section after installation.

For proper installation, the rod 22 can be adjusted to its desired length, if adjustable, for a particular width of a window frame 71. A curtain or curtain parts (shown in FIG. 8) can be installed over the rod 22. Aligning cutaway slots 71, 71A with distal ends of left spring plate 27, 27A, and the end 22C of the rod 22A is then inserted into the corresponding rod insertion opening 61 of the device 21 and then rotated so that spring plate distal ends of left spring plate 27, 27A are held within cutaway slots 71, 71A. A substantially similar process is followed for the other end of rod 22. Once the bracket devices 21 are assembled and attached to the rod, they should be rotationally aligned with one another relative to or about the rod axis. The combination spring tension rod and mounting bracket assembly 10 is then ready to install.

To install the assembly 10, the rod 22 can be extended slightly to permit each of the mounting sections 23, 23A of the devices 10A to extend beyond the side surfaces 106 of a window frame 100. The extended rod 22 can then be released. Upon release, the rod ends pull the elbow sections 21 and mounting sections 23, 23A inward toward another. Further support is provided by mounting sections 24, 24A exerting pressure substantially perpendicular to the pressure exerted by mounting sections 23, 23A.

While the preferred embodiment to the invention has been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described. For example, FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the combination spring loaded rod and mounting bracket assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Here, another bearing surface 91 is added for installations where the assembly is mounted at the top of the window frame. FIG. 10 shows an exploded and rotated view of the features shown in FIG. 9 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A bracket assembly for use with a spring tension rod for hanging window coverings, each of the bracket assembly comprising:

a mounting section defining a bearing surface facing in a first direction;

and

a rod interface coupled to the mounting section and facing in a second direction generally opposite the first direction, the rod interface adapted to connect with one end of a spring tension rod, wherein the rod interface is arranged relative to the bearing surface to position the rod interface spaced away from a window frame in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second directions when the bearing surface is borne against a surface of the window frame.

2. The bracket assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: an elbow section coupled to the mounting section and defining the rod interface.

3. The bracket assembly according to claim 2, wherein the mounting section and the elbow section are separate parts.

4. A bracket assembly according to claim 3, wherein the mounting section has a male attachment mechanism received in a female receptacle end of the elbow section.

5. A bracket assembly according to claim 2, wherein the mounting section and the elbow section are integrally formed as a one-piece structure.

6. A bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mounting section further comprises a rectangular tang extending inward in the first direction relative to the bearing surface and generally perpendicular to the bearing surface.

7. A hardware assembly for mounting window coverings, the hardware assembly comprising: a spring tension rod having a pair of opposite rod ends and a longitudinal rod axis; and a pair of mounting brackets, one each coupled to one of the opposite ends of the spring tension rod, each of the mounting brackets including, a rod interface connected to a respective one of the opposite ends of the spring tension rod; and a bearing surface coupled to the rod interface and extending radially outward relative to the rod axis, wherein the mounting brackets are rotationally aligned with one another about the rod axis, and wherein the bearing surfaces of the respective mounting brackets face generally inwardly opposite one another to bear against opposed surfaces of a window frame.

8. A hardware assembly according to claim 7, wherein the spring tension rod is length adjustable.

9. A hardware assembly according to claim 7, wherein each rod interface is provided on a corresponding elbow section of each mounting bracket.

10. A hardware assembly according to claim 9, wherein each bearing surface is provided on a corresponding mounting section of each mounting bracket.

11. A hardware assembly according to claim 10, wherein the elbow section and mounting section of each mounting bracket are discrete parts assembled to one another.

12. A hardware assembly according to claim 11, wherein the mounting section of each mounting bracket includes a male attaching mechanism received in a female receptacle of the respective elbow section.

13. A hardware assembly according to claim 11, wherein the elbow section and the mounting section of each mounting bracket in combination include a snap-in detent when assembled.

14. A hardware assembly according to claim 7, further comprising: a fastener opening provided through a portion of the bearing surfaces of each of the mounting brackets for receiving a fastener when installing each mounting bracket.

15. A method of mounting a spring tension rod for hanging window coverings over a window, the method comprising the steps of: providing a spring tension rod having a rod axis and opposed ends biased away from one another and compressible toward one another; attaching a pair of mounting brackets, one to each of the compressible ends of the spring tension rod, each of the mounting brackets having a rod interface connected to a respective one of the opposite ends of the spring tension rod, and a bearing surface coupled to the rod interface and compressing radially inward relative to the rod axis; rotationally aligning the pair of mounting brackets with one another about the rod axis; extending the spring tension rod opposed ends and mounting brackets away from one another; placing the bearing surfaces adjacent corresponding surfaces of a window frame with the spring tension rod spaced inward toward the window frame; and releasing the spring tension rod such that the bearing surfaces are borne against the surfaces of the window frame.

16. A method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of: length adjusting the spring tension rod at some point prior to the step of extending.