CLAMP WINDOW RODS

Abstract

A window rod assembly includes a first mounting bracket configured to clamp onto a window molding; a first support arm coupled to the first mounting bracket and configured to hold a curtain rod; a second mounting bracket configured to clamp onto the window molding; and a second support arm coupled to the second mounting bracket and configured to hold the curtain rod.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/579,847, filed Dec. 23, 2011, titled “Clamp It Window Rods”, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/549,468, filed Oct. 20, 2011, titled “Window Rod System”, which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to window rod assemblies.

BACKGROUND

The installation of window curtain rods can be cumbersome, requiring drilling and painstaking measuring. Currently, to put up window curtains one generally has to screw brackets into the wall, leaving permanent holes and frequently with great frustration.

SUMMARY

In one aspect the invention provides a window rod assembly including a first mounting bracket configured to clamp onto a window molding; a first support arm coupled to the first mounting bracket and configured to hold a curtain rod; a second mounting bracket configured to clamp onto the window molding; and a second support arm coupled to the second mounting bracket and configured to hold the curtain rod.

In another aspect, the invention provides a window rod assembly including first and second support arms configured to support a curtain rod; a first mounting bracket configured to be coupled to the first support arm, the first mounting bracket including first and second components wherein the second component includes a slot for receiving the first component and a first fastener for fixing the relative position of the first and second components of the first mounting bracket; and a second mounting bracket configured to be coupled to the second support arm, the second mounting bracket including third and fourth components wherein the fourth component includes a slot for receiving the third component and a second fastener for fixing the relative position of the third and fourth components of the second mounting bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a window rod assembly.

FIG. 2 is a top down view of a bracket.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a component of the bracket of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a component of the bracket of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end portion of the window rod assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of one end of a window rod assembly.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of one end of a window rod assembly.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a left end of a window rod assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a right end of the window rod assembly of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a bracket.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views of the bracket of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a left end of a window rod assembly on accordance with embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a left end of a window rod assembly on accordance with embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of a support arm.

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a double rod support arm.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an end portion of a window rod assembly that includes the double rod support arm of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a center support.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a bracket used in the center support mounting bracket of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of window rod assemblies described herein include mounting brackets that have a variable width that are configured to clamp onto a window molding (or casing) which can be positioned adjacent to a side of a window opening. The window rod assemblies can include single or double curtain rods. The curtain rods can be adjusted to accommodate various window sizes. The installation process for these window rod assemblies may take only a few minutes. No holes or other damage is caused to the window molding, window opening, or the wall adjacent to the window opening.

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a window rod assembly 10 including first and second mounting brackets 12, 14. First and second support arms 16, 18 are coupled to the first and second mounting brackets, respectively. A curtain rod 20 extends between, and is supported by, generally U-shaped elements 22, 24 coupled to the support arms. Lower ends of the support arms are positioned within tubular structures 26, 28 that may allow the support arms to be rotated to different orientations, enabling easy adjustment of the spacing of the curtain rod and the window opening. The tubular structures can be attached to the mounting brackets, for example by welding. Mounting bracket 12 comprises a clamp structure that includes components 30, 32. The relative positions of the components 30, 32 can be adjusted with respect to each other so that the mounting bracket spans the window molding 34. Fasteners 36, 38 are used to fix the position of components 30, 32 with respect to each other. Mounting bracket 14 comprises a clamp structure that includes components 40, 42. The relative positions of the components 40, 42 can be adjusted with respect to each other so that the mounting bracket spans the window molding 34. Fasteners 44, 46 are used to fix the positions of components 40, 42 with respect to each other.

FIG. 2 is a top down view of mounting bracket 12. Bracket 12 includes first and second components 30, 32. Component 30 includes a first portion (also called a tab or lip) 48 that can be oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane of a wall containing a window opening and a second portion 50 that extends from the first portion at substantially a right angle. The second portion 50 can be oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the wall. Component 32 includes a first portion (also called a tab or lip) 52 that can be oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wall and a second portion 54 that extends from the first portion 52 at substantially a right angle. The second portion 54 can be oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the wall.

The second portion 54 of component 32 is sized to fit within a slot 56 in the second portion 50 of component 30. One or more fasteners 58, which can be for example screws or bolts, are positioned in openings in the second portion 50 of component 30. By tightening these fasteners, the relative position of the first and second components can be fixed such that the first portion, or tab 52 of component 32 is positioned adjacent to an interior edge of a window molding, or an internal surface of a window opening (or another surface in a window assembly) and the first portion or tab 48 of component 30 is positioned adjacent to an outer edge of a window molding.

When mounted on a window molding in one arrangement, tab 48 would be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the molding and tab 52 would be positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the molding. In an alternative arrangement, tab 48 would be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the molding and tab 52 would be positioned adjacent to a surface of a window opening. In either case, the mounting bracket spans the molding.

A moveable plate 60 can be positioned adjacent to an interior side of the tab 52. Once the relative positions of components 30 and 32 are fixed, such that the bracket spans the window molding, one or more screws or other fasteners 62 can be tightened to force the plate 60 against the interior edge of the window molding (or an internal surface of a window opening or another surface in a window assembly) thereby securing the position of the mounting bracket, spanning the window molding. A resilient pad 64, which can be a rubber pad, can be positioned on the plate 60 to reduce or eliminate possible damage to the interior edge of the window molding (or an internal surface of a window opening or another surface in a window assembly). Another resilient pad 66, which can be a rubber pad, can be positioned on the interior surface of component 30 to reduce or eliminate possible damage to the external edge and face of the window molding. A stud 72 is connected to plate 60 and is used to retain the plate until the bracket is mounted to a window molding. The stud passes through a hole in tab 52. Mounting bracket 14 includes components that are similar to those of mounting bracket 12.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of bracket component 30, including a tubular portion configured to receive the support rod. Screws or other types of fasteners 68 are provided to secure the support rod within the tubular portion. The support arm can rotate within the tubular portion until the screws are tightened.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the component 30 of the bracket 12 of FIG. 2, showing a slot 56 and a layer of resilient material 66.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end portion of the window rod assembly of FIG. 2. This view shows an additional fastener in the form of a screw 70 that can be used to force the movable plate into the interior surface of the window molding. A stud 72 is connected to the moveable plate. The stud can be attached to the moveable plate to keep the plate in position prior to the tightening of screws 68 and 70.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of one end of the window rod assembly of FIG. 1, showing the support arm oriented at substantially a right angle with respect to the wall. FIG. 7 is an elevation view of one end of the window rod assembly of FIG. 1, showing the support arm oriented at an acute angle with respect to the wall. This orientation allows the curtain rod to be moved closer to the window. Screws 74 are provided to fix the position of the support arm.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a left end of a window rod assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a right end of the window rod assembly of FIG. 8. The window rod assembly of FIGS. 8 and 9 includes left and right mounting brackets 80, 82. A first support arm 84 can be coupled to bracket 80 and includes a U-shaped element 86 configured to receive a curtain rod 88. The U-shaped element can be coupled to the support rod in a manner that allows the U-shaped element to swivel. A fastener, that can be a screw, 90 is provided to lock the curtain rod into the U-shaped element. A tubular element 92 has an opening that can receive a portion of the support rod. Fasteners 94 and 96 are provided to fix the position of the support arm. The tubular element in this example has a raised plate on the side through which the fasteners are inserted. However, in other embodiments, the raised plate is not used. Mounting bracket 80 includes first and second components 98, 100, and a sleeve 102 that has an opening for receiving portions of the components 98, 100. The components 98, 100 can move within the sleeve to adjust the width of the mounting bracket so that it can span a window molding 126. Fasteners 104 are provided to fix the relative positions of components 98, 100 and thereby fix the width of the mounting bracket 80.

A second support arm 106 can be coupled to bracket 82 and includes a U-shaped element 108 configured to receive a curtain rod 88. The U-shaped element can be coupled to the support rod in a manner that allows the U-shaped element to swivel. A fastener 110 is provided to lock the curtain rod into the U-shaped element. A tubular element 112 has an opening that can receive a portion of the support rod. Mounting bracket 82 includes first and second components 114, 116, and a sleeve 118 that has an opening for receiving portions of the components 114, 116. The components 114, 116 can move within the sleeve to adjust the width of the mounting bracket so that it can span a window molding 126. Fasteners 120 are provided to fix the relative positions of components 114, 116 and thereby fix the width of the mounting bracket 82. Fasteners 122, 124 can be used to force a moveable plate, not shown in this view, into contact with an interior surface of the window molding.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of mounting bracket 82. This view shows the moveable plate 128. Openings 130, 132 are provided to receive the fasteners 124, 122 shown in FIG. 9. Another plate 134 can be positioned in the sleeve to further control the relative positions of components 114 and 116. Fasteners 136, 138 are shown in tubular member 112. These fasteners are used to fix the position of the support arm 106, shown in FIG. 9. Resilient pads 140, 142 and 144, which can be rubber, can be mounted as illustrated and are used to reduce or eliminate damage to the window molding.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views of the bracket 12 of FIG. 5. FIGS. 11A and 11B shows the component 30 includes a first portion, or tab, 48 and a second portion 50. When the bracket is mounted to a window molding, the first portion 48 can be positioned adjacent to an external surface of the window molding. Similarly, component 32 includes a first portion, or tab, 52 and a second portion 54. When the bracket is mounted to a window molding, the first portion 52 can be positioned adjacent to an internal surface of the window molding, or a surface of a window opening, or another surface. Other elements of the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B are identified by the numbers used in FIG. 2 for the same elements.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a left end of a window rod assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the bracket 80 is shown to span a relatively wide window molding 126. FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a left end of a window rod assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the bracket 80 is shown to span a relatively narrow window molding 126′.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of a support arm 16. The U-shaped element 22 is shown to be mounted to the arm using a pin 156 that allows the U-shaped element to swivel. A fastener 154 is provided to lock a curtain rod in the U-shaped element.

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of a double rod support arm 160. This support arm includes two U-shaped elements 162 and 164 configured to support separate curtain rods. The first U-shaped element 162 is shown adjacent to an end of a projecting portion 166 of the support arm. The second U-shaped element 164 is shown to be positioned at an intermediate position along the projecting portion 166. A fastener 168 is provided to lock a curtain rod in the U-shaped element 162. Another fastener 170 is provided to lock a curtain rod in the U-shaped element 164. The U-shaped elements are mounted to the projecting portion using studs 172, 174 that allow the U-shaped elements to rotate or pivot with respect to the projecting portion of the support arm. A vertical portion 176 of the support arm is configured to be inserted in a tubular opening in the mounting bracket.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an end portion of a window rod assembly that includes the double rod support arm of FIG. 15. The vertical portion 176 of the support arm slides into an opening in tubular member 26′. Fasteners 178, 180 are provided to fix the position of the vertical portion of the support arm in the tubular member. U-shaped elements 162 and 164 support curtain rods 182 and 184.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a center support assembly 186. A support arm 160 includes U-shaped elements 162 and 164 that support curtain rods 182 and 184. The vertical portion of the support arm is inserted in a tubular opening in a mounting bracket 188.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a mounting bracket 188 used in the center support assembly of FIG. 17. Bracket 12 includes first and second components 190, 192. Component 190 includes a first portion (also called a tab or lip) 194 that can be oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane of a wall containing a window opening and a second portion 196 that extends from the first portion at substantially a right angle. The second portion 196 can be oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the wall. Component 192 includes a first portion (also called a tab or lip) 198 that can be oriented in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wall and a second portion 200 that extends from the first portion 198 at substantially a right angle. The second portion 200 can be oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the wall.

The second portion 200 of component 192 is sized to fit within a slot 202 in the second portion 196 of component 190. One or more fasteners 204, which can be screws or bolts, are positioned in openings in the second portion 196 of component 190. By tightening these fasteners, the relative position of the first and second components can be fixed such that the first portion, or tab 198 of component 192 is positioned adjacent to an outer edge of a window molding and the first portion or tab 194 of component 190 is positioned adjacent to an interior edge of a window molding, or an internal surface of a window opening (or another surface in a window assembly). A tubular element 206 is connected to the first component and includes a cylindrical opening 208 for receiving a vertical portion of the support rod. Fasteners 210 and 212 are provided to secure the support rod in the tubular opening. A resilient pad 214, which can be rubber, is positioned along an interior surface of component 190. A resilient pad 216, which can be rubber, is positioned along an interior surface of tab 198.

When mounted on a window molding in one arrangement, tab 194 would be positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the molding and tab 198 would be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the molding. In an alternative arrangement, tab 198 would be positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the molding and tab 194 would be positioned adjacent to a surface of a window opening. In either case, the mounting bracket spans the molding.

In the various embodiments described above, by changing the relative positions of the mounting bracket components, the brackets can be adjusted to clamp onto a window molding. The window rod assemblies utilize brackets that can be easily attached to almost any window molding. A protective resilient layer can be provided on the inside of the brackets so that the molding is not damaged. In one embodiment, the resilient layer is rubber. Different sizes of brackets can be used to accommodate different molding sizes.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, screws or other fasteners in the wall of a slot in a first component are provided to lock a portion of the second component in the slot to fix the width of the mounting bracket. Once these screws are tightened, the screws on the side of the mounting bracket are tightened to force a moveable plate into the molding, creating a strong attachment of the bracket to the molding.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, screws or other fasteners on the front face of the sliding bracket sleeve are provided to lock the bracket at a fixed width. Once these screws are tightened, the screws on the side of the mounting bracket are tightened to force a moveable plate into the molding, creating a strong attachment of the bracket to the molding.

Support arms are then inserted into the brackets on each side of the mounting brackets. The support arms hold the curtain rods. The support arms can be rotated, allowing the user to adjust the distance of the curtain rod from the window.

The described embodiments can be mounted to a window opening without the need to screw the brackets to the wall. The assembly can be installed in minutes and is easily moved. The mounting brackets can be hidden by the window curtains.

Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of the present invention may be made without departing from the invention. In addition, elements of the various embodiments can be used in combination with each other to construct additional embodiments.

Claims

1. A window rod assembly comprising:

a first mounting bracket configured to clamp onto a window molding;

a first support arm coupled to the first mounting bracket and configured to hold a curtain rod;

a second mounting bracket configured to clamp onto the window molding; and

a second support arm coupled to the second mounting bracket and configured to hold the curtain rod.

2. The window rod assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the first mounting bracket comprises first and second components and a first fastener for fixing the relative positions of the first and second components; and

the second mounting bracket comprises third and fourth components and a second fastener for fixing the relative positions of the third and fourth components

3. The window rod assembly of claim 2, wherein:

the first component includes a slot for receiving a part of the second component; and

the third component includes a slot for receiving a part of the fourth component.

4. The window rod assembly of claim 2, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth components includes a first portion and a second portion positioned at substantially a right angle with respect to the first portion.

5. The window rod assembly of claim 4, further comprising:

a first moveable plate positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the first portion of the first component; and

a second moveable plate positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the first portion of the third component.

6. The window rod assembly of claim 5, further comprising:

a third fastener for forcing the first moveable plate in a direction toward the first portion of the second component; and

a fourth fastener for forcing the second moveable plate in a direction toward the first portion of the fourth component.

7. The window rod assembly of claim 2, further comprising:

a first resilient pad on a surface of the first component; and

a second resilient pad on a surface of the third component.

8. The window rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting bracket includes a tubular structure for receiving a portion of the first support arm; and the second mounting bracket includes a tubular structure for receiving a portion of the second support arm.

9. The window rod assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a first U-shaped element attached to the first support arm; and

a second U-shaped element attached to the second support arm.

10. The window rod assembly of claim 9, wherein the first U-shaped element can swivel with respect to the first support arm; and the second U-shaped element can swivel with respect to the second support arm.

11. The window rod assembly of claim 1, wherein:

the first mounting bracket comprises first and second components, a first sleeve having an opening for receiving portions of the first and second components, and a first fastener for fixing the relative positions of the first and second components with respect to the first sleeve; and

the second mounting bracket comprises third and fourth components, a second sleeve having an opening for receiving portions of the third and fourth components, and a second fastener for fixing the relative positions of the third and fourth components with respect to the second sleeve.

12. The window rod assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth components includes a first portion and a second portion positioned at substantially a right angle with respect to the first portion.

13. The window rod assembly of claim 12, further comprising:

a first moveable plate positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the first portion of the first component; and

a second moveable plate positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the first portion of the third component.

14. The window rod assembly of claim 13, further comprising:

a third fastener for forcing the first moveable plate in a direction toward the first portion of the second component; and

a fourth fastener for forcing the second moveable plate in a direction toward the first portion of the fourth component.

15. The window rod assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

a first resilient pad on a surface of the first component; and

a second resilient pad on a surface of the third component.

16. A window rod assembly comprising:

first and second support arms configured to support a curtain rod;

a first mounting bracket configured to be coupled to the first support arm, the first mounting bracket including first and second components wherein the second component includes a slot for receiving the first component and a first fastener for fixing the relative position of the first and second components of the first mounting bracket; and

a second mounting bracket configured to be coupled to the second support arm, the first end bracket including third and fourth components wherein the fourth component includes a slot for receiving the third component and a second fastener for fixing the relative position of the third and fourth components of the second mounting bracket.

17. The window rod assembly of claim 16, further comprising:

a first moveable plate positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the first component of the first mounting bracket;

a second moveable plate positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the third component of the second mounting bracket;

a third fastener for forcing the first moveable plate in a direction toward a surface of the second component; and

a fourth fastener for forcing the second moveable plate in a direction toward a surface of the fourth component.

18. The window rod assembly of claim 17, further comprising:

a third mounting bracket configured to be coupled to a third support arm, the third mounting bracket including fifth and sixth components wherein the fifth component includes a slot for receiving the sixth component and a third fastener for fixing the relative position of the fifth and sixth components of the third mounting bracket.

19. The window rod assembly of claim 16, further comprising:

a first resilient pad on a surface of the first component; and

a second resilient pad on a surface of the third component.

20. The window rod assembly of claim 16, wherein the first mounting bracket includes a tubular structure for receiving a portion of the first support arm; and the second mounting bracket includes a tubular structure for receiving a portion of the second support arm.