CA2632969A1 - Window covering support rod insert for finial attachment - Google Patents
Window covering support rod insert for finial attachment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2632969A1 CA2632969A1 CA 2632969 CA2632969A CA2632969A1 CA 2632969 A1 CA2632969 A1 CA 2632969A1 CA 2632969 CA2632969 CA 2632969 CA 2632969 A CA2632969 A CA 2632969A CA 2632969 A1 CA2632969 A1 CA 2632969A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- support rod
- insert
- hollow support
- cylindrical body
- substantially cylindrical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 36
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 16
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002845 discoloration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47H—FURNISHINGS FOR WINDOWS OR DOORS
- A47H1/00—Curtain suspension devices
- A47H1/02—Curtain rods
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47H—FURNISHINGS FOR WINDOWS OR DOORS
- A47H1/00—Curtain suspension devices
- A47H2001/003—Constructional details common to rods or rails
- A47H2001/006—End-stops, i.e. devices preventing the curtain falling off the end of the rail or rod
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47H—FURNISHINGS FOR WINDOWS OR DOORS
- A47H23/00—Curtains; Draperies
- A47H2023/003—Additional elements for the decoration of curtains
Landscapes
- Catalysts (AREA)
Abstract
An insert for a hollow support rod, wherein the hollow support rod includes an inner volume and is arranged to support a window treatment, the insert including a substantially cylindrical body having a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within the hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a first through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body, wherein the insert is coaxially positionable proximate an end of the hollow support rod.
Description
Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 WINDOW COVERING SUPPORT ROD INSERT FOR FINIAL ATTACHMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention broadly relates to window coverings, more specifically to window covering support rods, and even more particularly to a window coveriing support rod insert for finial attachment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention broadly relates to window coverings, more specifically to window covering support rods, and even more particularly to a window coveriing support rod insert for finial attachment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] For at least several hundred years, it has been common to cover windows or openings in a building wall, in whole or in part, with curtains, shutters or the like.
io Curtains, often comprising flexible fabric, require a support means arranged to hold the curtain in position relative to the window being covered, i.e., provide a mounting means proximate the upper portion of the window. Typically, the mounting means comprises a rod and the material and size of the rod is dependent upon the mass of the curtain to be supported. For example, a wooden rod having an outer diameter of approximately two inches may be used to support a relatively heavy curtain material. More recently, use of hollow metal rods has become quite common for such support means.
io Curtains, often comprising flexible fabric, require a support means arranged to hold the curtain in position relative to the window being covered, i.e., provide a mounting means proximate the upper portion of the window. Typically, the mounting means comprises a rod and the material and size of the rod is dependent upon the mass of the curtain to be supported. For example, a wooden rod having an outer diameter of approximately two inches may be used to support a relatively heavy curtain material. More recently, use of hollow metal rods has become quite common for such support means.
[0003] In addition to the curtains, ends pieces of the aforementioned support means, i.e., finials, often form a part of a window treatment. The use of finials has created a need to develop effective means of attaching the finials to the ends of the support means. In view of this problem, a variety of attachment techniques having been used to retain a finial within or to a support means. For example, finials have been fixedly secured to the support means via adhesives or welding.
Alternatively, finials have been releasably secured to the support means via a tapered post frictionally engaged within a bore. United States Patent No. 5,642,595 teaches a finial support arrangement comprising a support sleeve inserted within a hollow support rod wherein a support post of a finial is inserted. In this arrangement, the support post is force or interference fitted within the support sleeve, which support sleeve is force or interference fitted within the hollow support rod. Unfortunately, retaining a finial within a Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 support rod according to this arrangement suffers from several drawbacks. For example, the finial is quite easily dislodged from the support rod due to the mass of the finial cantilevered opposite the support post, and the shoulder portion of the support sleeve is viewable after the finial is inserted within the sleeve and the sleeve is inserted within the support rod, as the sleeve must include the shoulder to retain the sleeve in the proper position to create the force or interference fit. Furthermore, the above described finial attachment methods have resulted in inconsistent positioninq of finials, e.g., finials which are not co-axial with the support rod.
Alternatively, finials have been releasably secured to the support means via a tapered post frictionally engaged within a bore. United States Patent No. 5,642,595 teaches a finial support arrangement comprising a support sleeve inserted within a hollow support rod wherein a support post of a finial is inserted. In this arrangement, the support post is force or interference fitted within the support sleeve, which support sleeve is force or interference fitted within the hollow support rod. Unfortunately, retaining a finial within a Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 support rod according to this arrangement suffers from several drawbacks. For example, the finial is quite easily dislodged from the support rod due to the mass of the finial cantilevered opposite the support post, and the shoulder portion of the support sleeve is viewable after the finial is inserted within the sleeve and the sleeve is inserted within the support rod, as the sleeve must include the shoulder to retain the sleeve in the proper position to create the force or interference fit. Furthermore, the above described finial attachment methods have resulted in inconsistent positioninq of finials, e.g., finials which are not co-axial with the support rod.
[0004] Additionally, finials have been releasably secured to the support means by lo including a threaded post on either the finial or the support means, e.g., a screw. For example, wooden support means may include a bore located in each end of the support rod wherein a finial having a threaded post is installed therein. Contrarily, the supports means may include a threaded post at each end of the support rod and a finial having a bore therein is installed over each of the threaded posts. The aforementioned methods is of attaching a finial to a support rod are quite easy when the support rod is constructed from wood; however, when the support rod is constructed from sheet metal, the attachment is more difficult. The rod is typically formed by a rolling process, and the rod, being hollow, requires some additional feature to permit the attachment:
of a finial via a threaded post. Heretofore, the additional feature has been provided by welding 2o an insert within the rod, wherein the insert includes a threaded through hole arranged for receipt of a finial having a threaded post therein. This welding operation, typically tack welding, is labor intensive, expensive, may result in discoloration of the metal in the areas where the welding occurs and limits the material of construction foi-the insert to metal.
25 [0005] As can be derived from the variety of devices and methods directed at attaching a finial to a support rod, many means have been contemplated to aiccomplish the desired end, i.e., consistent and robust attachment of a finial to a suipport rod.
Heretofore, tradeoffs between ease of assembly and strength of attachrnent were Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 required. Thus, there is a long-felt need for a means to attach a finial to a support rod which is simple, economical and reproducible.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention broadly comprises an insert for a hollow support rod, wherein the hollow support rod includes an inner volume and is arranged to support a window treatment. The insert includes a substantially cylindrical body having a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within the hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a first through hole io arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body. The insert is coaxially positionable proximate an end of the hollow support rod. In some embodiments, the insert further includes at least one axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the hollow support rod includes at least one rolled portion or at least one axial channel disposed within the inner volume and the at least is one axial channel of the insert is arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion or the at least one axial channel of the hollow support rod. In other embodirnents, the insert further includes at least two axial channels between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the hollow support rod includes at least one rolled portion in combination with at least one axial channel disposed within the inner volume and the at least two 2o axial channels of the insert are arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion in combination with the at least one axial channel of the hollow support rod. In still other embodiments, the insert further includes at least three axial channels be'tween the oppositely disposed ends.
[0007] In still yet other embodiments, the substantially cylindrical body further 25 includes at least one second through hole arranged between the pair of oppositely disposed ends and between the first through hole and the side wall. In some embodiments, the insert further includes a finial having a threaded post and the first through hole is threaded and arranged to receive the threaded post of the finial therein.
Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 In other embodiments, the hollow support rod further includes at least one depressed portion positioned within the circumferential channel. In some embodirnents, the substantially cylindrical body is constructed from a metal material, while in other embodiments the substantially cylindrical body is constructed from a plastic material and in still yet other embodiments the substantially cylindrical body is constriucted from a combination of a plastic material and a metal material.
[0008] The present invention also broadly comprises a support system for a window treatment including a first hollow support rod having first and second ends, an inner volume and at least one depressed portion proximate the first end, the first hollow lo support rod arranged to support the window treatment, and a first insert having a substantially cylindrical body including a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical body is arranged to fit within the first hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body. The first insert is coaxially positioned proximate the first end of the first hollow support rod and the at least one depressed portion proximate the first end is positioned within the circumferential channel of the first insert. In some embodiments, the support system further includes a first finial having a threaded post, wherein the through hole in the first insert is threaded and arranged to receive the threaded post of the first finial therein.
[0009] In other embodiments, the first insert further includes at leasi: one axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the first hollow support rod includes at least one rolled portion or at least one axial channel disposed within the inner volume and the at least one axial channel of the first insert is arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion or the at least one axial channel of the first hollow support rod. In still yet other embodiments, the support system further includes a second insert having a substantially cylindrical body including a pair of oppositely disposecl ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical body is arranged to fit within the Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 first hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body, wherein the first hollow support rod further iincludes at least one depressed portion proximate the second end and the second insert is coaxially positioned proximate the second end of the first hollow support rod and the at least one depressed portion proximate the second end is positioned within the circumferential channel of the second insert. In some of these embodirnents, the support system further includes a second finial having a threaded post, wherein the through hole in the second insert is threaded and arranged to receive the threaded post io of the second finial therein, while in others of these embodiments, the second insert further includes at least one axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the first hollow support rod includes at least one rolled portion or at least one axial channel disposed within the inner volume and the at least one axial channel of the second insert is arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion or the at least one axial channel of the first hollow support rod.
[0010] In yet further embodiments, the support system further includes a second hollow support rod having an inner volume, a second diameter and at least one depressed portion proximate a first end, the second hollow support rod is airranged to support the window treatment and the first hollow support rod includes a first diameter smaller than the second diameter. In these embodiments, the support system also includes a second insert having a substantially cylindrical body including a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical body is arranged to fit within the second hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body, wherein the second insert is coaxially positioned proximate the first end of the second hollow support rod and the at least one depressed portion proximate the first end of the second hollow support rod is positioned within the circumferential channel of the Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 second insert. In some of these embodiments, the first insert further includes a first axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the first hollow support rod includes a first rolled portion disposed within the inner volume of the first hollow support rod and the first axial channel of the first insert is arranged to receive the first rolled portion of said first hollow support rod. Furthermore, in some of these embodiments, the first insert further includes a second axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the first hollow support rod further includes a first axial channel disposed within the inner volume and the second axial channel is arranged to receive the first axial channel of the first hollow support rod, and the second to insert further includes an axial channel between said oppositely disposed ends, wherein the second hollow support rod further includes a rolled portion disposed within the inner volume of the second hollow support rod and the axial channel of the second insert is arranged to receive the rolled portion of the second hollow support rod and the first axial channel of the first hollow support rod is arranged to receive the rolled portion of is the second hollow support rod.
[0011] The present invention also broadly comprises a method of affixing a finial to a hollow support rod including the steps of: a) positioning an insert within an end of a hollow support rod, wherein the insert includes a substantially cylindrical bod'y having a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially 20 cylindrical body is arranged to fit within the hollow support rod, a circuimferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body and the insert is coaxially positioned relative to the hollow support rod; and, b) forming at least one depressed portion in the hollow support rod, wherein the at least one depressed portion 25 is positioned within the circumferential channel. In some embodiments, the finial includes a threaded post, the through hole is threaded and the method of affixing a finial to a hollow support rod further includes the step of: c) installing the threaded post within the through hole.
of a finial via a threaded post. Heretofore, the additional feature has been provided by welding 2o an insert within the rod, wherein the insert includes a threaded through hole arranged for receipt of a finial having a threaded post therein. This welding operation, typically tack welding, is labor intensive, expensive, may result in discoloration of the metal in the areas where the welding occurs and limits the material of construction foi-the insert to metal.
25 [0005] As can be derived from the variety of devices and methods directed at attaching a finial to a support rod, many means have been contemplated to aiccomplish the desired end, i.e., consistent and robust attachment of a finial to a suipport rod.
Heretofore, tradeoffs between ease of assembly and strength of attachrnent were Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 required. Thus, there is a long-felt need for a means to attach a finial to a support rod which is simple, economical and reproducible.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention broadly comprises an insert for a hollow support rod, wherein the hollow support rod includes an inner volume and is arranged to support a window treatment. The insert includes a substantially cylindrical body having a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within the hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a first through hole io arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body. The insert is coaxially positionable proximate an end of the hollow support rod. In some embodiments, the insert further includes at least one axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the hollow support rod includes at least one rolled portion or at least one axial channel disposed within the inner volume and the at least is one axial channel of the insert is arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion or the at least one axial channel of the hollow support rod. In other embodirnents, the insert further includes at least two axial channels between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the hollow support rod includes at least one rolled portion in combination with at least one axial channel disposed within the inner volume and the at least two 2o axial channels of the insert are arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion in combination with the at least one axial channel of the hollow support rod. In still other embodiments, the insert further includes at least three axial channels be'tween the oppositely disposed ends.
[0007] In still yet other embodiments, the substantially cylindrical body further 25 includes at least one second through hole arranged between the pair of oppositely disposed ends and between the first through hole and the side wall. In some embodiments, the insert further includes a finial having a threaded post and the first through hole is threaded and arranged to receive the threaded post of the finial therein.
Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 In other embodiments, the hollow support rod further includes at least one depressed portion positioned within the circumferential channel. In some embodirnents, the substantially cylindrical body is constructed from a metal material, while in other embodiments the substantially cylindrical body is constructed from a plastic material and in still yet other embodiments the substantially cylindrical body is constriucted from a combination of a plastic material and a metal material.
[0008] The present invention also broadly comprises a support system for a window treatment including a first hollow support rod having first and second ends, an inner volume and at least one depressed portion proximate the first end, the first hollow lo support rod arranged to support the window treatment, and a first insert having a substantially cylindrical body including a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical body is arranged to fit within the first hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body. The first insert is coaxially positioned proximate the first end of the first hollow support rod and the at least one depressed portion proximate the first end is positioned within the circumferential channel of the first insert. In some embodiments, the support system further includes a first finial having a threaded post, wherein the through hole in the first insert is threaded and arranged to receive the threaded post of the first finial therein.
[0009] In other embodiments, the first insert further includes at leasi: one axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the first hollow support rod includes at least one rolled portion or at least one axial channel disposed within the inner volume and the at least one axial channel of the first insert is arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion or the at least one axial channel of the first hollow support rod. In still yet other embodiments, the support system further includes a second insert having a substantially cylindrical body including a pair of oppositely disposecl ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical body is arranged to fit within the Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 first hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body, wherein the first hollow support rod further iincludes at least one depressed portion proximate the second end and the second insert is coaxially positioned proximate the second end of the first hollow support rod and the at least one depressed portion proximate the second end is positioned within the circumferential channel of the second insert. In some of these embodirnents, the support system further includes a second finial having a threaded post, wherein the through hole in the second insert is threaded and arranged to receive the threaded post io of the second finial therein, while in others of these embodiments, the second insert further includes at least one axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the first hollow support rod includes at least one rolled portion or at least one axial channel disposed within the inner volume and the at least one axial channel of the second insert is arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion or the at least one axial channel of the first hollow support rod.
[0010] In yet further embodiments, the support system further includes a second hollow support rod having an inner volume, a second diameter and at least one depressed portion proximate a first end, the second hollow support rod is airranged to support the window treatment and the first hollow support rod includes a first diameter smaller than the second diameter. In these embodiments, the support system also includes a second insert having a substantially cylindrical body including a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical body is arranged to fit within the second hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body, wherein the second insert is coaxially positioned proximate the first end of the second hollow support rod and the at least one depressed portion proximate the first end of the second hollow support rod is positioned within the circumferential channel of the Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 second insert. In some of these embodiments, the first insert further includes a first axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the first hollow support rod includes a first rolled portion disposed within the inner volume of the first hollow support rod and the first axial channel of the first insert is arranged to receive the first rolled portion of said first hollow support rod. Furthermore, in some of these embodiments, the first insert further includes a second axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends, wherein the first hollow support rod further includes a first axial channel disposed within the inner volume and the second axial channel is arranged to receive the first axial channel of the first hollow support rod, and the second to insert further includes an axial channel between said oppositely disposed ends, wherein the second hollow support rod further includes a rolled portion disposed within the inner volume of the second hollow support rod and the axial channel of the second insert is arranged to receive the rolled portion of the second hollow support rod and the first axial channel of the first hollow support rod is arranged to receive the rolled portion of is the second hollow support rod.
[0011] The present invention also broadly comprises a method of affixing a finial to a hollow support rod including the steps of: a) positioning an insert within an end of a hollow support rod, wherein the insert includes a substantially cylindrical bod'y having a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially 20 cylindrical body is arranged to fit within the hollow support rod, a circuimferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body and the insert is coaxially positioned relative to the hollow support rod; and, b) forming at least one depressed portion in the hollow support rod, wherein the at least one depressed portion 25 is positioned within the circumferential channel. In some embodiments, the finial includes a threaded post, the through hole is threaded and the method of affixing a finial to a hollow support rod further includes the step of: c) installing the threaded post within the through hole.
Agent Ref. Nlo. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 [0012] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a improved means for affixing a decorative finial to a support rod for a window treatment or covering.
[0013] It is another general object of the present invention to securely and reproducibly fasten a decorative finial to a support rod for a window treatment or covering.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
io [0015] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a window treatment support rod system having finials attached at each end via a present invention insert;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular support rod;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a preseni` invention insert;
Figure 4A is a perspective view of a first end of the hollow tubular support rod of Figure 2 having the insert of Figure 3 installed therein;
Figure 4B is a perspective view of a second end of the hollow tubular support rod of Figure 2 having the insert of Figure 3 installed therein;
Figure 5 is a side elevational view of a finial having an integral threaded post therein;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view depicting the insertion of the finial of Figure 5 within the support rod assembly of Figure 4A;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view of support rod assembly of Figure 4A
having the finial of Figure 5 installed therein;
[0013] It is another general object of the present invention to securely and reproducibly fasten a decorative finial to a support rod for a window treatment or covering.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
io [0015] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a window treatment support rod system having finials attached at each end via a present invention insert;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a hollow tubular support rod;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a preseni` invention insert;
Figure 4A is a perspective view of a first end of the hollow tubular support rod of Figure 2 having the insert of Figure 3 installed therein;
Figure 4B is a perspective view of a second end of the hollow tubular support rod of Figure 2 having the insert of Figure 3 installed therein;
Figure 5 is a side elevational view of a finial having an integral threaded post therein;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view depicting the insertion of the finial of Figure 5 within the support rod assembly of Figure 4A;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view of support rod assembly of Figure 4A
having the finial of Figure 5 installed therein;
Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 Figure 8 is an end elevational view of the support rod assembly of Figure 4A;
Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the support rod assembly of Figure 4A taken generally along Line 9-9 of Figure 6;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a present invention insert;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a present invention insert;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of still yet another embodiment of a to present invention insert;
Figure 13A is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention insert;
Figure 13B is a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of the present invention; and, Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a pressing machine affixing an embodiment of a present insert within a hollow tubular support rod.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
[0017] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the support rod assembly of Figure 4A taken generally along Line 9-9 of Figure 6;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a present invention insert;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a present invention insert;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of still yet another embodiment of a to present invention insert;
Figure 13A is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention insert;
Figure 13B is a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of the present invention; and, Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a pressing machine affixing an embodiment of a present insert within a hollow tubular support rod.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects.
[0017] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 [0018] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill ini the art to which this invention belongs. It should be appreciated that the term "window treatment"
is synonymous with terms such as "window covering", "drapery", "curtain", etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims.
Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
[0019] Adverting now to the figures, Figure 1 shows a front elevational view of io window treatment support rod system 20 having decorative finials 22a and 22b attached at each end 24a and 24b, respectively, via present invention insert 26 (see Figures 3, 4A, 6 and 7). Figure 2 shows a perspective view of hollow tubular support rod 28, while Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention insert, i.e., insert 26. Figure 4A shows a perspective view of first end 24a of is hollow tubular support rod 28 having insert 26 installed therein, while Figure 4B shows a perspective view of second end 24b of hollow tubular support rod 28 having insert 26 installed therein. The following discussion is best understood in view of Figures 1 through 4B.
[0020] The present invention broadly comprises insert 26 for use in hollow 20 support rod 28, wherein hollow support rod 28 comprises inner volume 30 and is arranged to support window treatment 31, e.g., a curtain, a drape, etc..
Insert 26 comprises substantially cylindrical body 32 comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends 34a and 34b and side wall 36 therebetween. Substantially cylindrical body 32 is arranged to fit within hollow support rod 28, i.e., within inner volume 30.
Insert 26 25 further comprises circumferential channel 38 arranged about and within at least a portion of side wall 36. It should be appreciated that although in the embodiments shown in the figures circumferential channel 38 is depicted as a continuous channel Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 disposed about the entire circumference of side wall 36, circumferential chanriel 38 may also be discontinuous and formed within only a portion or combination of portions of side wall 36, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Insert 26 further comprises first through hole 40 arranged co-axially and centrally within substantially cylindrical body 32. In this instance, coaxially and centrally located is intended to mean that both cylindrical body 32 and through hole 40 share a common longitudinal axis, i.e., axis 42. It should be further appreciated that insert 26 is coaxially positionable proximate an end of hollow support rod 28, e.g., end 24a or 24b.
In this instance, coaxially postionable is intended to mean that longitudinal axis 42 of io cylindrical body 32 coincides with, or in other words, is aligned with, longitudinal axis 44 of hollow support rod 28, thereby forming longitudinal axis 46.
[0021] In the embodiment of the present invention insert shown in Figures 3, and 4B, insert 26 further comprises at least one axial channel, e.g., axial channel 48, between oppositely disposed ends 34a and 34b, while hollow support rod 28 comprises ls at least one rolled portion (see discussion infra and Figures 13A and 13B) or at least one axial channel, e.g., axial channel 50, disposed within inner volume 30. It should be appreciated that although Figure 2 depicts hollow support rod 28 with axial channel 50, support rod 28 may include other structures substituted for channel 50, e.g., rolled portion 51 (see Figure 13B). The at least one axial channel of insert 26, i.e., axial 20 channel 48, is arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion (see discussion infra and Figures 13A and 13B) or is arranged to receive the at least one axial channel, i.e., axial channel 50, of hollow support rod 28. Substantially cylindrical body 32 further comprises at least one second through hole, e.g., through holes 52, arranged between pair of oppositely disposed ends 34a and 34b and between through hole 41) and side 25 wall 36. It should be appreciated that the arrangement of holes 52 may vary from the embodiments shown in the figures, e.g., substantially cylindrical body 32 may include two through holes 52, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 invention. Hollow support rod 28 further comprises at least one depressed portion, e.g., depressed portion 54. After insert 26 is positioned within hollow support i-od 28, as shown in Figure 4A, depressed portion 54 is positioned within circumferential channel 38, thereby retaining insert 26 within hollow support rod 28. It should be appreciated that substantially cylindrical body 32 may be constructed from a metal material, a plastic material or combinations thereof. For example, the region including and surrounding through hole 40 may be constructed from a metal material, while the remainirig portions of substantially cylindrical body 32 may be constructed from a plastic material.
[0022] The present invention further comprises support system 20 fiDr window io treatment 31. Support system 20 comprises first hollow support rod 28.
First hollow support rod 28 comprises first and second ends 24a and 24b, respectively, inner volume 30 and at least one depressed portion, e.g., depressed portion 54, proximate first end 24a. First hollow support rod 28 is arranged to support a window treatment, e.g., window treatment 31. Support system 20 further comprises first insert 26. First insert 26 comprises substantially cylindrical body 32 which comprises pair of oppositely disposed ends 34a and 34b and side wall 36 therebetween. Substantially cylindrical body 32 is arranged to fit within first hollow support rod 28. First insert 26 further comprises circumferential channel 38 arranged about and within at least a portion of side wall 36, as described supra. First insert 26 further comprises through hole 40 2o arranged co-axially and centrally within substantially cylindrical body 32, as described supra. As shown in Figure 4A, first insert 26 is coaxially positioned proximate first end 24a of first hollow support rod 28 and at least one depressed portion, e.g., depressed portion 54, proximate first end 24a, is positioned within circumferential channel 38 of first insert 26.
[0023] Figure 5 shows a side elevational view of finial 22a having integral threaded post 58 therein, while Figure 6 shows a side elevational view depicting the insertion of finial 22a within support rod assembly 20, and Figure 7 shows a side Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 elevational view of support rod assembly 20 having finial 22a installed therein. The following discussion is best understood in view of Figures 1 through 7.
[0024] The present invention may further comprise a first finial, e.g., finial 22a.
Finial 22a comprises decorative portion 60 and threaded post 58. First through hole 40 includes threaded portion 62 which is arranged to receive threaded post 58 of finial 22a therein. Support system 20 further comprises a second finial, e.g., finial 22b. Similar to finial 22a, finial 22b also comprises decorative portion 60 and threaded post 58.
Through hole 64 in second insert 66 includes threaded portion 68 and is arranged to receive threaded post 58 of second finial 22b therein. It should be appreciated that lo insert 66 is structurally identical to insert 26, i.e., including the substantially cylindrical body, circumferential channel, etc..
[0025] Figure 8 shows an end elevational view of support rod 28 havin(D insert installed therein, while Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of support rod 28 having insert 26 installed therein taken generally along Line 9-9 of Figure 6. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a present invention insert, i.e., insert 70, Figure 11 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a present invention insert, i.e., insert 72, and Figure 12 shows a perspective view of still yet another embodiment of a present invention insert, i.e., insert 74. Figure 13A shows a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention insert, i.e., insert 70, and Figure 13B shows a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion is best understood in view of Figures 1 through 13B.
[0026] In some embodiments, the insert, e.g., insert 70, further cornprises at least two axial channels, e.g., axial channels 76a and 76b, between oppositely disposed ends 78a and 78b. In particular, insert 70 is used in combination with a hollow support rod, e.g., hollow support rod 80, which comprises at least one rolled portion, e.g., rolled portion 82, in combination with at least one axial channel, e.g., axial Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 channel 84, disposed within inner volume 86. Axial channels 76a and 76b of said insert 70 are arranged to receive rolled portion 82 in combination with axial channel 84 of hollow support rod 80. In another embodiment of the present invention, insert comprises an enlarged axial channel 88 thereby providing additional clearance for a hollow support rod having a larger rolled portion and/or a larger axial chanriel. In still yet other embodiments, insert 74 comprises at least three axial channels, e.g., axial channels 90a, 90b, 90c and 90d between oppositely disposed ends 92a and 92b.
It should be appreciated that the location and/or shape of the axial channels may vary, for example, to change the amount of material used when manufacturing a present invention insert or to provide clearance for alternate embodiments of the hollow support rod, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed inventicin.
[0027] In some embodiments, support system 20 further comprises second insert 26. It should be appreciated that the first and second inserts may be the same, i.e., inserts 26 and 66 as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, or alternatively, the first and second inserts may be different, i.e., first insert 70 shown in Figure 13A and second insert 26 shown in Figure 13B. A full description of inserts 26, 66 and 70 is included supra.
Hollow support rod 28 further comprises at least one depressed portion proximate second end 24b, i.e., depressed portion 94, second insert 66 is coaxially positioned proximate second end 24b of hollow support rod 28 and depressed portion 94 is positioned within the circumferential channel (not shown) of second insert 66.
As second insert 66 is structurally identical to insert 26, it should be appreciated that second insert 66 further comprises at least one axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion or the at least one axial channel of hollow support rod 28.
[0028] In other embodiments, support system 100 comprises first hollow support rod 80 comprising first and second ends, inner volume 86, at least one depressed portion proximate each of the first and second ends, first rolled portion 82 disposed Agent Ref. Nlo. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 within inner volume 86 and first axial channel 76a of first insert 70 is arranged to receive first rolled portion 82. First hollow support rod 80 further comprises first axial channel 84 disposed within inner volume 86 and second axial channel 76b of irisert 70 is arranged to receive first axial channel 84 of first hollow support rod 80.
First insert 70 comprises substantially cylindrical body 102 comprising pair of oppositely disposed ends 78a and 78b and side wall 104 therebetween. Substantially cylindrical body 102 is arranged to fit within first hollow support rod 80. First insert 70 further comprises circumferential channel 106 which is arranged about and within at least a portion of side wall 104, as described supra, and insert 70 further comprises through hole 108 lo arranged co-axially and centrally within substantially cylindrical body 102. First insert 70 is coaxially positioned proximate the first end of first hollow support rod 80 and the at least one depressed portion proximate the first end is positioned within circumferential channel 106, as described in the embodiments above. Support system 1100 further comprises second hollow support rod 110 comprising first and second ends, inner is volume 112, second diameter 114 and at least one depressed portion proximate the first end. Second hollow support rod 110 is arranged to support a window treatment.
Moreover, first hollow support rod 80 comprises first diameter 116 which diameter is smaller than second diameter 114. In short, first hollow support rod 80 fits within second hollow support rod 110. Support system 100 further comprises second insert 2o 26, and the structure of insert 26 and arrangement relative to hollow support rod 110 is described in detail supra, i.e., in view of Figures 1 through 4B. Seconcl insert 26 comprises axial channel 48 between oppositely disposed ends 34a and 34b.
Second hollow support rod 110 further comprises rolled portion 51 disposed within inner volume 112 and axial channel 48 is arranged to receive rolled portion 51 and first axial channel 25 84 is also arranged to receive second rolled portion 51.
Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 [0029] Figure 14 is a side elevational view of pressing machine 118 affixing an embodiment of a present insert, e.g., insert 26, within hollow tubular support rod 28.
The following discussion is best understood in view of Figures 1 through 14.
[0030] The present invention also comprises a method of affixing a finial, e.g., finial 22a and/or 22b to a hollow support rod, e.g., hollow support rod 28.
The method comprising the step of positioning an insert, e.g., insert 26, 66, 70, 72 or 74, within an end of a hollow support rod, e.g., end 24a or 24b of hollow support rod 28. As described above, the insert comprises a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical io body is arranged to fit within the hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body and the insert is coaxially positioned relative to the hollow support rod. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of positioning the hollow support rod, e.g., hollow support rod 28, having the insert, e.g., insert 26, 66, 70, 72 or 74, positioned therein, within press 118.
Thus, hollow support rod 28 is positioned within first press element 120. The present invention method further comprises the step of forming at least one depressed portion, e.g., depressed portion 54 or 94, in the hollow support rod, e.g., hollow support rod 28, via press 118, wherein the at least one depressed portion is positioned within the circumferential channel, e.g., circumferential channel 38 or 106. In other words, after hollow support rod 28 is positioned within first press element 120, second press element 122 including protrusion 124 is forced against hollow support rod 28 via hydraulic element 126, thereby forming the at least one depressed portion. It should be appreciated that the first press element 120 may also include a protrusion for forming a depressed portion, and hydraulic element 126 may be replaced with an alternate pressing means, e.g., an harbor press, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. In some embodiments, the present invention method Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 further comprises the step of installing a threaded post, e.g., threaded post 58, of a finial, e.g., finial 22a and 22b, within a through hole, e.g., through hole 40, 64 or 108, within the insert, e.g., insert 26, 66, 70, 72 or 74.
[0031] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
is synonymous with terms such as "window covering", "drapery", "curtain", etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims.
Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
[0019] Adverting now to the figures, Figure 1 shows a front elevational view of io window treatment support rod system 20 having decorative finials 22a and 22b attached at each end 24a and 24b, respectively, via present invention insert 26 (see Figures 3, 4A, 6 and 7). Figure 2 shows a perspective view of hollow tubular support rod 28, while Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention insert, i.e., insert 26. Figure 4A shows a perspective view of first end 24a of is hollow tubular support rod 28 having insert 26 installed therein, while Figure 4B shows a perspective view of second end 24b of hollow tubular support rod 28 having insert 26 installed therein. The following discussion is best understood in view of Figures 1 through 4B.
[0020] The present invention broadly comprises insert 26 for use in hollow 20 support rod 28, wherein hollow support rod 28 comprises inner volume 30 and is arranged to support window treatment 31, e.g., a curtain, a drape, etc..
Insert 26 comprises substantially cylindrical body 32 comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends 34a and 34b and side wall 36 therebetween. Substantially cylindrical body 32 is arranged to fit within hollow support rod 28, i.e., within inner volume 30.
Insert 26 25 further comprises circumferential channel 38 arranged about and within at least a portion of side wall 36. It should be appreciated that although in the embodiments shown in the figures circumferential channel 38 is depicted as a continuous channel Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 disposed about the entire circumference of side wall 36, circumferential chanriel 38 may also be discontinuous and formed within only a portion or combination of portions of side wall 36, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Insert 26 further comprises first through hole 40 arranged co-axially and centrally within substantially cylindrical body 32. In this instance, coaxially and centrally located is intended to mean that both cylindrical body 32 and through hole 40 share a common longitudinal axis, i.e., axis 42. It should be further appreciated that insert 26 is coaxially positionable proximate an end of hollow support rod 28, e.g., end 24a or 24b.
In this instance, coaxially postionable is intended to mean that longitudinal axis 42 of io cylindrical body 32 coincides with, or in other words, is aligned with, longitudinal axis 44 of hollow support rod 28, thereby forming longitudinal axis 46.
[0021] In the embodiment of the present invention insert shown in Figures 3, and 4B, insert 26 further comprises at least one axial channel, e.g., axial channel 48, between oppositely disposed ends 34a and 34b, while hollow support rod 28 comprises ls at least one rolled portion (see discussion infra and Figures 13A and 13B) or at least one axial channel, e.g., axial channel 50, disposed within inner volume 30. It should be appreciated that although Figure 2 depicts hollow support rod 28 with axial channel 50, support rod 28 may include other structures substituted for channel 50, e.g., rolled portion 51 (see Figure 13B). The at least one axial channel of insert 26, i.e., axial 20 channel 48, is arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion (see discussion infra and Figures 13A and 13B) or is arranged to receive the at least one axial channel, i.e., axial channel 50, of hollow support rod 28. Substantially cylindrical body 32 further comprises at least one second through hole, e.g., through holes 52, arranged between pair of oppositely disposed ends 34a and 34b and between through hole 41) and side 25 wall 36. It should be appreciated that the arrangement of holes 52 may vary from the embodiments shown in the figures, e.g., substantially cylindrical body 32 may include two through holes 52, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 invention. Hollow support rod 28 further comprises at least one depressed portion, e.g., depressed portion 54. After insert 26 is positioned within hollow support i-od 28, as shown in Figure 4A, depressed portion 54 is positioned within circumferential channel 38, thereby retaining insert 26 within hollow support rod 28. It should be appreciated that substantially cylindrical body 32 may be constructed from a metal material, a plastic material or combinations thereof. For example, the region including and surrounding through hole 40 may be constructed from a metal material, while the remainirig portions of substantially cylindrical body 32 may be constructed from a plastic material.
[0022] The present invention further comprises support system 20 fiDr window io treatment 31. Support system 20 comprises first hollow support rod 28.
First hollow support rod 28 comprises first and second ends 24a and 24b, respectively, inner volume 30 and at least one depressed portion, e.g., depressed portion 54, proximate first end 24a. First hollow support rod 28 is arranged to support a window treatment, e.g., window treatment 31. Support system 20 further comprises first insert 26. First insert 26 comprises substantially cylindrical body 32 which comprises pair of oppositely disposed ends 34a and 34b and side wall 36 therebetween. Substantially cylindrical body 32 is arranged to fit within first hollow support rod 28. First insert 26 further comprises circumferential channel 38 arranged about and within at least a portion of side wall 36, as described supra. First insert 26 further comprises through hole 40 2o arranged co-axially and centrally within substantially cylindrical body 32, as described supra. As shown in Figure 4A, first insert 26 is coaxially positioned proximate first end 24a of first hollow support rod 28 and at least one depressed portion, e.g., depressed portion 54, proximate first end 24a, is positioned within circumferential channel 38 of first insert 26.
[0023] Figure 5 shows a side elevational view of finial 22a having integral threaded post 58 therein, while Figure 6 shows a side elevational view depicting the insertion of finial 22a within support rod assembly 20, and Figure 7 shows a side Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 elevational view of support rod assembly 20 having finial 22a installed therein. The following discussion is best understood in view of Figures 1 through 7.
[0024] The present invention may further comprise a first finial, e.g., finial 22a.
Finial 22a comprises decorative portion 60 and threaded post 58. First through hole 40 includes threaded portion 62 which is arranged to receive threaded post 58 of finial 22a therein. Support system 20 further comprises a second finial, e.g., finial 22b. Similar to finial 22a, finial 22b also comprises decorative portion 60 and threaded post 58.
Through hole 64 in second insert 66 includes threaded portion 68 and is arranged to receive threaded post 58 of second finial 22b therein. It should be appreciated that lo insert 66 is structurally identical to insert 26, i.e., including the substantially cylindrical body, circumferential channel, etc..
[0025] Figure 8 shows an end elevational view of support rod 28 havin(D insert installed therein, while Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of support rod 28 having insert 26 installed therein taken generally along Line 9-9 of Figure 6. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a present invention insert, i.e., insert 70, Figure 11 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a present invention insert, i.e., insert 72, and Figure 12 shows a perspective view of still yet another embodiment of a present invention insert, i.e., insert 74. Figure 13A shows a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention insert, i.e., insert 70, and Figure 13B shows a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of the present invention. The following discussion is best understood in view of Figures 1 through 13B.
[0026] In some embodiments, the insert, e.g., insert 70, further cornprises at least two axial channels, e.g., axial channels 76a and 76b, between oppositely disposed ends 78a and 78b. In particular, insert 70 is used in combination with a hollow support rod, e.g., hollow support rod 80, which comprises at least one rolled portion, e.g., rolled portion 82, in combination with at least one axial channel, e.g., axial Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 channel 84, disposed within inner volume 86. Axial channels 76a and 76b of said insert 70 are arranged to receive rolled portion 82 in combination with axial channel 84 of hollow support rod 80. In another embodiment of the present invention, insert comprises an enlarged axial channel 88 thereby providing additional clearance for a hollow support rod having a larger rolled portion and/or a larger axial chanriel. In still yet other embodiments, insert 74 comprises at least three axial channels, e.g., axial channels 90a, 90b, 90c and 90d between oppositely disposed ends 92a and 92b.
It should be appreciated that the location and/or shape of the axial channels may vary, for example, to change the amount of material used when manufacturing a present invention insert or to provide clearance for alternate embodiments of the hollow support rod, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed inventicin.
[0027] In some embodiments, support system 20 further comprises second insert 26. It should be appreciated that the first and second inserts may be the same, i.e., inserts 26 and 66 as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, or alternatively, the first and second inserts may be different, i.e., first insert 70 shown in Figure 13A and second insert 26 shown in Figure 13B. A full description of inserts 26, 66 and 70 is included supra.
Hollow support rod 28 further comprises at least one depressed portion proximate second end 24b, i.e., depressed portion 94, second insert 66 is coaxially positioned proximate second end 24b of hollow support rod 28 and depressed portion 94 is positioned within the circumferential channel (not shown) of second insert 66.
As second insert 66 is structurally identical to insert 26, it should be appreciated that second insert 66 further comprises at least one axial channel between the oppositely disposed ends arranged to receive the at least one rolled portion or the at least one axial channel of hollow support rod 28.
[0028] In other embodiments, support system 100 comprises first hollow support rod 80 comprising first and second ends, inner volume 86, at least one depressed portion proximate each of the first and second ends, first rolled portion 82 disposed Agent Ref. Nlo. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 within inner volume 86 and first axial channel 76a of first insert 70 is arranged to receive first rolled portion 82. First hollow support rod 80 further comprises first axial channel 84 disposed within inner volume 86 and second axial channel 76b of irisert 70 is arranged to receive first axial channel 84 of first hollow support rod 80.
First insert 70 comprises substantially cylindrical body 102 comprising pair of oppositely disposed ends 78a and 78b and side wall 104 therebetween. Substantially cylindrical body 102 is arranged to fit within first hollow support rod 80. First insert 70 further comprises circumferential channel 106 which is arranged about and within at least a portion of side wall 104, as described supra, and insert 70 further comprises through hole 108 lo arranged co-axially and centrally within substantially cylindrical body 102. First insert 70 is coaxially positioned proximate the first end of first hollow support rod 80 and the at least one depressed portion proximate the first end is positioned within circumferential channel 106, as described in the embodiments above. Support system 1100 further comprises second hollow support rod 110 comprising first and second ends, inner is volume 112, second diameter 114 and at least one depressed portion proximate the first end. Second hollow support rod 110 is arranged to support a window treatment.
Moreover, first hollow support rod 80 comprises first diameter 116 which diameter is smaller than second diameter 114. In short, first hollow support rod 80 fits within second hollow support rod 110. Support system 100 further comprises second insert 2o 26, and the structure of insert 26 and arrangement relative to hollow support rod 110 is described in detail supra, i.e., in view of Figures 1 through 4B. Seconcl insert 26 comprises axial channel 48 between oppositely disposed ends 34a and 34b.
Second hollow support rod 110 further comprises rolled portion 51 disposed within inner volume 112 and axial channel 48 is arranged to receive rolled portion 51 and first axial channel 25 84 is also arranged to receive second rolled portion 51.
Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 [0029] Figure 14 is a side elevational view of pressing machine 118 affixing an embodiment of a present insert, e.g., insert 26, within hollow tubular support rod 28.
The following discussion is best understood in view of Figures 1 through 14.
[0030] The present invention also comprises a method of affixing a finial, e.g., finial 22a and/or 22b to a hollow support rod, e.g., hollow support rod 28.
The method comprising the step of positioning an insert, e.g., insert 26, 66, 70, 72 or 74, within an end of a hollow support rod, e.g., end 24a or 24b of hollow support rod 28. As described above, the insert comprises a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, the substantially cylindrical io body is arranged to fit within the hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of the side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within the substantially cylindrical body and the insert is coaxially positioned relative to the hollow support rod. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of positioning the hollow support rod, e.g., hollow support rod 28, having the insert, e.g., insert 26, 66, 70, 72 or 74, positioned therein, within press 118.
Thus, hollow support rod 28 is positioned within first press element 120. The present invention method further comprises the step of forming at least one depressed portion, e.g., depressed portion 54 or 94, in the hollow support rod, e.g., hollow support rod 28, via press 118, wherein the at least one depressed portion is positioned within the circumferential channel, e.g., circumferential channel 38 or 106. In other words, after hollow support rod 28 is positioned within first press element 120, second press element 122 including protrusion 124 is forced against hollow support rod 28 via hydraulic element 126, thereby forming the at least one depressed portion. It should be appreciated that the first press element 120 may also include a protrusion for forming a depressed portion, and hydraulic element 126 may be replaced with an alternate pressing means, e.g., an harbor press, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. In some embodiments, the present invention method Agent Ref. No. 68849/00045 Doc. No. 21774370.1 further comprises the step of installing a threaded post, e.g., threaded post 58, of a finial, e.g., finial 22a and 22b, within a through hole, e.g., through hole 40, 64 or 108, within the insert, e.g., insert 26, 66, 70, 72 or 74.
[0031] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (19)
1. An insert for a hollow support rod, wherein said hollow support rod comprises an inner volume and is arranged to support a window treatment, said insert comprising:
a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, said substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within said hollow support rod;
a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of said side wall; and, a first through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within said substantially cylindrical body, wherein said insert is coaxially positionable proximate an end of said hollow support rod.
a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, said substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within said hollow support rod;
a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of said side wall; and, a first through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within said substantially cylindrical body, wherein said insert is coaxially positionable proximate an end of said hollow support rod.
2. The insert of Claim 1 further comprising at least one axial channel between said oppositely disposed ends, wherein said hollow support rod comprises at least one rolled portion or at least one axial channel disposed within said inner volume and said at least one axial channel of said insert arranged to receive said at least one rolled portion or said at least one axial channel of said hollow support rod.
3. The insert of Claim 1 further comprising at least two axial channels between said oppositely disposed ends, wherein said hollow support rod comprises at least one rolled portion in combination with at least one axial channel disposed within said inner volume and said at least two axial channels of said insert arranged to receive said at least one rolled portion in combination with at least one axial channel of said hollow support rod.
4. The insert of Claim 1 further comprising at least three axial channels between said oppositely disposed ends.
5. The insert of Claim 1 wherein said substantially cylindrical body further comprises at least one second through hole arranged between said pair of oppositely disposed ends and between said first through hole and said side wall.
6. The insert of Claim 1 further comprising a finial having a threaded post and wherein said first through hole is threaded and arranged to receive said threaded post of said finial therein.
7. The insert of Claim 1 wherein said hollow support rod further comprises at least one depressed portion positioned within said circumferential channel.
8. The insert of Claim 1 wherein said substantially cylindrical body is constructed from a metal material, a plastic material or a combination thereof.
9. A support system for a window treatment comprising:
a first hollow support rod comprising first and second ends, an inner volume and at least one depressed portion proximate said first end, said first hollow support rod arranged to support said window treatment; and, a first insert comprising a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, said substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within said first hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of said side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within said substantially cylindrical body, wherein said first insert is coaxially positioned proximate said first end of said first hollow support rod and said at least one depressed portion proximate said first end is positioned within said circumferential channel of said first insert.
a first hollow support rod comprising first and second ends, an inner volume and at least one depressed portion proximate said first end, said first hollow support rod arranged to support said window treatment; and, a first insert comprising a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, said substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within said first hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of said side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within said substantially cylindrical body, wherein said first insert is coaxially positioned proximate said first end of said first hollow support rod and said at least one depressed portion proximate said first end is positioned within said circumferential channel of said first insert.
10. The support system of Claim 9 further comprising a first finial comprising a threaded post, wherein said first through hole is threaded and arranged to receive said threaded post of said first finial therein.
11. The support system of Claim 9 wherein said first insert further comprises at least one axial channel between said oppositely disposed ends, wherein said first hollow support rod comprises at least one rolled portion or at least one axial channel disposed within said inner volume and said at least one axial channel of said first insert arranged to receive said at least one rolled portion or said at least one axial channel of said first hollow support rod.
12. The support system of Claim 9 further comprising a second insert comprising a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, said substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within said first hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of said side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within said substantially cylindrical body, wherein said first hollow support rod further comprises at least one depressed portion proximate said second end and said second insert is coaxially positioned proximate said second end of said first hollow support rod and said at least one depressed portion proximate said second end is positioned within said circumferential channel of said second insert.
13. The support system of Claim 12 further comprising a second finial comprising a threaded post, wherein said through hole in said second insert is threaded and arranged to receive said threaded post of said second finial therein.
14. The support system of Claim 12 wherein said second insert further comprises at least one axial channel between said oppositely disposed ends, wherein said first hollow support rod comprises at least one rolled portion or at least one axial channel disposed within said inner volume and said at least one axial channel of said second insert arranged to receive said at least one rolled portion or said at least one axial channel of said first hollow support rod.
15. The support system of Claim 9 further comprising:
a second hollow support rod comprising first and second ends, an inner volume, a second diameter and at least one depressed portion proximate said first end, said second hollow support rod arranged to support said window treatment and said first hollow support rod comprises a first diameter smaller than said second diameter;
and, a second insert comprising a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wail therebetween, said substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within said second hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of said side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within said substantially cylindrical body, wherein said second insert is coaxially positioned proximate said first end of said second hollow support rod and said at least one depressed portion proximate said first end of said second hollow support rod is positioned within said circumferential channel of said second insert.
a second hollow support rod comprising first and second ends, an inner volume, a second diameter and at least one depressed portion proximate said first end, said second hollow support rod arranged to support said window treatment and said first hollow support rod comprises a first diameter smaller than said second diameter;
and, a second insert comprising a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wail therebetween, said substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within said second hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of said side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within said substantially cylindrical body, wherein said second insert is coaxially positioned proximate said first end of said second hollow support rod and said at least one depressed portion proximate said first end of said second hollow support rod is positioned within said circumferential channel of said second insert.
16 The support system of Claim 15 wherein said first insert further comprises a first axial channel between said oppositely disposed ends, wherein said first hollow support rod comprises a first rolled portion disposed within said inner volume of said first hollow support rod and said first axial channel of said first insert arranged to receive said first rolled portion of said first hollow support rod.
17. The support system of Claim 16 wherein said first insert further comprises a second axial channel between said oppositely disposed ends, wherein said first hollow support rod further comprises a first axial channel disposed within said inner volume and said second axial channel arranged to receive said first axial channel of said first hollow support rod, and said second insert further comprises an axial channel between said oppositely disposed ends, wherein said second hollow support rod further comprises a rolled portion disposed within said inner volume of said second hollow support rod and said axial channel of said second insert arranged to receive said rolled portion of said second hollow support rod and said first axial channel of said first hollow support rod arranged to receive said rolled portion of said second hollow support rod.
18. A method of affixing a finial to a hollow support rod comprising the steps of:
a) positioning an insert within an end of a hollow support rod, wherein said insert comprises a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, said substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within said hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of said side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within said substantially cylindrical body and said insert is coaxially positioned relative to said hollow support rod; and, b) forming at least one depressed portion in said hollow support rod, wherein said at least one depressed portion is positioned within said circumferential channel.
a) positioning an insert within an end of a hollow support rod, wherein said insert comprises a substantially cylindrical body comprising a pair of oppositely disposed ends and a side wall therebetween, said substantially cylindrical body arranged to fit within said hollow support rod, a circumferential channel arranged about and within at least a portion of said side wall and a through hole arranged co-axially and centrally within said substantially cylindrical body and said insert is coaxially positioned relative to said hollow support rod; and, b) forming at least one depressed portion in said hollow support rod, wherein said at least one depressed portion is positioned within said circumferential channel.
19. The method of affixing a finial to a hollow support rod of Claim 18 wherein said finial comprises a threaded post and said through hole is threaded, said method further comprising the step of:
c) installing said threaded post within said through hole.
c) installing said threaded post within said through hole.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2632969 CA2632969A1 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2008-05-30 | Window covering support rod insert for finial attachment |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2632969 CA2632969A1 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2008-05-30 | Window covering support rod insert for finial attachment |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2632969A1 true CA2632969A1 (en) | 2009-11-30 |
Family
ID=41397392
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2632969 Abandoned CA2632969A1 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2008-05-30 | Window covering support rod insert for finial attachment |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2632969A1 (en) |
-
2008
- 2008-05-30 CA CA 2632969 patent/CA2632969A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |