System and Method of Installing Window Treatments

Abstract

A system and method of installing window treatments is disclosed. The system includes at least one base member with at least one arcuate loop extending upwards from a planar rear surface of the at least one base member and adapted to be used in part to secure the at least one base member to a planar mounting surface. The system further includes a covering disposed on at least one exterior surface of the at least one base member wherein the covering further comprising a first fastening element. In addition, the system includes a second fastening element secured to at least one portion of drapery material, wherein the second fastening element is adapted to removably engage the first fastening element of the at least one base member.

Description

I. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/050,058 filed May 2, 2008. The disclosure of the provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

I. FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to a system and method of installing window treatments.

II. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Window treatments are often used to decorate and cover windows in homes and businesses. For example, swag drapery is a window treatment that is generally described as fabric draped around window openings (or door openings) and is one of the most costly custom window treatments to fabricate and install. Currently, the swag drapery is suspended from a rod over the window opening and may be arranged in a desired fashion. Brackets are attached to the wall and the rod is extended away from the wall and supported by the brackets in a cantilever fashion. Each section of swag drapery may be designed and fabricated to slide partially over the rod that is installed horizontally over the window or door opening.

The brackets must support the weight of the window treatments that often consist of relatively large and heavy pieces of fabric material. The brackets are exposed to torsion forces when supporting the weight of the window treatment at relatively narrow load points that may cause the brackets to break loose from the wall. For example, wood screws and concrete anchors are currently used to attach the brackets to the wall, which are susceptible to pull-out failure. Thus, a shortcoming of the prior art is that professional installation is required for the proper installation of the brackets to minimize the potential failure of the brackets and window treatments. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system and method of installing window treatments that does not require special skills for installation.

Another shortcoming of the prior art is that using a rod to hang the window treatment limits the ability of the material to be easily installed over arched window and door openings. Accordingly, another need exists in the art for a system and method of installing window treatments that is adaptable to various types of window and door openings and does not require extensive measurements for installation.

Another need exists in the art for a system of installing window treatments that is lightweight but strong.

Another need exists in the art for a system and method of installing window treatments that does not require specialized tools for installation.

Another need exists in the art for a system and method of installing window treatments that reduces the amount of stress on the wall material from the installation process.

Another need exists in the art for a system and method of installing window treatments that is adaptable for use easily with many different sizes of windows and doors.

Another need exists in the art for a system and method of installing window treatments that is easy to remove and reuse.

Notwithstanding the existence of prior art drapery brackets and devices, there is a need for an improved system and method of installing window treatments.

It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed.

However, in view of the prior art at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled.

III. SUMMARY

In a particular embodiment, a system of installing window treatments is disclosed. The system includes at least one base member with at least one arcuate loop extending upwards from a planar rear surface of the at least one base member and adapted to be used in part to secure the at least one base member to a planar mounting surface. The system further includes a covering disposed on at least one exterior surface of the at least one base member wherein the covering further comprising a first fastening element. In addition, the system includes a second fastening element secured to at least one portion of drapery material, wherein the second fastening element is adapted to removably engage the first fastening element of the at least one base member.

In another embodiment, the system includes a first base member, a second base member and a planar bridge member adapted to span between the first base member and the second base member. The system further includes a fastening element secured to drapery material, wherein the fastening element is adapted to removably engage the first base member, second base member, the planar bridge member, or any combination thereof.

In another particular illustrative embodiment, a method includes mounting at least one base member in a proximity of a window or door opening using at least one arcuate loop extending upwards from a planar rear surface of the at least one base member and adapted to be used in part to secure the at least one base member to a planar mounting surface. The method further includes providing a covering disposed proximate to a top edge of drapery and configured to removably engage a portion of the drapery to the at least one base member. In addition, the method includes removably engaging a portion of drapery to the at least one base member using in part a covering disposed on at least one exterior surface of the at least one base member.

In another embodiment, the method includes mounting a first base member on a first side of a window opening to a vertical mounting surface, mounting a second base member on an opposing second side of the window opening to the vertical mounting surface, and spanning a gap between the first base member and the second base member using a planar bridge member. The method further includes identifying a location on a first portion of drapery to removably engage to the first base member that corresponds to a desired configuration of the drapery, identifying a location of a second portion of the drapery to removably engage the second base member that corresponds to the desired configuration of the drapery, and identifying a location on a third portion of the drapery to removably engage the planar bridge member that corresponds to the desired configuration of the drapery. In addition, the method further includes pressing together the first base member and the first portion of the drapery to removably engage and support the drapery about the first side of the window opening, pressing together the second base member and the second portion of the drapery to removably engage and support the drapery about a second side of the window opening, and pressing together the planar bridge member and the third portion of the drapery to removably engage and support the drapery between the first side and the second side of the window opening.

Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after review of the entire application, including the following sections: Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of a base member of a system of installing window treatments;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of the base member of the system of installing window treatments shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of a base member of a system of installing window treatments;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of the base member of the system of installing window treatments shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of a planar bridge member of a system of installing window treatments;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of a planar bridge member of a system of installing window treatments shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of the system of installing window treatments;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 9 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 11 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 12 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 13 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 14 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 15 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-6;

FIG. 16 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-6; and

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a particular illustrative embodiment of a method of installing window treatments.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a particular illustrative embodiment of a system of installing window treatments is disclosed. A base member 100 includes a side surface 112, a front surface 116 and top surface 118. A pair of arcuate loops 114 is disposed on a rear surface of the base member 100. The surfaces 112, 116, 118 have a covering that serves to removably engage a portion of drapery (not shown). The covering may be one part of hook and loop material that is pressed to a second part of similar hook and loop material disposed on the drapery. FIG. 2 shows the rear surface 120 of the base member 100 and without a covering. However, the rear surface 120 may also have a covering similar to the other surfaces 112, 116, 118. The arcuate loops 114 may be equidistantly spaced from one another and may be formed as part of the base member 100. Although a pair of arcuate loops 114 are shown, the base member 100 may have only one arcuate loop 114 or three or more dependent on the particular application. Base member 100 may be fabricated of a plastic, wood, aluminum, or other type of suitable material. Base member 100 may be hollow or of solid construction. The shape of the base member 100 may be square, rectangular, cylindrical, have rounded edges, or any combination thereof.

Another particular illustrative embodiment of a base member 300 of the system of installing window treatments is disclosed in FIG. 3. The base member 300 includes an upper flange 302 projecting outwardly for a mounting surface (not shown). The base member further includes a side surface 306 and front surface 304. A pair of arcuate loops 114 is disposed on a rear surface of the base member 300 similar to the base member 100 shown in FIGS. 1-2. The surfaces 304, 306 and upper flange 302 have a covering that serves to removably engage a portion of drapery (not shown). The covering may be one part of hook and loop material that is pressed to a second part of similar hook and loop material disposed on the drapery. FIG. 4 shows the rear surface 308 of the base member 300 and without a covering. However, the rear surface 308 may also have a covering to removably engage a portion of the drapery for installation. The arcuate loops 114 may be equidistantly spaced from one another and may be formed as part of the base member 300. Although a pair of arcuate loops 114 are shown, the base member 300 may have only one arcuate loop 114 or three or more dependent on the particular application. Base member 300 may be fabricated of a plastic, wood, aluminum, or other type of suitable material.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a bridge member 500 for use with the system of installing window treatments is disclosed. The bridge member 500 has a planar upper surface 502 that includes a covering for removably engaging a portion of the drapery. The covering may be one part of hook and loop material that is pressed to a second part of similar hook and loop material disposed on the drapery. The length of the bridge member 500 may vary for each particular application and the width may be approximately the width of the base member 100, 300 shown in FIGS. 1-4. The lower planar surface 506 of the bridge member 500 may include a covering 504 for removably engaging the base member 100, 300 as shown in FIG. 6. The covering 504 for the lower planar surface 506 may or may not extend completely from a first end to a second end of the lower planar surface 506. The covering 504 of the lower planar surface 506 may be one part of hook and loop material that is pressed to a second part of similar hook and loop material disposed on the base member 100, 300 as shown in FIG. 7. The first end of the planar bridge member 500 is placed adjacent to the top surface 118 of the base member and the second end of the planar bridge member 500 is placed adjacent to the top surface of a second base member. In use, each base member 100 is secured to a vertical planar mounting surface, such as a wall, and the planar bridge member 500 is disposed horizontally between each of the base members 100.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-4. The window treatment includes a drapery swag 124 that is suspended horizontally between a pair of base members 100. Also, a pair of drapery cascades 122 hangs vertically from the pair of base members 100. The swag drapery 124 and cascade drapery 122 are both removably engaged to the respective base member 100 using the covering disposed on each base member 100 and drapery. As explained above, the covering of the base member 100 may comprise a first fastening element, wherein the first fastening element may be hook or loop material. Accordingly, the drapery 122, 124 may include a second fastening element (e.g., hook or loop material) that is adapted to removably engage the first fastening element of the respective base member 100.

FIG. 9 is a front view of another exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-4. The window treatment includes swag drapery 124 suspended horizontally between a first pair of base members 100, wherein the first pair of base members 100 also supports a pair of drapery cascades 122. A second pair of base members 130 may be secured below the first pair of members 100, which are secured to the vertical mounting surface (not shown). The second pair of base members 130 are hidden from view under the swag drapery 124 and drapery cascades 122 and removably engaged to a pair of side panels 132.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a pair of base members 100 is secured to both sides of a window opening. A drapery cascade 122 and side panel 132 also hang from the base member 100 mounted on both sides of the window opening. Spaced apart from the base member 100 on the side of the window opening may be two intermediate base members 100 secured side by side to hang a pair of cascades to form a double cascade 142. Alternatively, the intermediate base member 100 may be fabricated to an appropriate longer length to support the double cascade 142. A first drapery swag 124 is removably engaged to one base member 100 located on a first side of the window opening and a second end of the drapery swag is removably secured to an intermediate base member 100 to form the desired configuration of the window treatment. The configuration may be repeated as many times as necessary to reach the opposing side of the window opening. Tie backs 136 may be used to hold the side panels 132 in place. As an alternative to the window treatment shown in FIG. 10, the double cascades 142 that are removably engaged to the intermediate base members 100 may be removed and the swags 124 configured to overlap one another to create a different and elegant appearance of the window treatment as shown in FIG. 11. The pair of intermediate base members 100 are stacked on top of one another to removably engage a portion of the respective drapery swag 124. In addition, the base members 100 on the sides of the window opening may also be stacked on top of one another to removably engage and support the cascade 122 and side panel 132.

FIG. 12 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-4. A plurality of drapery cascades are installed with a first drapery cascade 122 removably engaged to a first base member 100 on a first side of a window opening and a second drapery cascade 123 secured to a second base member 100 located below the first base member 100. A side panel 132 is removably secured to a third base member 100 located below the second base member 100. The configuration of the drapery on the first side of the window opening may be repeated on the opposing side of the window opening. Although two drapery cascades 122, 123 are shown in FIG. 12, any desired number of drapery cascades may be used dependent on the height of the window opening and the desired aesthetic appearance. A tieback 136 may be used to pull back the side panel 132 to enhance the appearance of the drapery.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a first drapery swag and second drapery swag 124 overlap and are removably secured to a pair of base member 100 disposed on either side of a window opening and a base member at the apex of an arched window opening 150. A drapery cascade 122 is sized with a smaller width that a drapery side panel 132 and removably secured to base member 100 that also supports drapery cascade 122 and drapery swag 124.

Similarly, FIG. 14 is a front view showing a configuration using the system and implementing a plurality of drapery swags 124, drapery cascade 122 and side panel 132 for an arched window opening 150. In use, varying the number of drapery swags 124 and staggering the location of the base members relative to one another allows the system to be used with a myriad of different configurations of window treatments.

FIG. 15 is a front view of an exemplary window treatment using the system shown in FIGS. 1-6. The window treatment includes a drapery valance 510 with a scalloped edge that is suspended horizontally between a pair of base members 300. A planar bridge member 500 spans the distance between the base members 300 and is removably engaged to a top portion of the drapery valance 510. The drapery valance is then suspended from the planar bridge member 500. A drapery jabot 508 may be removably engaged and suspended from the base member(s) 300. As explained above, the covering of the base member 300 and planar bridge member may comprise a first fastening element, wherein the first fastening element may be hook or loop material. Accordingly, the drapery 508, 510 may include a second fastening element (e.g., hook or loop material) that is adapted to removably engage the first fastening element of the respective base member 300.

Another alternative configuration of a window treatment is shown in FIG. 16, in that a flat drapery valance 514 is installed using the system. A banner jabot with a tassel 512 is shown removably engaged and suspended from the base member 300. The banner jabot 512 covers the seam between two adjacent drapery valances 514. The system may be extended to any desired width of opening by adding sections of the planar bridge member 500 and base members 300. In addition, many various valance and jabot designs may be used with the system.

Referring to FIG. 17, a particular illustrative embodiment of a method of installing window treatments is disclosed and generally designated 700. The method includes mounting a first base member on a first side of a window opening to a vertical mounting surface, at 702. A second base member is mounted, at 704, on an opposing second side of the window opening to the vertical mounting surface. Moving to 706, the gap between the first base member and the second base member is spanned using a planar bridge member. At 708, a location on a first portion of drapery to attach to the first base member that corresponds to a desired configuration of the drapery is identified. Proceeding to 710, a location of a second portion of the drapery to attach the second base member that corresponds to the desired configuration of the drapery is identified. At 712, a location on a third portion of the drapery to attach the planar bridge member that corresponds to the desired configuration of the drapery is identified. Once the locations on the drapery are identified where the drapery will be attached to the various base members and bridge members, as applicable, the first base member and the first portion of the drapery are pressed together to removably engage and support the drapery about the first side of the window opening, at 714. Moving to 716, the second base member and the second portion of the drapery are pressed together to removably engage and support the drapery about a second side of the window opening. Similarly, at 718, the planar bridge member and the third portion of the drapery are pressed together to removably engage and support the drapery between the first side and the second side of the window opening in the desired configuration.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.52(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A system of installing a window treatment, the system comprising:

at least one base member;

at least one arcuate loop extending upwards from a planar rear surface of the at least one base member and adapted to be used in part to secure the at least one base member to a planar mounting surface; and

a covering disposed on at least one exterior surface of the at least one base member.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the covering further comprising a first fastening element.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first fastening element is hook or loop material.

4. The system of claim 2, further comprising a second fastening element secured to at least one portion of drapery material, wherein the second fastening element is adapted to removably engage the first fastening element of the at least one base member.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a planar bridge member adapted to span between the at least one base member and a second base member.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the planar bridge member further comprising a covering disposed on an upper planar surface and adapted to removably engage at least one portion of the drapery material.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the planar bridge member further comprising a covering disposed on a lower planar surface and adapted to removably engage the at least one base member.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one base member further comprising an upper flange projecting outwardly from the mounting surface.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the upper flange further comprising a covering disposed on an upper planar surface and adapted to removably engage at least one portion of drapery material.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the covering is hook or loop material.

11. A method for installing a window treatment, the method comprising:

mounting at least one base member in a proximity of a window or door opening using at least one arcuate loop extending upwards from a planar rear surface of the at least one base member and adapted to be used in part to secure the at least one base member to a planar mounting surface; and

removably engaging a portion of drapery to the at least one base member using in part a covering disposed on at least one exterior surface of the at least one base member.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing a covering disposed proximate to a top edge of the drapery and configured to removably engage a portion of the drapery to the at least one base member.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the covering disposed proximate to the edge of the drapery is hook or loop material.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the covering disposed on the at least one exterior surface of the at least one base member is hook or loop material.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising attaching an elongated bridge member between the at least one base member and a second base member.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the elongated bridge member further comprising a covering disposed on an upper planar surface and adapted to removably engage at least one portion of the drapery material.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the elongated bridge member further comprising a covering disposed on a lower planar surface and adapted to removably engage the at least one base member.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one base member further comprising an upper flange projecting outwardly from the mounting surface.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the upper flange further comprising a covering disposed on an upper planar surface and adapted to removably engage at least one portion of drapery material.

20. A method for installing a window treatment, the method comprising:

mounting a first base member on a first side of a window opening to a vertical mounting surface;

mounting a second base member on an opposing second side of the window opening to the vertical mounting surface;

spanning a gap between the first base member and the second base member using a planar bridge member;

identifying a location on a first portion of drapery to attach to the first base member that corresponds to a desired configuration of the drapery;

identifying a location of a second portion of the drapery to attach the second base member that corresponds to the desired configuration of the drapery;

identifying a location on a third portion of the drapery to attach the planar bridge member that corresponds to the desired configuration of the drapery;

pressing together the first base member and the first portion of the drapery to removably engage and support the drapery about the first side of the window opening;

pressing together the second base member and the second portion of the drapery to removably engage and support the drapery about a second side of the window opening; and

pressing together the planar bridge member and the third portion of the drapery to removably engage and support the drapery between the first side and the second side of the window opening.