ROOM DARKENING CURTAIN RODS

Abstract

Window curtain tension rod assemblies that include a telescoping rod and two bracket assemblies each including a support arm and a mounting bracket are disclosed. Each support arm may include a first end receiving an end of the curtain rod, a second end, and a U-shaped section between the first and second ends. The mounting bracket may be attached to the second end, and include a contact pad for engaging an interior sidewall of a window frame. The U-shaped section provides a curtain overlap region when a curtain is drawn onto the U-shaped section of the support arm from the curtain rod. At least one of the bracket assemblies may include a tension adjusting mechanism to move an end of the curtain rod away from the bracket assembly to thereby force the mounting bracket against the sidewalls of the window frame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/220,032, filed on Sep. 17, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to window curtain tension rods, and more particularly relates to curtain tension rod assemblies that are capable of holding relatively heavy curtains and room darkening curtains.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Conventional window curtain tension rods are clumsy to put up, requiring many rotations to twist them to the desired length. Further, once they are installed, conventional window curtain tension rods are often unable to hold curtains other than light-weight curtains, draperies or sheers without falling. For certain applications, the inability to use heavier room darkening curtains with conventional window curtain tension rods is a significant issue and a deterrent to installation. When installed, the mounting brackets of conventional window curtain tension rods remain uncovered by the window curtain. Conventional window curtain tension rods only extend between the interior window surfaces, such an arrangement leaves a gap between the edges of the window curtain and the window casement. The gap allows light to enter the room.

It would be desirable to overcome the inability of conventional window curtain tension rods to allow window curtain overlap, support heavier room darkening curtains, and hide the mounting brackets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Window curtain tension rod assemblies including bracket assemblies with support arms and mounting brackets are provided. Each support arm may include a first end receiving an end of the curtain rod, a second end, and a U-shaped section between the first and second ends. The mounting bracket may be attached to the second end and include a contact pad for engaging an interior sidewall of a window frame. The U-shaped section provides a curtain overlap region when a curtain is drawn onto the U-shaped sections of the support arms from the curtain rod. At least one of the bracket assemblies may include a tension adjusting mechanism to move an end of the curtain rod away from the bracket assembly to thereby force the mounting brackets against the sidewalls of the window frame.

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a window curtain tension rod assembly comprising a telescoping curtain rod comprising a first rod section and a second rod section axially moveable and lockable with respect to each other along an axis of the telescoping curtain rod, a first bracket assembly, and a second bracket assembly. The first bracket assembly comprises a first support arm including a first end receiving an end of the first rod section, a second end, and a U-shaped section between the first and second ends, and a first mounting bracket attached to the second end of the first support arm including a contact pad structured and arranged to engage an interior sidewall of a window frame, wherein a portion of the U-shaped section extends laterally away from the first mounting bracket in a direction substantially parallel with the axis of the telescoping curtain rod to a first overlap length, and another portion of the U-shaped section extends laterally away from the first mounting bracket in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping curtain rod to a first depth to thereby provide a first curtain overlap region when a curtain is drawn onto the U-shaped section of the first support arm from the first rod section. The second bracket assembly comprises a second support arm including a first end receiving an end of the first rod section, a second end, and a U-shaped section between the first and second ends, and a second mounting bracket attached to the second end of the second support arm including a contact pad structured and arranged to engage another interior sidewall of the window frame, wherein a portion of the U-shaped section extends laterally away from the second mounting bracket in a direction parallel with the axis of the telescoping curtain rod to a second overlap length, and another portion of the U-shaped section extends laterally away from the second mounting bracket in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping curtain rod to a second depth to thereby provide a second curtain overlap region when the curtain is drawn onto the U-shaped section of the second support arm from the second rod section.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a bracket assembly for a window curtain tension rod comprising a support arm comprising a first end structured and arranged to receive an end of a curtain rod, a second end, a substantially straight section extending from the first end defining an axial direction, and a U-shaped section extending from the second end to the substantially straight section, and a mounting bracket attached to the second end of the support arm comprising a sidewall leg structured and arranged to engage an interior sidewall of a window frame and a front wall leg structured and arranged to engage a front wall of the window frame, wherein a portion of the U-shaped section of the support arm extends laterally away from the mounting bracket in a direction parallel with an axial direction of the substantially straight section of the support arm to an overlap length, and another portion of the U-shaped section extends laterally away from the mounting bracket in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the substantially straight section to a depth to thereby provide a curtain overlap region when a curtain is drawn onto the U-shaped section of the first bracket assembly from the substantially straight section.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of mounting a window curtain tension rod assembly as described above onto a window frame. The method comprises positioning the mounting bracket of the first bracket assembly against an interior sidewall of a window frame, positioning the mounting bracket of the second bracket assembly against an opposite interior sidewall of the window frame, axially locking the first and second rod sections together, and tightening a tension adjusting mechanism to extend the end of the first or second rod section from the support arm to thereby force the mounting brackets of the first and second bracket assemblies against the interior sidewalls of the window frame, the tension adjusting mechanism comprising a threaded tension adjuster bolt axially aligned with and rotatable around the axis of the telescoping curtain rod, and the threaded tension adjuster bolt comprises external threads threadingly engaged with internal threads located at the end of the first or second rod sections.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of a window curtain tension rod assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the window curtain tension rod assembly mounted in a window opening and a curtain hanging therefrom.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a curtain hanging from the window curtain tension rod assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a window curtain tension rod assembly mounted in a window opening in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the window curtain tension rod assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an isometric exploded view of the window curtain tension rod assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a top exploded view of the window curtain tension rod assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a front exploded view of the window curtain tension rod assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a first support arm of a window curtain tension rod assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the support arm of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is partially schematic cross-section of a bracket assembly of a window curtain tension rod assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an isometric exploded view of the bracket assembly of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is partially schematic cross-sectional view of a tension adjusting mechanism of a bracket assembly of a window curtain tension rod assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is partially schematic cross-sectional view of the tension adjusting mechanism of the first bracket assembly of the window curtain tension rod assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a tension adjusting bolt of a tension adjusting mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of another support arm in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is top view of the support arm of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a top view of a tensioned window curtain tension rod assembly mounted in a window opening in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides window curtain tension rod assemblies that provide curtain overlap regions when a curtain is drawn onto the bracket assembly from the curtain rod. The curtain overlap regions prevent light from escaping into the room and allow the mounting brackets to be hidden. In another aspect, the window curtain tension rod assemblies may stay in place when used with heavy panels designed to block out light. Further, if a person wishes to move the window curtain tension rod assembly, it can be done easily and without damage to the window frame or window opening walls. The described embodiments provide window curtain tension rod assemblies that use tension forces to mount the rod in the window opening. No screws or glue are necessary. The curtain may be of any known design and may typically comprise two curtain panels that may each be drawn onto one of the bracket assemblies of the present invention to provide a room darkening effect. However, other types of curtains including single panel curtains may be used.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a window curtain tension rod assembly 10 mounted in a window frame 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The window frame 2 includes a front wall 3 and opposing interior sidewalls 4. As used herein, the terms “window frame”, “front wall” and “interior sidewalls” may refer to casement windows including additional material surrounding the opening in the wall, or windows only including an opening in the wall. The window curtain tension rod assembly 10 includes a first bracket assembly 20 having a support arm 21 and mounting bracket 40. The mounting bracket 40 engages the front wall 3 and the interior sidewall 4. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a window curtain 8 hanging from the window curtain tension rod assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 1, before the window curtain 8 is pulled to cover the support arm 21, the window sash 5 and window pane 6 are exposed. As shown in FIG. 2, when the curtain 8 is drawn onto the support arm 21, a curtain overlap region 9 is provided to completely cover the window sash 5 and window pane 6, to overlap the front wall 3, and to hide the bracket assembly 20 from view.

As shown in FIG. 3, the window curtain tension rod assembly 10 includes a telescoping curtain rod 12, a first bracket assembly 20 and a second bracket assembly 120. The telescoping curtain rod 12 comprises a first telescoping rod section 14 and a second telescoping rod section 16. However, any other suitable number of rod sections may be used, e.g., one, three, four or more rod sections. The first and second rod sections 14 and 16 are configured in a telescoping arrangement such that a portion of the first rod section 14 slides into a portion of the second rod section 16. The telescoping curtain rod 12 defines an axial direction. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the telescoping curtain rod 12 also includes a bushing 102 and a rod section locking device 100 (described in more detail below) to fix the axial position of the first section with respect to the second section.

As shown in FIGS. 3-9, the first bracket assembly 20 is provided near an end 15 of the first rod section 14. The first bracket assembly 20 includes a support arm 21 and a mounting bracket 40. The support arm 21 includes a rod receiving first end 22, a substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24, a bracket mounting second end 26 and a U-shaped section 28. The first end 22 includes a rod receiving opening 23 having an inner diameter close to the outer diameter of the end 15 of the first rod section 14 that it receives. The substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24 extends from the first end 22 defining an axial direction and has an inner diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the rod receiving opening 23. In accordance with certain embodiments, the axial direction of the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24 is parallel with the axial direction of the telescoping curtain rod 12. The bracket mounting second end 26 includes a bracket mounting surface 30. The U-shaped section 28 may extend from the bracket mounting second end 26 to the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24. In the embodiment shown, the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24 and the U-shaped section are integrally formed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the U-shaped section 28 has a depth D and an overlap length L selected to provide the light blocking overlap portion 9 when the curtain 8 is drawn onto the U-shaped section 28. The U-shaped section 28 thus supports the side edge of the curtain 8 to create to the light blocking overlap portion 9. For example, the overlap length L of the U-shaped section may typically range from 2 to 4 inches, or from 2.5 to 3.5 inches, or from 2.75 to 3.25 inches. In a particular embodiment, the overlap length L may be 3 inches. The depth D of the U-shaped section 28 may also be selected to provide the light blocking overlap portion 9. For example, the depth D of the U-shaped section 28 may typically range from 1 to 3 inches, or from 1.5 to 2.5 inches, or from 1.75 to 2.25 inches. In a particular embodiment, the depth D of the U-shaped section may be 2 inches. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped section 28 overlap length L may be greater than the U-shaped section 28 depth D, e.g., at least 30 or 40 percent greater. For example, the ratio of D:L may be from 1:1 to 3:1, for example, from 1.25:1 to 2:1.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8-13, the support arm 21 may comprise an upwardly open recess 34. The recess 34 may be provided on the U-shaped section 28 in order to eliminate unnecessary material and/or to allow the support arm 21 to flex slightly. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the support arm 21 may be substantially rigid. In the embodiment shown, the U-shaped section 28 includes a single recess 34 encompassing a portion of the U-shaped section 28. However, any other suitable shape and arrangement of recesses may be used, e.g., the U-shaped section 28 may have a plurality of recesses, and/or the recess may encompass the entire U-shaped section.

As shown in FIG. 9, the bracket mounting surface 30 at the second end 26 of the support arm 21 is disposed at a mounting angle M from the axial direction of the telescoping curtain rod 12 and/or the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24 of the support arm 21. For example, the bracket mounting surface 30 mounting angle M, may typically range from 1° to 30°, for example, from 5° to 20° or from 10° to 15°. In a particular embodiment, the bracket mounting surface 30 may have a mounting angle of 12.5°. The mounting angle M may provide optimal flush contact between the mounting brackets 40 and 140 and the interior sidewalls 4 of the window frame 2 after tensioning of the window curtain tension rod assembly 10 due to the mounting angle M compensating for the angular movement of the mounting brackets 40 and 140 when the telescoping curtain rod 12 is tensioned.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3-7, 10 and 11, the mounting bracket 40 is attached to the bracket mounting surface 30 of the bracket mounting second end 26 of the support arm 21. As shown in FIG. 10, the mounting bracket 40 has an “L” shaped cross-section including a sidewall leg 42 and a front wall leg 44. The sidewall leg 42 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the interior sidewall 4 of the window frame 2. The front wall leg 44 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the front wall 3 of the window frame 2. In accordance with certain embodiments, the sidewall leg 42 may include an optional sidewall leg thru-hole (not shown) for use with additional mechanical fasteners for further securing the sidewall leg 42 to the interior sidewall 4 of the window frame 2. The front wall leg 44 may include a front wall leg thru-hole 46 configured to receive a mechanical fastener to attach the mounting bracket to the support arm 21. In certain embodiments, the sidewall leg 42 comprises a resilient contact pad 48 and the front wall leg comprises a resilient contact pad 49. In the embodiment shown, the resilient contact pads 48, 49 are continuously formed to cover the sidewall leg 42 and the frontwall leg 44. However, any other suitable shape and arrangement of resilient contact pads may be used, e.g., the sidewall leg and front wall leg may have separate resilient contact pads, and/or the resilient contact pads may be of different shapes or may be eliminated. The contact pad(s) may be made of any suitable resilient material such as natural or synthetic rubber, foam, soft plastic and the like.

When attached to the support arm 21, the sidewall leg 42 has a planar surface that is non-parallel with the axial direction of the telescoping curtain rod 12 and/or the axial direction of the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24 of the support arm 21. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, this arrangement provides that the normal direction of the planar surface of the sidewall leg 42 is non-parallel with the axial direction of the telescoping curtain rod 12 and the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24 of the support arm 21. In certain embodiments, the bracket angle A, which represents the angle the normal direction of the planar surface of the sidewall leg and is disposed measured in a horizontal plane, may typically range from 1° to 30°, for example, from 5° to 20° or from 10° to 15°. In a particular embodiment, the bracket angle A may be about 12.5°. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the front wall leg 44 of the mounting bracket 40 may comprise a planar surface that is perpendicular to the planar surface of the sidewall leg 42.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the mounting bracket 40 may be rigidly attached to the bracket mounting surface 30 of the bracket mounting second end 26 of the support arm 21. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the mounting bracket 40 may be pivotally mounted to the support arm 21 using a mechanical fastener 50. The bracket mounting surface 30 of the support arm 21 may include a threaded bracket mounting hole 32. The mechanical fastener 50 is inserted through the front wall leg thru-hole 46 and into the bracket mounting hole 32. This arrangement allows the mounting bracket 40 to rotate in relation to the support arm 21 in order to facilitate adjustments when installing on non-uniform window frames, and to allow the mounting bracket to rotate 90° when packaged to reduce its packaging size. In certain embodiments, the front wall leg thru-hole 46 may be countersunk so that the mechanical fastener 50 can be inserted flush with the surface of the front wall leg 44. In the embodiment shown, mechanical fastener 50 is a threaded screw, however, any other suitable type of mechanical fastener may be used, e.g., a bolt or any other conventional type of mechanical fastener. In certain embodiments, the support arm 21 and the mounting bracket 40 may be integrally formed.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the window curtain tension rod assembly 10 includes a rod section locking device 100, which in this embodiment is coupled to the first rod section 14 that is positioned inside the second rod section 16. In certain embodiments, the locking device locking device may include an axially offset cam and an eccentric sleeve around the cam, such that when the second rod is rotated with respect to the first rod section, the eccentric sleeve pushes against an internal surface of the first rod section, thereby locking the axial position of the first rod section with respect to the second rod section. The rod section locking device 100 can be similar to the locking mechanisms disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2012/0005823A1 published Jan. 12, 2012, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2013/0112639A1 published May 9, 2013, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,814,114 issued Aug. 26, 2014, which are incorporated herein by reference. Other types of rod section locking devices may be used, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,305 issued Oct. 7, 2014, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,960,456 issued Feb. 24, 2015, which are incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment of the present invention, the rod section locking device may include at least one mechanical fastener to fix the relative position of the rod sections. In an embodiment of the present invention, the rod section locking device 100 fixes the relative position of the first and second rod sections 14, 16 in a secure manner to withstand axial forces that are applied when the tension adjusting mechanism 60 is used to apply tension to the telescoping rod 12.

As shown in FIGS. 10-14, a tension adjusting mechanism 60 may be provided in the support arm 21 of the first bracket assembly 20. The tension adjusting mechanism 60 is located at least partially in the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24. The tension adjusting mechanism 60 may include a tension tool hole 62 in the U-shaped section 28, and a radially inwardly projecting collar 64 between the substantially straight rod receiving tube 24 and the tension tool hole 62. In the embodiment shown, the tension adjusting mechanism 60 includes a threaded tension adjuster bolt 70 and an adjusting cap 80. As shown in FIG. 14, the threaded tension adjuster bolt 70 comprises a threaded portion 72, an annular flange 74 and an anti-rotation stud 76. The adjusting cap 80 comprises a stud retaining recess 82 for anti-rotation and a tightening recess 84 for receiving a tensioning tool. In certain embodiments, the tightening recess 84 may be configured to receive a tensioning tool, such as a screwdriver, Allen wrench or the like.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, the threaded tension adjuster bolt 70 may be positioned in the support arm 21 to be axially aligned and rotatable around the axis of the telescoping curtain rod 12 and the axis of the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24. The threaded tension adjuster bolt 70 may be inserted into the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24 through the rod receiving opening 23. The annular flange 74 is then positioned substantially adjacent to the radially inwardly projecting shoulder 64. The adjusting cap 80 is inserted into the tension tool hole 62 and the stud-retaining recess 82 may be glued onto the anti-rotation stud 76. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the radially inwardly projecting collar 64, the annular flange 74 and the adjusting cap 80 allow the threaded tension adjuster bolt 70 to rotate within the tube section but prevent the threaded tension adjuster bolt 70 from moving in an axial direction with respect to the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 12 and 13, the end 15 of the first rod section 14 may include an internally threaded sleeve 78. The internally threaded sleeve 78 may be sized to threadingly engage with the threaded portion 72 of the threaded tension adjuster bolt 70. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the end 15 of the first rod section 14 is in the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 24, the internally threaded sleeve 78 may be threadingly engaged with the threaded portion 72 of the threaded tension adjuster bolt 70. As shown in FIG. 12, the tension adjusting mechanism 60 has not yet been used to extend the window curtain tension rod assembly 10 from the support arm 21. Rotation of the adjusting cap 80 causes the threaded tension adjuster bolt 70 to rotate, which either pulls the end 15 of the first rod section 14 axially toward the adjusting cap 80, or extends the end 15 of the first rod section 14 axially away from the adjusting cap 80, depending on the rotation direction. As shown in FIG. 13, inserting a tensioning tool into the tightening recess through the tensioning tool hole 62 and rotating the adjusting cap 80 to extend the rod section 14 axially away from the adjusting cap 80 extends the telescoping curtain rod 12 in the axial direction in an extension direction T, which forces the mounting brackets 40 and 140 against the interior sidewalls 4 of the window frame 2 with an outward force F, thereby securing the position of the window curtain tension rod assembly 10 with respect to the window frame 2.

FIGS. 3-7 and 15-17 illustrate a second support arm 121 of the second bracket assembly 120 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Similar element numbers are used in FIGS. 3-7 and 15-17 for common features that are present in the first bracket assembly of FIGS. 1-13 and 17. As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the second bracket assembly 120 is provided near an end 17 of the second rod section 16. The second bracket assembly 120 includes a support arm 121 and a mounting bracket 140.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the support arm 121 includes a rod receiving first end 122, a substantially straight rod receiving tube section 124, a bracket mounting second end 126 and a U-shaped section 128. The first end 122 includes a rod receiving opening 123 having an inner diameter close to the outer diameter of the end 17 of the second rod section 16 that it receives. The substantially straight rod receiving tube section 124 extends from the first end 122 defining an axial direction and has an inner diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the rod receiving opening 123. In accordance with certain embodiments, the axial direction of the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 124 is parallel with the axial direction of the telescoping curtain rod 12. The bracket mounting second end 126 includes a bracket mounting surface 130. The U-shaped section 128 extends from the bracket mounting second end 126 to the substantially straight rod receiving tube section 124. The support arm 121 may also comprise an upwardly open recess 134. The support arm 121 of the second bracket assembly may be of the same or similar construction as the support arm 21 as described in the first bracket assembly 20.

As shown in FIGS. 3-7 and 17, the mounting bracket 140 is attached to the bracket mounting surface 130 of the bracket mounting second end 126 of the support arm 121. As shown in FIGS. 3-7 and 17, the mounting bracket 140 has an “L” shaped cross-section including a sidewall leg 142 and a front wall leg 144. The sidewall leg 142 is configured to be positioned adjacent to the interior sidewall 4 of the window frame 2. The front wall leg 144 is configured to be positioned adjacent a front wall 3 of the window frame 2. In accordance with certain embodiments, the sidewall leg 142 may include an optional sidewall leg thru-hole 143 for use with additional mechanical fasteners. The front wall leg 144 may include a front wall leg thru-hole 146 configured to receive a mechanical fastener 150 to attach the mounting bracket to the support arm 121. In certain embodiments, the sidewall leg 142 comprises a resilient contact pad 148 and the front wall leg comprises a resilient contact pad 149. The mounting bracket 140 of the second bracket assembly 120 may be of the same or similar construction as the mounting bracket as described in the first bracket assembly 20.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, both the first and second bracket assemblies 20 and 120 may include a tension adjusting mechanism at a location within the straight rod receiving tube sections 24 and 124 to extend the telescoping curtain rod 12 in the axial direction T away from the bracket assemblies 20 and 120, which forces the mounting brackets 40 and 140 against the interior sidewalls 4 of the window frame 2 with an outward force F. However, any other suitable location of the tension adjusting mechanism may be used, e.g., inside another section of the support arms 21 and 121, or outside of the support arms 21 and 121. As shown in FIGS. 3-7 and 17, the second bracket assembly 120 may not include a tension adjusting mechanism.

To install the window curtain tension rod assembly 10, the first bracket assembly 20 is attached to the end 15 of the first rod section 14 and the second bracket assembly 20 is attached to the end 17 of the second rod section 16. The end 15 first rod section 14 is extended axially away from end 17 of the second rod section 16, until the mounting brackets 40 and 140 are positioned adjacent to the opposing interior surfaces 4 of the window frame 2. The sidewall legs 42 and 142 of the mounting brackets 40 and 140 are positioned to make contact with the opposing interior sidewalls 4 of the window frame 2. Then the first and second rod sections are rotated with respect to each other to lock the axial position of the first and second rod sections 14 and 16 with respect to each other. Then the tension adjusting mechanism 60 included in at least one of the support arms 21 and 121 to extend the end of the first rod section 14 from the support arm 21. Because the support arms 21 and 121 are rigidly attached to the mounting brackets 40 and 140 and rigidly attached to first and second rod sections 14 and 16, the movement of the first rod section 14 in axial direction T away from the support arm 21 places an outward force F on the mounting brackets 40 and 140. This outward force F is applied by the mounting brackets 40 and 140 against the interior sidewalls 4 of the window frame 2, to thereby secure the window curtain tension rod assembly 10 to the window frame 2. Since the end 15 of the first rod section 14 and the end 17 of the second rod section 16 extend into substantially straight rod receiving tube sections 24 and 124, and the inner diameter of the substantially straight rod receiving tube sections 24 and 124 are close to the outer diameter of the ends of the first and second rod sections that extend into the substantially straight rod receiving tube sections, when the rod section is extended in axial direction T, movement of the bracket assemblies 20 and 120 with respect to the telescoping rod is limited to the axial direction. Thus, the mounting brackets 40 and 140 are forced against the interior sidewalls 4 of the window frame 2 with an outward force F. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, movement of the telescoping rod 12 in any direction other than axially along the tubes is prevented by the straight rod receiving tube sections 24 and 124. This arrangement eliminates the need for any additional means for attaching the mounting brackets to the interior sidewalls of the window frame.

As shown in FIG. 3, the outward force F is applied by the mounting brackets 40 and 140 against the interior sidewalls 4 of the window frame 2 at a height corresponding to the height of the telescoping rod 12. The telescoping curtain rod 12 and axially aligned tension adjusting mechanism 60 are located in or near the same horizontal plane in which the outward force F is applied by the mounting brackets 40 and 140 against the interior sidewalls 4. This arrangement provides greater holding power due to reducing the moment of the outward force F applied by the mounting brackets 40 and 140 against the interior sidewalls 4. The reduction of the moment results in a reduction in the tendency of the mounting brackets 40 and 140 to rotate. This arrangement allows the window curtain tension rod assembly 10 to support heavier curtains without the use of screws or adhesives.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped sections 28 and 128 of the support arms 21 and 121 are shaped to extend laterally away from the mounting brackets 40 and 140 in a direction parallel with the axial direction of the telescoping curtain rod 12 to an overlap length L. The U-shaped sections 28 and 128 are also shaped to extend laterally away from the mounting brackets 40 and 140 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the telescoping curtain rod 12 to a depth D. The U-shaped sections 28 and 128 thus include a component parallel with the axial direction of the telescoping curtain rod 12, and a component perpendicular to an axial direction of the telescoping curtain rod 12. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, such parallel and perpendicular portions of the U-shaped sections 28 and 128 provide curtain overlap regions 9 as shown in FIG. 2 when a curtain is drawn onto the U-shaped sections of the support arm from the first and second rod sections 14 and 16. The curtain overlap regions 9 provide a light-blocking function in which the side edge of the curtain 8 overlaps the window frame 2 which results in blocking the light from coming through the sides of the window frame.

An additional feature of the U-shaped sections 28 and 128 of the bracket assemblies 20 and 120 is that they function to allow the curtain 8 to hide the bracket assemblies 20 and 120, as shown by comparing FIGS. 1 and 2. The mounting brackets of conventional window curtain tension rod assemblies may typically be exposed because the window curtains cannot extend beyond the interior sidewalls of the window frame 2. Such an arrangement does not allow the window curtain tension rod assembly to be completely covered by the curtain 9. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the U-shaped sections 28 and 128 may extend beyond the interior sidewalls 4 of the window frame 2 to allow the bracket assemblies 20 and 120 of the window curtain tension rod assembly 10 to be completely covered by the curtain 9.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the window curtain tension rod assembly 10 is installed and tensioned using the tension adjusting mechanism 60, the telescoping curtain rod 12 may tend to bow in a direction B when fully tensioned, which may result in slight rotation of the mounting brackets 40 and 140 around their vertical axes. Such rotational movement of the mounting brackets 40 and 140 could result in non-flush contact between the planar surfaces of the sidewall contact pad and the sidewall 4 or the window frame 2, but by angling the mounting brackets 40 and 140 slightly, any such angular movement may compensate for in order to provide better flush mounting of the mounting brackets and the sidewalls. For purposes of illustration, the bow distance B shown in FIG. 17 is not drawn to scale and the degree of bowing has been exaggerated. The bow distance B may range from zero to an inch or so, depending on the overall length of the telescoping curtain rod 12 when installed.

The telescoping curtain rods, mounting brackets, support arms and fasteners may be made from any suitable materials such as plastics, metals and the like. For example, the telescoping curtain rods, mounting brackets and adjusting cap may be made of metal such as aluminum and/or steel. The support arms, threaded tension adjuster bolt and internally threaded sleeve may be made of metals or polymeric materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and the like.

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 as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A window curtain tension rod assembly comprising:

a telescoping curtain rod comprising a first rod section and a second rod section axially moveable and lockable with respect to each other along an axis of the telescoping curtain rod;

a first bracket assembly comprising: a first support arm including a first end receiving an end of the first rod section, a second end, and a U-shaped section between the first and second ends; and a first mounting bracket attached to the second end of the first support arm including a contact pad structured and arranged to engage an interior sidewall of a window frame, wherein a portion of the U-shaped section extends laterally away from the first mounting bracket in a direction parallel with the axis of the telescoping curtain rod to a first overlap length, and another portion of the U-shaped section extends laterally away from the first mounting bracket in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping curtain rod to a first depth to thereby provide a first curtain overlap region when a curtain is drawn onto the U-shaped section of the first support arm from the first rod section; and

a second bracket assembly comprising: a second support arm including a first end receiving an end of the first rod section, a second end, and a U-shaped section between the first and second ends; and a second mounting bracket attached to the second end of the second support arm including a contact pad structured and arranged to engage another interior sidewall of the window frame, wherein a portion of the U-shaped section extends laterally away from the second mounting bracket in a direction parallel with the axis of the telescoping curtain rod to a second overlap length, and another portion of the U-shaped section extends laterally away from the second mounting bracket in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping curtain rod to a second depth to thereby provide a second curtain overlap region when the curtain is drawn onto the U-shaped section of the second support arm from the second rod section.

2. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first support arm further comprises a substantially straight tube section between the first end and the U-shaped section that is axially aligned with the telescoping curtain rod, and the second support arm further comprises a substantially straight tube section between the first end and the U-shaped section that is axially aligned with the telescoping curtain rod.

3. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second overlap lengths are from 1 to 3 inches and the first and second depths are from 2 to 4 inches.

4. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 1, wherein a ratio of the first overlap length to the first depth is from 1:1 to 3:1, and a ratio of the second overlap length to the second depth is from 1:1 to 3:1.

5. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting bracket comprises a sidewall leg, the contact pad of the first mounting bracket is attached to the sidewall leg of the first mounting bracket, the second mounting bracket comprises a sidewall leg, and the contact pad of the second mounting bracket is attached to the sidewall leg of the second mounting bracket.

6. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 5, wherein the sidewall leg of the first mounting bracket comprises a planar surface that is non-parallel with the axis of the telescoping curtain rod, and the sidewall leg of the second mounting bracket comprises a planar surface that is non-parallel with the axis of the telescoping curtain rod.

7. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 5, wherein the sidewall leg of the first mounting bracket comprises a planar surface defining a normal direction that is non-parallel with the axis of the telescoping curtain rod, and the sidewall leg of the second mounting bracket comprises a planar surface defining a normal direction that is non-parallel with the axis of the telescoping curtain rod.

8. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 7, wherein the normal direction of the planar surface of the sidewall leg of the first mounting bracket is disposed at a first bracket angle measured in a horizontal plane, and the normal direction of the planar surface of the sidewall leg of the second mounting bracket is disposed at a second bracket angle measured in a horizontal plane.

9. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second bracket angles are from 5 to 20°.

10. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second bracket assemblies comprises a tension adjusting mechanism structured and arranged to extend the end of the first or second rod sections from the first end of the first or second support arm.

11. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 10, wherein the tension adjusting mechanism comprises a threaded tension adjuster bolt axially aligned with and rotatable around the axis of the telescoping curtain rod, and the threaded tension adjuster bolt comprises external threads threadingly engaged with internal threads located at the end of the first or second rod sections.

12. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 11, wherein the tension adjusting mechanism comprises a radially inwardly projecting collar engaged with the threaded tension adjuster bolt for substantially preventing axial movement of the threaded tension adjuster bolt in relation to the first or second support arm, when the threaded tension adjuster bolt is rotated.

13. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting bracket is pivotally mounted on the second end of the first support arm, and the second mounting bracket is pivotally mounted on the second end of the second support arm.

14. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mounting bracket further comprises a front wall leg structured and arranged to engage a front wall of the window frame, and the second mounting bracket further comprises a front wall leg structured and arranged to engage the front wall of the window frame.

15. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 14, wherein the front wall leg of the first mounting bracket comprises a substantially planar surface that is substantially perpendicular to a planar surface of the sidewall leg of the first mounting bracket, and the front wall leg of the second mounting bracket comprises a substantially planar surface that is substantially perpendicular to a planar surface of the sidewall leg of the second mounting bracket.

16. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 14, wherein the sidewall leg and the front wall leg of the first mounting bracket further comprise a resilient pad, and the sidewall leg and the front wall leg of the second mounting bracket further comprise a resilient pad.

17. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 14, wherein the second end of the first support arm comprises a planar surface engaging a planar surface of the front wall leg of the first mounting bracket, and the second end of the second support arm comprises a planar surface engaging a planar surface of the front wall leg of the second mounting bracket.

18. The window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the U-shaped section of the first support arm includes an upwardly open recess, and the U-shaped section of the second support arm includes an upwardly open recess.

19. A bracket assembly for a window curtain tension rod comprising:

a support arm comprising a first end structured and arranged to receive an end of a curtain rod, a second end, a substantially straight section extending from the first end defining an axial direction, and a U-shaped section extending from the second end to the substantially straight section; and

a mounting bracket attached to the second end of the support arm comprising a sidewall leg structured and arranged to engage an interior sidewall of a window frame and a front wall leg structured and arranged to engage a front wall of the window frame, wherein a portion of the U-shaped section of the support arm extends laterally away from the mounting bracket in a direction parallel with the axial direction of the substantially straight section of the support arm to an overlap length, and another portion of the U-shaped section extends laterally away from the mounting bracket in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the substantially straight section to a depth to thereby provide a curtain overlap region when a curtain is drawn onto the U-shaped section of the first bracket assembly from the substantially straight section.

20. The bracket assembly of claim 21, further comprising a tension adjusting mechanism at least partially in the substantially straight section comprising a threaded tension adjuster bolt axially aligned with and rotatable around the axis of the substantially straight section, a radially inwardly projecting collar engaged with the threaded tension adjuster bolt for substantially preventing axial movement of the threaded tension adjuster bolt in relation to the substantially straight portion, and the threaded tension adjuster bolt comprises external threads threadingly engaged with internal threads located at an end of a curtain rod to extend the curtain rod in the axial direction in relation to the support arm.

21. A method of mounting a window curtain tension rod assembly of claim 1 onto a window frame, the method comprising:

positioning the mounting bracket of the first bracket assembly against an interior sidewall of a window frame;

positioning the mounting bracket of the second bracket assembly against an opposite interior sidewall of the window frame;

axially locking the first and second rod sections together; and

tightening a tension adjusting mechanism to extend the end of the first or second rod section from the support arm to thereby force the mounting brackets of the first and second bracket assemblies against the interior sidewalls of the window frame, the tension adjusting mechanism comprising a threaded tension adjuster bolt axially aligned with and rotatable around the axis of the telescoping curtain rod, and the threaded tension adjuster bolt comprises external threads threadingly engaged with internal threads located at the end of the first or second rod sections.