Curtain clip

Abstract

A curtain clip for holding and embellishing a gathered curtain in a predetermined position. The curtain clip includes a pair of curtain retainer members having an elongated longitudinal side, an ornamental lever portion, and a distal end. The curtain clip is attached and operated by a pivot pin and coil spring assembly, that pivots the ornamental lever portion opening the curtain retainer distal ends to receive the curtain material, and urging the distal ends closed to clasp onto the curtain material. The curtain clip incorporates a decorative design element on the ornamental lever which aesthetically embellishes the curtain.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to a clip, designed to hold selected portions of a curtain in pre-selected arrangements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to curtain accessories, and more particularly to a decorative curtain holder adapted to hold gathered curtains in a pre-selected arrangement, at a window opening or in a shower, while embellishing the curtain material or the interior design theme.

Decorative devices for embellishing and holding curtains in various prearranged positions are generally known. One such device, called a “curtain tie”, comprises a band of fabric, looped around a curtain panel, drawn tightly, and finally fastened to the wall adjacent to the window by a nail or some other device. The “curtain tie”, once installed, is relatively difficult to move and places holes in the wall.

Another known form of curtain retaining accessory is called a “curtain stick pin”. Said “stick pin” comprises a decorative element having a needle sharp tack or “stick pin” extending rearwardly with a cooperating clasp. In use, the curtain fabric is gathered in the desired manner and held in place by piercing the fabric material of the gathered curtain with the stick pin and attaching the clasp from behind the curtain. While the curtain stick pin gives the user flexibility by permitting it to be located anywhere throughout the curtain's full length, the requirement of having the stick pin pierce the curtain material presents the disadvantage of forming undesirable holes in the curtain material.

A long standing need therefore exists for a decorative curtain holder which may be placed anywhere along the curtain's length, thereby retaining the curtain in the desired manner, but which does not place holes in the curtain material or the wall. This need is completely fulfilled by the present invention.

INVENTION SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, this invention relates to a curtain clip designed to hold curtains in a predetermined arrangement at a window or shower opening, while embellishing the curtain material.

In one aspect of the present invention, the curtain clip comprises a pair of curtain retainer members having an ornamental lever portion formed at one longitudinal end portion of the curtain retainer member, and a distal end at the other longitudinal end portion. A means for opening and closing the curtain clip for affixing the curtain clip onto a curtain panel may comprise a pivot pin and coil spring assembly. The ornamental lever portion is adapted to embellish the curtain material by the molded plastic design and/or by decorating with artificial flowers, foliage, ribbons, colorful glass, stones, or semi-precious gems to compliment the color and texture of the curtain material. The decoration or ornamentation may be affixed to the curtain clip using an adhesive, or alternatively manufactured along with the curtain retainer member.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of curtain retainer members include convex elongated longitudinal sides and gripping teeth for improved clasping of the curtain.

In one aspect of the curtain clip invention, the ornate design element comprises a floral design, formed on the ornamental lever to embellish the curtain material. In still another aspect of the curtain invention, the floral design is replaced with a molded plastic fleurdelis design forming the ornamental levers of the curtain clip. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the curtain clip is adapted with holiday symbols, such as, a Christmas tree, or a jackolantern. Those skilled in this art will appreciate that the controlling ornamental lever member may be molded, painted and/or decorated to create various themed designs, including cosmic signs, nursery symbols, and a leaf.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a right side of the CURTAIN CLIP of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the CURTAIN CLIP of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the CURTAIN CLIP of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the CURTAIN CLIP of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the CURTAIN CLIP of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the CURTAIN CLIP of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a curtain retainer the CURTAIN CLIP of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the ornamental lever portion curtain retainer the CURTAIN CLIP of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the curtain retainer ornamental lever portion of the CURTAIN CLIP of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the curtain retainer ornamental lever portion of the CURTAIN CLIP of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the curtain retainer ornamental lever portion of the CURTAIN CLIP of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a front view of still another alternative embodiment of the curtain retainer ornamental lever portion of the CURTAIN CLIP of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a curtain clip comprising a decorative element for aesthetically embellishing a curtain, while a holding means cooperatively engages the decorative clip after it has been placed in a pre-determined position on a gathered curtain, sheers, shower curtain, or other materials.

By way of explanation and example, the present invention will be described in detail below. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the specific structure described herein as will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of the curtain clip of the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 10, comprising a pair of curtain retainers 12, 14, a pivot pin 28, and a coil spring (not shown), all adapted to hold the curtain in a pre-determined gathered position while embellishing the curtain or a particular design theme.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, each curtain retainer member 12, 14 is an elongated U-shaped member having an ornamental lever portion 16 at its one longitudinal end, and a distal end portion 18 at its other longitudinal end. The curtain retainer lateral sides 20 comprises opposing hinges 20, 22, outwardly extending from both lateral side edges 20 of the ornamental lever portion 16 of the curtain retainer 12, 14. The opposing hinges 20, 22 further comprises a shaft penetrating aperture 32 for pivotally connecting the pair of curtain retainers 12, 14. The curtain retainer 12, 14 is a semi-rigid plastic molded article. However, the material may be a light weight metal, aluminum, wood, melmac or various other materials that are suitable for the purpose of the present invention.

In the assembled configuration, the first curtain retainer member 12, of the pair of curtain retainers, has opposing hinges 20 that are disposed adjacent to and out side of the opposing hinges 22 of the second curtain retainer member 14. The alignment of the opposing hinges 20, 22 provide a means of attachment through the aperture 32 and operation for the pair of curtain retainer members.

The coil spring assembly (not shown) consist of a 180 degree torsion spring having 5 coils counterclockwise wound and two extensions of substantially equal length extending in the same general direction away from the pivot pin 28. The pivot pin 28 may be an oval head rivet, approximately ⅞ in. in length. The spring extensions may preferably be bent to converge toward the stop notch (not shown) of the respective ornamental lever inner face against which they bear so that the effective tension of the spring will be transmitted most efficiently to the curtain retainer distal end portion 18. The coil spring urges the curtain retainers in a closed position at the distal end. The coil spring may be substituted by any other member for urging the curtain retainers 12, 14 in a closing direction.

In accordance with the invention, the ornamental lever portion 16 accentuates the curtain, sheers or shower curtain according to a particular designer theme when the curtain clip is holding a gathered curtain panel. In one embodiment, the ornamental lever portion of the curtain retainer is decorated with artificial floral arrangements affixed to both ornamental lever members 16, therein accentuating the curtain material,(See FIGS). 2-4. The curtain clip may be furthered adapted with ornate decorations affixed at the top portion of the curtain clip between the pair of curtain retainer members 12, 14 (FIG. 4).

It should be understood that in practicing the present invention the magnitude of the holding force between the pair of curtain retainer members should be great enough to securely hold a gathered curtain panel in place without any shifting of the curtain clip or sagging of the retained curtain material. Generally speaking, the amount of holding force produced will depend upon the force of the coil spring exerted on the pair of curtain retainer ornamental levers 12, 14.

The curtain retainers 12, 14 are pivoted, i.e. opened, when the user compresses the ornamental lever portions 16 together. In the opened position, the curtain retainer longitudinal sides 24 form an angle opening, at the distal ends 18, wherein the curtain retainer is inserted onto the gathered or bunched curtain material. In closing the curtain clip onto the curtain material, the user simply removes or releases the compression force exerted on the ornamental levers 16 and the spring coil will cause the curtain retainers to close onto the gathered curtain material, retaining it in the predetermined position.

With reference to FIGS. 5-12, a preferred embodiment of the curtain clip invention, the pair of curtain retainer members 52, 54 comprises convex elongated longitudinal sides 64 adapted to form a gapped opening when the pair of curtain retainers 52, 54 are assembled and the distal end portions 58 are urged closed. The convex opening enables the curtain clip to receive the gathered or bunched curtain material towards the ornamental lever portion 56, while clamping on the material between the distal ends 58. The curtain retainer members 52, 54 further comprise a plurality gripping teeth 70 on the inner surface for gripping and securing the curtain clip onto the curtain material. The plurality of gripping 70 teeth are configured to grip the curtain material without damaging the material (FIGS. 5 and 6).

Preferably, the pair of curtain retainers 52, 54 are made of molded plastic and having elongated longitudinal sides that measure 8 inches from the ornamental lever portion 56 to the distal end 58. The semi-rigid molded curtain retainer is approximately ⅛ inch thick for providing the necessary durability to hold the gathered curtain material in the predetermined position, while not weighing down the curtain or causing it to shift. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these measurements are not intended to be limiting, and that the measurements may be increased or decreased to accommodate the desired style and thickness of the material being held and embellished.

In the assembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the first curtain retainer member 52, of the pair of curtain retainers, has opposing hinges 60 that are disposed adjacent to and out side of the opposing hinges 62 of the second curtain retainer member 54. The alignment of the opposing hinges 60, 62 provide a means of attachment and operation for the pair of curtain retainer members 52, 54. The ornamental lever portions 56 of the curtain retainer members 52, 54 are configured as mirrored opposites, such that when assembled the ornamental design elements 56 are back to back, in alignment together, see FIGS. 5 and 6.

As previously described, the coil spring assembly (not shown), consist of a 180 degree torsion spring having at least 5 coils counterclockwise wound, with a leg length of approximately 1.5 inches.

The two extensions of substantially equal length extending in the same general direction away from the pivot pin 68. Spring extensions may preferably be bent to converge towards the stop notch (not shown) of the respective ornamental lever inner side against which they bear so that the effective tension of the spring will be transmitted most efficiently to the distal end portion 58 of the curtain retainer 52, 54. The coil spring urges the curtain retainers in a closed position at the distal end 58. The coil spring may be substituted by any other means for urging the curtain retainers 52, 54 in a closing direction. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ornamental lever further comprise a stop notch (not shown) for the spring extension inner side alignment.

Decorative curtain clip designs may take many different forms with out departing from the present invention. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 13, the preferred ornate design is formed on the ornamental lever 56 to embellish the curtain material. In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8, the floral design is replaced with a molded plastic fleurdelis design forming the ornamental levers 56 of the curtain clip. In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the curtain clip is adapted with holiday symbols, such as, a Christmas tree (FIG. 9), or a jackolantern (FIG. 10). Those skilled in this art will appreciate that the controlling ornamental lever member may be molded, painted and/or decorated to create various themed designs, including cosmic signs (FIG. 11), sports teams, animals, and nursery symbols. FIG. 12 is a front view of a curtain clip 52 having an ornamental lever designed as leaf, wherein the leaf portion forms the control means. Furthermore, the aesthetic aspect of the curtain clip invention may be enhanced by coloring the plastic material used to form the curtain retainer members 52, 54.

While the specification describes particular embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill can devise variations of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the ornamental lever 16 and 56 can be decorated various ornate materials, such as artificial flowers, ribbons, colorful glass, stones, or semiprecious gems to further accentuate the curtain material. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A curtain clip, comprising:

a pair of curtain retainer members, the curtain retainer members being configured for retaining a curtain there between;

an ornamental lever portion formed at one longitudinal end portion of the curtain retainer member, and a distal end at the other longitudinal end portion;

means for opening and closing the curtain clip for affixing the curtain clip onto a curtain panel;

wherein the pair of curtain retainer members clip onto the curtain material;

wherein the ornamental lever portion is adapted to embellish the curtain material.

2. The curtain clip of claim 1, wherein the means for opening and closing the curtain clip includes a pivot pin and a coil spring assembly configured for pivotally attaching the pair of curtain retainer members, and urging the pair of curtain retainer members into a closed position;

3. The curtain clip of claim 1, wherein the pair of curtain retainer members further comprises a plurality of teeth members for grasping the curtain and retaining the curtain in the predetermined gathered position.

4. The curtain clip of claim 1, wherein the spring is a coil wound around the pivot pin for pivoting the curtain retainers open and closed.

5. The curtain clip of claim 1, wherein said ornamental lever portion comprises a design selected from the group consisting of floral designs, seasonal symbols and cosmic symbols.

6.

7. The curtain clip of claim 1, wherein the curtain retainer member is made from molded plastic.

8. The curtain clip of claim 1, wherein the curtain retainer member is made from molded metal.

9. The curtain clip of claim 1, wherein the curtain retainer is an elongated unshaped member.

10. The curtain clip of claim 1, further comprising an ornamental design affixed on the ornamental lever portion;

11. A curtain clip for holding selected portions of a curtain in a gathered position, comprising:

a pair of curtain retainer members, the curtain retainer members having an elongated convex longitudinal side, an ornamental lever portion, a distal end, and a plurality of teeth;

a pivot pin and a coil spring assembly configured for pivotally attaching the pair of curtain retainer members, and urging the pair of curtain retainer members into a closing position;

wherein the pair of curtain retainer members being pivotally attached at the ornamental lever portion to form an angled opening at the distal end to receive a curtain panel therein;

wherein the curtain retainer members distal end form a gripping position onto the curtain material in the closed configuration.

12. The curtain clip of claim 11, wherein the curtain retainer member is made from molded plastic.

13. The curtain clip of claim 11, wherein the curtain retainer member is made from molded metal.

14. The curtain clip of claim 11, wherein the curtain retainer is an elongated u-shaped member.

15. The curtain clip of claim 11, wherein the pair of curtain retainer members further comprises a plurality of teeth members for grasping the curtain and retaining the curtain in the predetermined gathered position.

16. The curtain clip of claim 11, wherein the spring is a coil wound around the pivot pin for pivoting the curtain retainers open and closed.

17. The curtain clip of claim 11, wherein said ornamental lever portion comprises a design selected from the group consisting of floral designs, seasonal symbols and cosmic symbols.