CN110062593B - Room dimming shade bar including removable decorative head - Google Patents

Abstract

A room dimming shade bar assembly is disclosed that includes a shade bar and two bracket assemblies, each bracket assembly including a removable magnetic decorative head. Each bracket assembly includes a surrounding leg that extends perpendicular to the axis of the shade rod toward the wall or window frame on which the assembly is mounted. The removable trim head allows a window covering to be pulled from the shade rod to the surround leg of each bracket assembly to provide a window covering surround area. The window covering surround area reduces or prevents light from entering the room and allows the rack assembly to be concealed. Once the window covering is extended into the encircled area, the magnetic decorative head is magnetically attached to the bracket assembly with a portion of the window covering located between the magnetic decorative head and the bracket assembly.

Description

Room dimming shade bar including removable decorative head

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial No.62/433,057 filed 12/2016.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to curtain rods and, more particularly, to a room-dimming curtain rod assembly including a removable decorative head that permits the curtain to be fully abutted against a wall.

Background

Conventional shade rods with finials require the shade to be held only on the shade rod itself. In order for window coverings to extend beyond the outer vertical edge of the window and to the wall for shade and aesthetics, finials are not used on conventional window covering rods because they interfere with the ability of the window covering to extend to the wall. This makes it necessary to decide whether to be practical or aesthetic. Alternatively, the user may sew the curtain itself to adjust it to fit completely against the wall. This requires the ability to make sewing adjustments where measurement errors are common, resulting in holes that are often out of place in expensive drapes.

Therefore, there is a need for a room dimming shade bar assembly: which allows the sunblind to extend beyond the outer vertical edge of the window, which may also include a decorative finial.

Disclosure of Invention

A shade rod assembly is provided that includes a rod and a bracket, each of which includes a removable decorative head. A removable decorative head allows a window shade to be pulled from a window shade rod onto a bracket to provide a window shade surround area that reduces or prevents light from entering a room.

One aspect of the present invention provides a curtain rod, including: a first end and a second end; a first bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive a first end of a shade rod, the first bracket assembly including a first surrounding leg extending perpendicularly away from a longitudinal axis of the shade rod, and a removable first magnetic trim head; and a second bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive a second end of the shade rod, the second bracket assembly including a second surrounding leg extending perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis of the shade rod, and a removable second magnetic trim head.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a bracket assembly for a curtain rod, the bracket assembly including: a bracket including a substantially cylindrical first end defining an axial direction, the first end being constructed and arranged to receive an end of a curtain rod, and a surrounding leg laterally offset from the substantially cylindrical first end in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the substantially cylindrical first end; and a magnetic trim head removably magnetically attached to the bracket.

Another aspect of the invention provides a window covering and pole assembly, the assembly comprising: a curtain rod including a first end and a second end; a first bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive a first end of a curtain rod, the first bracket assembly including a first surrounding leg extending perpendicularly away from a longitudinal axis of the curtain rod; a second bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive a second end of a curtain rod, the second bracket assembly including a second surrounding leg extending perpendicularly away from a longitudinal axis of the curtain rod; a blind mounted on the blind rod, wherein the blind is pulled onto the first and second surrounding legs to thereby provide first and second blind surrounding areas; a first magnetic trim magnetically attached to a first bracket assembly, wherein a portion of a window covering is located between the first magnetic trim and the first bracket assembly; and a second magnetic trim magnetically attached to a second bracket assembly, wherein another portion of the window covering is positioned between the second magnetic trim and the second bracket assembly.

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

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a blind rod assembly illustrating the blind rod assembly installed around a window frame.

Fig. 2 is an exploded front view of the blind rod assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top exploded view of the bracket assembly of the curtain rod assembly of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an isometric view of an alignment mounting bracket.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the alignment mounting bracket of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the alignment mounting bracket of fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a top view of the alignment mounting bracket of fig. 4.

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a support arm.

Figure 9 is a front view of the support arm of figure 8.

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the support arm of fig. 8.

Figure 11 is a top view of the support arm of figure 8.

Fig. 12 is an isometric view of another curtain rod assembly illustrating the curtain rod assembly installed around a window frame.

Fig. 13 is a front view of the blind rod assembly of fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a top view of the blind rod assembly of fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a top exploded view of the bracket assembly of the curtain rod assembly of fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is an isometric exploded view of an alignment bracket assembly.

Fig. 17 is an isometric view of a support arm of an alignment bracket assembly.

Figure 18 is a partial schematic side view of the support arm of figure 17.

Fig. 19 is a partial schematic top sectional view of fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is an isometric view of a blind rod assembly including a mounting bracket with a removable decorative head illustrating a portion of the blind rod assembly mounted about a window frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is an isometric view of the curtain rod assembly of fig. 20 with a curtain wrapped around the laterally extending bracket portion and a decorative head contacting the curtain and magnetically attached to the bracket, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a top exploded view of a curtain rod assembly including a removable decorative head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is an isometric view of a curtain rod bracket assembly including a removable deco according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a removable trim head of the alignment bracket assembly of FIG. 23.

Fig. 25 is a front view of the alignment bracket assembly of fig. 23.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the alignment bracket assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the alignment bracket assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the alignment bracket assembly taken through line 28-28 of FIG. 25.

Detailed Description

A shade rod assembly is provided that includes a rod and a bracket that each include a removable magnetic decorative head. A removable trim head allows a shade to be pulled from the shade rod onto the surrounding leg of the bracket to provide a shade surrounding area that reduces or prevents light from entering the room. The curtain surround area allows the curtain to be pulled to the wall and the bracket to be hidden from view.

In some embodiments, a shade rod assembly may include an alignment bracket that is easy to install. The alignment bracket may be attached to the wall against the vertical edge of the window frame while also allowing the window covering to extend horizontally beyond the vertical edge of the window frame. In some embodiments, the alignment bracket assembly may be mounted on a window stile (stud) adjacent to the window frame. According to typical window construction techniques, the window stiles are positioned adjacent to the vertical portion of the window frame, while areas away from the window frame may be free of stiles at such locations, e.g., such locations may include only drywall or plaster without underlying stiles. Mounting the alignment bracket assembly on a window stile allows the blind rod assembly to additionally accommodate a variety of window coverings. Because the alignment bracket assembly extends parallel to the axial direction of the telescoping blind rod for a portion of the horizontal blind extension distance, the rod and blind are allowed to extend beyond the vertical edge of the window. If the user chooses to position the pole at a higher level, this can be done by aligning the bracket at a desired height along the edge of the vertical window. The installation process of these curtain rod assemblies may take only a few minutes.

Fig. 1 illustrates a curtain rod assembly 10 installed above a window frame 2. According to embodiments of the present invention, the curtain rod assembly may include a removable decorative head, as described more fully below and illustrated in fig. 20 through 28. As shown in fig. 1, the sash 2 comprises a front wall 3, an outer sash side wall 4 and a top edge 5. As used herein, the terms "sash," "front wall," "outer sash side wall," and "top edge" may refer to a casement window including additional material surrounding an opening in a wall, or a window including only an opening in a wall. As used herein, "exterior sash side wall" means the vertical portion of the sash. The curtain rod assembly 10 includes a telescoping curtain rod 12, a first alignment bracket assembly 19 and a second alignment bracket assembly 119. As shown in fig. 1-3, the telescoping shade rod 12 includes a first telescoping rod section 14 (also referred to as a first end rod section), a second telescoping rod section 16 (also referred to as a middle section), and a third telescoping rod section 18 (also referred to as a second end rod section). The first, second and third rod sections are configured in a telescopic arrangement such that a portion of the third rod section 18 is configured to slide into a portion of the second rod section 16 and a portion of the second rod section 16 is configured to slide into a portion of the first rod section 14. The telescoping shade rod 12 defines an axial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the telescoping shade rod 12 includes first, second, and third rod segments. However, any other suitable number of pole sections may be used, for example, one, two, four, or more than four pole sections. For example, the first end rod section and the second end rod section may be axially movable and/or lockable relative to each other.

As shown in fig. 1-3, the first alignment bracket assembly 19 includes an alignment mounting bracket 20 and a support arm 60. The alignment mounting bracket 20 includes a vertical guide leg 22, a first horizontal leg 30 and a second horizontal leg 40. The vertical guide leg 22 includes a vertical guide edge 24, a lower end 26, and an upper end that terminates at a horizontal guide edge 32. As used herein, the term "vertical leading edge" means a substantially straight edge in a substantially vertical direction for aligning the edge with a vertical portion of a window frame. As shown in fig. 4, the vertical guide leg 22 may also include aligned mounting bracket wall mounting holes 28 and 29. The first horizontal leg 30 may extend from the vertical guide leg 22 in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 12 and includes a horizontal guide edge 32 and a window frame end terminating in the vertical guide edge 24. The first horizontal leg 30 enables the sunblind to extend horizontally beyond the window frame while the alignment mounting bracket (which may correspond to the position of the underlying window stile) is mounted adjacent to the vertical portion of the window frame. The second horizontal leg 40 extends from the first horizontal leg in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 12 and includes an upper edge 42 and an end 44. The second horizontal leg 40 may also include support arm mounting holes 48 and 49. The first horizontal leg 30 and the second horizontal leg 40 may intersect to form an alignment intersection 46. The horizontal leading edge 32 of the first horizontal leg 30 may be substantially aligned with the upper edge 42 of the second horizontal leg 40.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the bracket assembly 19 has a vertical height H, a curtain extension L, and a curtain hang distance D selected to properly position the curtain rod assembly 10 during installation around the window frame 2. The shade extension distance L may be selected to allow the telescoping rod 12 and shade to extend away from the outer frame sidewall 4 of the window frame 2 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 12. The shade extension distance L offsets the vertical guide edge 24 relative to the end 80 of the first rod segment 14 and/or the rod abutment surface 66 of the support arm 60 in a direction parallel to the axis of the telescoping shade rod 12. For example, the shade of the bracket assembly 19 may extend a distance L that is typically in the range of 1 to 8 inches, or 2 to 6 inches, or 3 to 5 inches. The vertical height H of the alignment mounting bracket 20 may also be selected to properly position the curtain rod assembly 10 during installation around the window frame 2. The vertical height H may be selected to provide a vertical leading edge 24 and to enable access to the aligned mounting bracket wall mounting holes 28 and 29. For example, the vertical height H may be in the range of 0.5 to 4 inches, or 1 to 3 inches, or 1.5 to 2.5 inches. The curtain suspension distance D of the bracket assembly 19 may also be selected to properly position the telescoping rod 12 away from the wall. The curtain suspension distance D offsets the vertical guide leg 22 relative to the axis of the telescoping curtain rod 12 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping curtain rod. For example, the curtain hang distance D may typically be in the range of 0.5 to 8 inches, or 1 to 6 inches, or 1.5 to 4.5 inches.

As shown in fig. 1, the vertical guide edge 24 of the alignment mounting bracket 20 may be positioned in alignment with the outer sash side wall 4 of the sash 2. The vertical guiding edge 24 may be located directly adjacent to the outer sash side wall 4 of the sash 2. This arrangement allows the alignment mounting bracket to be mounted on the lower window stile when the vertical guide edge 24 is positioned in alignment with the outer sash side wall 4 of the sash 2. Alternatively, the vertical guide edge may be positioned directly above the outer sash side wall 4 of the sash 2. As shown in fig. 1, the horizontal guide edge 32 of the mounting alignment bracket 20 may be positioned in alignment with the top edge 5 of the window frame 2. Alternatively, the user may wish to position the curtain rod assembly higher than the top edge 5 of the window frame. Such positioning may be performed by aligning the vertical guiding edge 24 with the outer sash side wall 4 of the sash 2. The use of vertical guide edge 24 and/or horizontal guide edge 32 enables installation of curtain rod assembly 10 without measurement.

When the alignment mounting bracket 20 is positioned adjacent to the outer frame side wall 4 or vertical portion of the window frame 2, the shade extension distance L of the alignment mounting bracket 20 enables the telescoping shade rod 12 and shade to extend beyond the outer frame side wall 4 or vertical portion of the window frame 2. This curtain extension distance L is desirable to provide a shading function in which the side edges of the curtain overlap the window frame, and to achieve an aesthetic appearance. The curtain rod assembly 10 provides shading and aesthetic functions and enables the alignment bracket assembly 19 to be mounted on a window stile without measurement.

Fig. 4-7 illustrate another alignment mounting bracket 20a. The same reference numerals are used in fig. 4 to 7 for common features present in the embodiments of fig. 1 to 3. As shown in fig. 4 to 7, the alignment mounting bracket 20a of the vertical guide leg may have a vertical height H that is slightly longer than the embodiment shown in fig. 1 to 3. For example, the vertical height H may typically be in the range of 0.5 to 8 inches, or 1 to 6 inches, or 1.5 to 5 inches, or 2 to 4 inches.

As shown in fig. 1 through 7, the alignment mounting bracket wall mounting holes 28 and 29 may be located at different positions depending on the vertical height H of the alignment mounting brackets 20 and 20a. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1-3, the upper alignment mounting bracket wall mounting apertures 29 may be located proximate the horizontal guide edge 32 and the lower alignment mounting bracket wall mounting apertures 28 may be located proximate the lower end 26 of the vertical guide legs 22. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4-7, the upper alignment mounting bracket wall mounting hole 29 may be located near the midpoint of the lower end 26 of the vertical guide leg 22 and the horizontal guide edge 32, and the lower alignment mounting bracket wall mounting hole 28 may be located near the lower end 26 of the vertical guide leg 22. However, any other suitable arrangement of bracket wall mounting holes 28 and 29 may be used.

The support arm 60 includes a second end 61 and a substantially cylindrical first end 64. The substantially cylindrical first end portion 64 defines an axis that is substantially aligned with an axis of the telescoping shade rod 12. The second end 61 may be laterally offset relative to the substantially cylindrical first end 64 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping rod and/or the axis of the substantially cylindrical first end 64. The substantially cylindrical first end 64 may include a rod abutment surface 66, a rod receiving opening 67, and a trim head abutment surface 69. As described more fully below and illustrated in fig. 20-28, the trim head abutment surface 66 may be provided with a magnet (not shown) for attaching a magnetic trim head. The rod receiving opening 67 has a cylindrical surface with an inner diameter selected based on the outer diameter of the end 80 of the first rod section 14 that it receives. The stem abutment surface 66 may include a threaded decorative head bore 68. However, according to embodiments of the present invention, the decorative head aperture 68 of the first support arm 60 may be non-threaded, or may be eliminated and replaced by a magnet. The mounting section 62 may be disposed between the substantially cylindrical first end 64 and the second end 61. As shown in FIG. 10, the substantially cylindrical first end portion 64 may include an optional threaded, large head screw hole 65. The bullnose hole 65 may be configured to receive a mechanical fastener to contact the first rod segment. The mechanical fastener may be a large head screw, a threaded bolt, a threaded screw, or any other conventional type of mechanical fastener.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting section 62 of the support arm 60 includes a connection slot 63, the connection slot 63 being configured to allow the alignment mounting bracket 20 to be slidably mounted on the second end 61 of the support arm. The alignment mounting bracket 20, which is slidably mounted to the support arm 60, allows for easy adjustment of the curtain hang distance D after installation. However, any other type of suitable mounting of the alignment bracket 20 to the support arm may be used, such as connecting holes, welding, and the like. Alternatively, the alignment mounting bracket 20 and the support arm 60 may be fixed relative to each other or integrally formed.

In fig. 1-3, the trim cover 70 is attached to the alignment bracket assembly 19. The decorative head 70 includes a collar 72, a bracket engagement surface 74, and a threaded bolt 76. When the decorative head 70 is attached to the support arm 60, the threaded bolt 76 is substantially aligned with the axis of the substantially cylindrical first end portion 64 and the axis of the telescoping rod 12. The threaded bolt 76 is threadedly engaged with the threaded decorative head bore 68 in the abutment face 69 of the first support arm 60. Alternatively, the threaded bolt 76 may pass only through the decorative head hole 68. As shown in fig. 3, the end 80 of the first rod section 14 includes an inner sleeve 82 having a threaded bore 83. The threaded bolt 76 is configured to threadedly engage the threaded bore 83 of the sleeve 82. However, any other suitable shape and arrangement of engagement between the decorative head 70 and the end 80 of the first rod segment 14 may be used, such as pins, mechanical fasteners, clamps, snap-fits, adhesives, and the like. Alternatively, the decorative head 70 may not directly engage the end 80 of the first rod segment 14, for example, the end 80 of the first rod segment 14 may only be engaged by the substantially cylindrical first end 64. For example, the end 80 of the first rod segment 14 may be engaged by the substantially cylindrical first end 64 using a frictional engagement, a pin, a mechanical fastener, a clamp, a snap-fit, an adhesive, or the like.

The engagement of the threaded bolt 76 with the threaded decorative head hole 68 and the threaded hole 83 of the sleeve 82 of the end 80 of the first rod section 14 provides a secure attachment. For example, the end 80 of the first rod segment 14 may engage the rod abutment surface 64, the sleeve 82 may be threadably engaged with the threaded bolt 76, the mechanical fastener may contact the end 80 of the first rod segment 14 through the large head screw hole 65, and the bracket engagement surface 74 engages the cosmetic head abutment surface 69 of the substantially cylindrical first end 64 of the support arm 60. This arrangement provides that the first rod section 14 is rigidly secured in the support arm 60.

As shown in fig. 1-7, the alignment mounting bracket 20 may be fastened to the wall by aligning the mounting bracket wall mounting holes 28 and 29 using mechanical fasteners 50 and 51. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical fasteners 50 and 51 are threaded screws, however, any other suitable type of mechanical fastener may be used, such as bolts or any other conventional type of mechanical fastener. According to some embodiments, the mechanical fasteners may be self-tapping screws to secure the alignment mounting bracket 20 into a metal and/or wooden window stile. According to some embodiments, the mechanical fasteners may be fastened using an optional wall anchor 52. However, as discussed above, when the mounting bracket 20 is positioned adjacent to a window frame, it is possible for the window stile to be disposed in such a position and the use of the wall anchor 52 may not be necessary. As shown in fig. 1-3, the alignment mounting bracket 20 may be fastened to the support arm 60 with mechanical fasteners 54 and 55 through the mounting holes 48 and 49 of the alignment mounting bracket 20 and the attachment slot 63 of the support arm 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical fastener 50 is a threaded screw, however, any other suitable type of mechanical fastener may be used, such as a thumb screw, a bolt, or any other conventional type of mechanical fastener.

As shown in fig. 2, the shade rod assembly 10 includes a rod segment locking device 90 to fix the axial position of the first rod segment 14 relative to the second rod segment 16, a first bushing 92, and a second bushing 94. The first and second bushings 92, 94 enable smooth axial movement between the rod sections. In the illustrated embodiment, rod segment locking device 90 is coupled to second rod segment 16 positioned within first rod segment 14. In certain embodiments, the locking device 90 may include an axially offset cam and an eccentric sleeve surrounding the cam such that when the second rod segment is rotated relative to the first rod segment, the eccentric sleeve pushes against an inner surface of the first rod segment, thereby locking the axial position of the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment. The lever segment locking device 90 may be similar to the locking mechanisms disclosed in U.S. patent application publication nos. us2012/0005823A1, us2013/0112639A1, published on 5-9-2013, and us patent No.8,814,114 issued on 8-26-2014, which are incorporated herein by reference. Other types of rod segment locking means may be used, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.8,851,305 issued on 7/10 2014 and U.S. Pat. No.8,960,456 issued on 24/2015, which are incorporated herein by reference. In another embodiment, the rod segment locking device 90 may include at least one mechanical fastener to secure the relative positions of the rod segments. Any suitable number and arrangement of rod segment locking devices 90 may be used, for example, a locking device may be disposed between each rod segment of a telescoping shade rod, or a telescoping shade rod may lack a rod segment locking device therein.

According to certain embodiments, the first and second rod segments 14, 16 may be capable of axial movement and locking relative to each other, while the second and third rod segments 16, 18 may be capable of free sliding relative to each other. However, any other suitably arranged locking relationship may be used, for example, the second and third rod sections 16, 18 may be axially movable and lockable relative to each other, and/or the first and second rod sections 14, 16 may be axially movable relative to each other. Any number of rod segments may be capable of axial movement and locking relative to each other, or any number of rod segments may be capable of axial movement relative to each other, but not capable of locking relative to each other.

Fig. 1-3 illustrate a second alignment bracket assembly 119 of the curtain rod assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are used in fig. 1 to 3 for common features present in the first alignment bracket assembly 19 of fig. 1 to 12. As shown in fig. 1-3, the alignment bracket assembly 119 includes an alignment mounting bracket 120 and a support arm 160. The alignment mounting bracket 120 may be a mirror image of the alignment mounting bracket 20 described in the first alignment bracket assembly 19 shown in fig. 1 through 7. The support arm 160 may be a mirror image of the support arm 60 described in the first alignment bracket assembly 19 shown in fig. 1-3 and 8-11, with the substantially cylindrical first end 164 sized to receive the end 84 of the third rod segment 18.

As shown in fig. 1-3, the alignment mounting bracket 120 includes a vertical guide leg 124, a first horizontal leg 130, and a second horizontal leg 140. The vertical guide leg 122 includes a vertical guide edge 124, a lower end 126, and an upper end that terminates at a horizontal guide edge 132. According to an embodiment of the invention, the vertical guide legs 122 may also include alignment mounting bracket wall mounting holes (not shown). The first horizontal leg 130 may extend from the vertical guide leg 122 in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 12 and includes a horizontal guide edge 132 and a window frame end terminating in the vertical guide edge 124. The second horizontal leg 140 extends from the first horizontal leg, extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 12, and includes an upper edge 142 and a room end 144. The second horizontal leg 140 may also include a support arm mounting hole (not shown). The first horizontal leg 130 and the second horizontal leg 140 intersect to form an alignment intersection 146. The horizontal leading edge 132 of the first horizontal leg 130 may be substantially aligned with the upper edge 142 of the second horizontal leg 140. The alignment mounting bracket 120 of the second alignment bracket assembly 119 may be of the same or similar construction as the alignment mounting bracket 20 described in the first alignment bracket assembly 19 shown in fig. 1 through 17.

As shown in fig. 1-3, the support arm 160 may be attached to the alignment mounting bracket 120 of the alignment bracket assembly 119. The support arm 160 includes a second end 161 and a substantially cylindrical first end 164. The substantially cylindrical first end 164 defines an axis substantially aligned with an axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 12. The second end 162 can be laterally offset from the substantially cylindrical first end 164 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping shade rod 12 and/or the axis of the substantially cylindrical first end 164. The substantially cylindrical first end portion 164 may include: a rod abutment surface 166; a rod receiving opening 167, the inner diameter of which is selected based on the outer diameter of the rod segment it receives; and a finial abutment surface 169. The rod abutment surface 66 may include a threaded decorative head bore 168. The mounting section 162 may be disposed between the substantially cylindrical first end 164 and the second end 161. The mounting section 162 of the support arm 160 may include a connection slot 163, the connection slot 163 configured to allow the alignment mounting bracket 120 to be slidably mounted on the second end 161 of the support arm. The substantially cylindrical first end 164 may include an optional threaded, large-headed screw hole (not shown). The support arm 160 of the second alignment bracket assembly may have the same or similar construction as the alignment mounting bracket 60 as described in the first alignment bracket assembly 19.

As shown in fig. 1-3, the alignment bracket assembly 119 has a vertical height, a curtain extension, and a curtain hang distance selected to properly position the curtain rod assembly 10 during installation around the window frame 2. When the alignment mounting bracket 120 is positioned adjacent to the outer frame side wall 4 or vertical portion of the window frame 2, the shade of the alignment bracket assembly 119 extends a distance such that the telescoping shade rod 12 and shade can extend beyond the outer frame side wall 4 or vertical portion of the window frame 2. This window covering extension L is desirable to provide a shading function where the side edges of the window covering overlap the window frame and to achieve an aesthetic appearance. The curtain rod assembly 10 provides shading and aesthetic functions and enables the alignment bracket assembly 119 to be mounted on a window stile without measurement. The vertical height of the alignment bracket assembly 119, the curtain extension distance, and the curtain hang distance may be the same or similar to the vertical height H, the curtain extension distance L, and the curtain hang distance D of the alignment bracket assembly 19.

As shown in fig. 1-3, the trim head 170 may also be attached to the alignment bracket assembly 119. The decorative head 170 includes a collar 172, a bracket engagement surface 174, and a threaded bolt 176. The trim head 170 of the second alignment bracket assembly 119 may have the same or similar configuration as the trim head 70 as described in the first alignment bracket assembly 19.

According to an embodiment, the end 84 of the third rod section 18 may include a sleeve 86 having a threaded bore 87. The end 84 of the third rod segment 18 may engage the second alignment bracket assembly 119 and the trim head 170 using the same or similar engagement arrangements as described between the end 80 of the first rod segment 14 and the first alignment bracket assembly 19 and the trim head 70.

As shown in fig. 1-3, the alignment mounting bracket 120 may be fastened to a wall by aligning mounting bracket wall mounting holes (not shown) using mechanical fasteners 150 and 151. According to some embodiments, the mechanical fasteners may be fastened using an optional wall anchor 152. As shown in fig. 1-3, the alignment mounting bracket 120 may be fastened to the support arm 160 with mechanical fasteners 154 and 155 through support arm mounting holes (not shown) and alignment mounting bracket attachment slots 163. The mechanical fasteners 150, 151, 154 and 155 of the second alignment bracket assembly may be of the same or similar construction as the mechanical fasteners 50, 51, 54 and 55 as described in the first alignment bracket assembly 19.

According to certain embodiments, the end 80 of the first rod segment 14 and the end 84 of the third rod segment 18 may be fastened in the support arms 60 and 160 to prevent axial movement, and the rod segment locking device 90 may fix the axial position of the intermediate rod segment 16 relative to the first rod segment 14. For example, the end 80 of the first rod segment 14 and the end 84 of the third rod segment 18 may be inserted and secured in their respective substantially cylindrical first ends 64 and 164 by threaded engagement with the threaded bolt 76 of the decorative head 170 and the threaded bolt 176 of the decorative head 174. The axial movement of the intermediate or second rod section 16 between the first rod section 14 and the third rod section 18 relative to the first rod section 14 is fixed by a rod section locking device 90. This arrangement prevents the rod sections 14, 16 and 18 from moving axially relative to each other when the shade is pulled through the retractable shade rod 12. This represents an advantage over freely movable telescopic rods which can move with the sunblind when pulled axially through the telescopic sunblind. The three-segment telescopic rod 12 also enables the blind rod assembly 10 to cover a wide range of fenestration/window frame widths. For example, a relatively short telescoping pole 12 may extend from 18 inches to 4 feet, and a relatively long telescoping pole may extend from 4 feet to 10 feet, thereby enabling coverage of almost any standard size window by selecting shorter or longer versions of the telescoping pole 12.

To install the blind rod assembly 10, the alignment mounting bracket 20 of the first alignment bracket assembly 19 may be positioned along a first vertical portion of the window frame 2 and mounted, for example, on a lower window stile. The alignment mounting brackets 120 of the second alignment bracket assembly 119 may be positioned along opposite vertical portions of the window frame 2 and mounted on opposite window stiles. The end 80 of the first rod segment 14 may be inserted into the substantially cylindrical first end 64 of the support arm 60 of the first alignment bracket assembly 19. The threaded bolt 76 of the decorative head 70 may be inserted through the decorative head bore 68 of the rod abutment face 66 and engage the threaded bore 83 of the threaded sleeve 82 at the end 80 of the first rod section 14. The end 84 of the third rod segment 18 may be inserted into the substantially cylindrical first end 164 of the support arm 160 of the second bracket assembly 119. The first rod section 14 may then be axially locked relative to the second rod section 16. The threaded bolt 176 of the cosmetic head 170 may be inserted through the cosmetic head bore 168 of the stem abutment surface 166 and engaged with the threaded bore 87 of the threaded sleeve 86 at the end 84 of the third stem section 18.

Fig. 12-19 illustrate a curtain rod assembly 210 mounted above a window frame 202 according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to describe similar features seen in previous embodiments. The curtain rod assembly 210 includes a telescoping curtain rod 212, a first alignment bracket assembly 219, and a second alignment bracket assembly 319. As shown in fig. 12-15, the telescoping shade rod 212 includes a first telescoping rod section 214 (also referred to as a first end rod section), a second telescoping rod section 216 (also referred to as a middle section), and a third telescoping rod section 218 (also referred to as a second end rod section). The first, second and third rod segments of this embodiment may be of the same or similar construction as the first, second and third rod segments as described in the previous embodiments.

The blind stretch rod assembly 210 includes a rod segment locking device (not shown), a first bushing (not shown), and a second bushing 294. The rod segment locking arrangement and the first and second bushings of this embodiment may be of the same or similar construction as the rod segment arrangement 90 described in the previous embodiment as shown in fig. 1 to 11.

As shown in fig. 12 to 16, the first alignment bracket assembly 219 includes an alignment mounting bracket 220 and a support arm 260. The alignment mounting bracket 220 includes vertical guide legs 222. The vertical guide leg 222 may include a vertical guide edge 224, a lower end 226, and an upper end that terminates at a horizontal guide edge 232. As shown in fig. 16, the vertical guide leg 222 may also include alignment mounting bracket wall mounting holes 228 and 229 and a support arm mounting hole 225.

As shown in fig. 13 and 14, the first alignment bracket assembly 219 has a vertical height H, a curtain extension L, and a curtain suspension distance D selected to properly position the curtain rod assembly 210 during installation around the window frame 2. The shade extension distance L may be selected to allow the telescoping rod 212 and shade to extend away from the outer frame sidewall 204 of the window frame 202 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 212. The shade extension distance L offsets the vertical guide edge 224 from the end 280 of the first rod segment 214 and/or the rod abutment surface 266 of the support arm 260 in a direction parallel to the axis of the telescoping shade rod 212. For example, the shade extension distance L of the first alignment bracket assembly 219 may typically be in the range of 1 to 8 inches, or 1.5 to 6 inches, or 2 to 5 inches. The vertical height H of the first alignment bracket assembly 219 may also be selected to properly position the shade bar assembly 210 during installation around the window frame 202. The vertical height H may be selected to provide a vertical guide edge 224 and to enable access to the alignment mounting bracket wall mounting holes 228 and 229 and the support arm mounting hole 225. For example, the vertical height H may typically be in the range of 1 to 6 inches, or 1.5 to 5.5 inches, or 2 to 4 inches. The curtain overhang distance D of the first alignment bracket assembly 219 can also be selected to properly position the telescoping rod 12 away from the wall when installed. The curtain suspension distance D offsets the vertical guide leg 222 relative to the axis of the telescoping curtain rod 212 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping curtain rod. For example, the room depth D may typically be in the range of 0.5 to 6 inches, or 1 to 5 inches, or 1.5 to 4 inches.

As shown in fig. 12, the vertical guide edge 224 of the alignment mounting bracket 220 may be positioned in alignment with the outer sash side wall 204 of the sash 202. The vertical guide edge 24 may be positioned directly adjacent to the outer sash side wall 204 of the sash 202. This arrangement allows the alignment mounting bracket to be mounted on a window stile when the vertical guide edge 224 is positioned in alignment with the outer sash side wall 204 of the sash 202. The blind extension distance L enables the blind to extend beyond the window frame while mounting the alignment mounting bracket on the window stile adjacent the outer frame side wall of the window frame. In another embodiment the vertical guiding edge may be positioned directly above the outer sash side wall or vertical portion of the sash 2. As shown in fig. 12, the horizontal guide edge 232 of the mounting alignment bracket 220 may be positioned to align with the top edge 205 of the window frame 202. In another embodiment, a user may desire to position the shade bar assembly above the top edge 205 of the window frame. Such positioning may be performed by aligning the vertical guiding edge 224 with the outer sash side wall 4 or vertical portion of the sash 2. The use of the vertical guide edge 24 and/or the horizontal guide edge 232 enables installation of the blind rod assembly 210 without measurement.

As shown in fig. 12 to 19, the support arm 260 includes a second end 261 and a substantially cylindrical first end 264. The substantially cylindrical first end 264 defines an axis that is substantially aligned with the axis of the telescoping shade rod 212. The second end 261 can be laterally offset from the substantially cylindrical first end 264 in a direction parallel to the axis of the telescoping shade rod 212, and also in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping shade rod 212. The substantially cylindrical first end portion 264 includes: a rod receiving opening 267 having a cylindrical inner surface with an inner diameter selected based on an outer diameter of the rod section it receives; and a rod abutment surface 266. The substantially cylindrical first end 264 includes a decorative head 270. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the integrated decor head 270 may be replaced by a magnetically removable decor head. The second end 261 of the support arm 260 includes a threaded alignment mounting bracket aperture 263. The aperture 263 is used to rotatably mount the mounting alignment bracket 220 to the support arm 260 as described more fully below. In another embodiment, the alignment mounting bracket aperture 263 may be unthreaded.

As shown in fig. 12, 14, 15-17, and 18, the support arm 260 may have a generally "S" shaped section 262 extending from a substantially cylindrical first end 264 to a second end 261. The generally S-shaped section 262 includes an upper edge 269. According to an embodiment of the invention, the upper edge 269 may be substantially aligned with the horizontal leading edge of the horizontal leading edge 232 of the alignment mounting bracket 220. The S-shaped section 262 may include an upwardly open recess 265. A recess 265 may be provided on the S-shaped section 262 to eliminate unnecessary material. In the illustrated embodiment, the S-shaped section 262 includes a single recess 265 that surrounds the entire S-shaped section 262. However, any other suitable shape and arrangement of recesses may be used, for example, the S-shaped section 262 may have a plurality of recesses, and/or the recesses may surround a portion of the S-shaped section.

As shown in fig. 13, the alignment mounting bracket 220 and the support arm 260 can be movably mounted. According to an embodiment of the invention, the alignment mounting bracket 220 may be pivotably P attached to the second end 261 of the support arm 260. As shown in fig. 16 and 19, the alignment mounting bracket 220 may be rotatably attached to the second end 261 of the support arm 260 by: mechanical fasteners are inserted through the support arm mounting holes 225 into the threaded alignment mounting bracket holes 263. This arrangement allows the mounting bracket 220 to rotate relative to the support arm 260 to facilitate adjustment when mounted on a non-standard window frame, and to rotate 90 ° when packaged to reduce its packaging depth requirements. According to some embodiments, the support arm mounting holes 225 may be countersunk such that the mechanical fasteners may be inserted flush with the surface of the alignment mounting bracket 220. Alternatively, the alignment mounting bracket 220 and the support arm 260 may be fixed relative to each other or integrally formed.

As shown in fig. 18 and 19, the substantially cylindrical first end 264 of the support arm 260 of the first alignment bracket assembly 219 includes at least one radially inwardly extending friction rib 278 that extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 212. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four friction ribs 278, but any other suitable number of friction ribs may be used. For example, there may be zero, one, two, three, four, or more than four friction ribs. According to an embodiment of the present invention, friction ribs 278 are provided to achieve a controlled frictional engagement between the end 280 of the first rod section 214 and the substantially cylindrical first end 264 once the rod is inserted. According to an embodiment, the end 280 of the first rod section 214 is frictionally retained in the substantially cylindrical first end 264 of the support rod 260 by contact between at least a portion of an outer diameter of the first rod section 214 and either an inner diameter of the substantially cylindrical first end 264 or at least one radially inwardly projecting rib 278, as shown in fig. 18 and 19, the at least one radially inwardly projecting rib 278 extending from the inner diameter of the substantially cylindrical first end. However, any other suitable shape and arrangement of engagement between the end 80 of the first rod segment 214 and the substantially cylindrical first end 264 may be used, such as pins, mechanical fasteners, clamps, snap fits, adhesives, and the like. According to an embodiment, when the end 80 of the first lever section 214 is inserted into the substantially cylindrical first end 264 of the support arm 260, the end 280 contacts the lever abutment surface 266.

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, the alignment mounting bracket 220 may be fastened to the wall by aligning the mounting bracket wall mounting holes 228 and 229 using mechanical fasteners 250 and 251. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical fasteners 250 and 251 are threaded screws, however, any other suitable type of mechanical fastener may be used, such as bolts or any other conventional type of mechanical fastener. According to some embodiments, the mechanical fasteners may be self-tapping screws to secure the alignment mounting bracket 220 into a metal and/or wooden window stile. According to some embodiments, the mechanical fasteners may be fastened using an optional wall anchor 252.

Fig. 12 through 15 illustrate a second alignment bracket assembly 319 of the curtain rod assembly 210. The same reference numerals are used in fig. 12 through 15 for common features present in the first alignment bracket assembly 219 of fig. 12 through 16. As shown in fig. 12-15, alignment bracket assembly 319 includes an alignment mounting bracket 320 and a support arm 360. The alignment mounting bracket 320 may be a mirror image of the alignment mounting bracket 220 described in the first alignment bracket assembly 219 shown in fig. 12 through 16. The support arm 360 may mirror the support arm 260 described in the first alignment bracket assembly 219 shown in fig. 12-19, with a substantially cylindrical first end 364 sized to receive the end 284 of the third rod segment 218.

As shown in fig. 12-15, the alignment mounting bracket 320 includes a vertical guide leg 322. According to an embodiment, the vertical guide leg 322 may include a vertical guide edge 324, a lower end 326, and an upper end that terminates at a horizontal guide edge 332. According to an embodiment, the vertical guide legs 322 may also include alignment mounting bracket wall mounting holes (not shown) and support arm mounting holes (not shown). The alignment mounting bracket 320 of the second alignment bracket assembly 319 may have the same or similar construction as the alignment mounting bracket 220 described in the first alignment bracket assembly 219 shown in fig. 12-16.

As shown in fig. 12-15, support arm 360 may be attached to alignment mounting bracket 320 of alignment bracket assembly 319. The support arm 360 includes a second end 361 and a substantially cylindrical first end 364. The substantially cylindrical first end 264 defines an axis that is substantially aligned with an axis of the telescoping shade rod 212. The second end 361 can be laterally offset from the substantially cylindrical first end 364 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the telescoping shade rod 212 and also in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping shade rod 212. The substantially cylindrical first end 364 includes: a rod receiving opening 367 having a cylindrical inner surface with an inner diameter selected based on the outer diameter of the rod section it receives; and a rod abutment surface 366. According to some embodiments, the substantially cylindrical first end 364 may also include a decorative head 370. The second end 361 of the support arm 360 includes an optional threaded alignment mounting bracket hole (not shown). The alignment mounting bracket 220 may be fastened to the wall by aligning the mounting bracket wall mounting holes using mechanical fasteners 350 and 351. The support arm 360 of the second alignment bracket assembly 319 may have the same or similar construction as the support arm 360 described in the first alignment bracket assembly 219 shown in fig. 12-16.

As shown in fig. 12-15, the alignment bracket assembly 319 has a vertical height, a curtain extension distance, and a curtain suspension distance that are selected to properly position the curtain rod assembly 210 during installation around the window frame 202. When the alignment mounting bracket 320 is positioned adjacent to the outer frame side wall 204 or vertical portion of the window frame 202, the shade of the alignment bracket assembly 319 extends a distance such that the telescoping shade rod 212 and shade can extend beyond the outer frame side wall 4 or vertical portion of the window frame 2. This curtain extension distance L is desirable to provide a shading function where the side edges of the curtain overlap the window frame and to achieve an aesthetic appearance. The blind rod assembly 210 provides shading and aesthetic functions and enables the alignment bracket assembly 319 to be mounted on a window stile without measurement. The vertical height of the alignment bracket assembly 319, the curtain extension distance, and the curtain suspension distance may be the same as or similar to the vertical height H, the curtain extension distance L, and the curtain suspension distance D of the alignment bracket assembly 219.

As shown in fig. 12, 14, and 15, the support arm 360 may have a generally "S" shaped section 362 extending from a substantially cylindrical first end 364 to a second end 361. The generally S-shaped section 362 may include an upper edge 369. According to embodiments of the invention, the upper edge 369 may be substantially aligned with a horizontal leading edge of the horizontal leading edge 332 of the alignment mounting bracket 320. The S-shaped section 362 may include an upwardly open recess 365. The support arm 360 of the second alignment bracket assembly 319 may have the same or similar construction as the support arm 360 described in the first alignment bracket assembly 219 shown in fig. 12-16.

The alignment mounting bracket 320 and the support arm 360 can be movably mounted. The mounting between the alignment mounting bracket 320 and the support arm 360 may be performed using the same or similar arrangement of the alignment mounting bracket 220 and the support arm 260 as described in the first alignment bracket assembly 219 shown in fig. 12-16.

The end 284 of the third rod segment 218 may be engaged with the substantially cylindrical first end 364 of the support arm 360 using the same or similar engagement arrangement as described between the end 280 of the first rod segment 214 and the substantially cylindrical first end 264 of the support arm 260.

To install the blind rod assembly 210, the alignment mounting bracket 220 of the first alignment bracket assembly 219 may be positioned along a first vertical portion of the window frame 202 and mounted, for example, on a lower window stile. The alignment mounting brackets 320 of the second alignment bracket assembly 319 may be positioned along opposing vertical portions of the window frame 202 and mounted on opposing window stiles. The end 280 of the first rod segment 214 may be inserted into the substantially cylindrical first end 264 of the support arm 260 of the first alignment bracket assembly 219. The end 284 of the third rod segment 218 may be inserted into the substantially cylindrical first end 364 of the support arm 360 of the second bracket assembly 319. The first rod section 214 may then be axially locked relative to the second rod section 216.

Fig. 20-28 illustrate features of a room dimming shade bar assembly 410 mounted above a window frame 402, including removable decorative heads 470 and 570, according to embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to describe the same features as seen in the previous embodiments.

As shown in fig. 20 and 21, curtain rod assembly 410 includes a removable magnetic decorative head 470, which removable magnetic decorative head 470 allows curtain 408 to be pulled from curtain rod 412 to bracket assembly 419 to provide curtain surround area 409. The assembly includes a bracket having: a vertical leg 422, a first horizontal leg 430, and a second horizontal or surrounding leg 440, the second horizontal or surrounding leg 440 supporting the window covering 408 above the surrounding leg 440 of the surrounding area 409. As shown in fig. 20, the removable magnetic decorative head 470 is detached from the stand assembly 419 before the window covering 408 is pulled to cover the stand assembly 419. As shown in fig. 21, after pulling the window covering 408 to the bracket assembly 419, the removable magnetic decorative head 470 is attached to the bracket assembly 419 with the encircled area 409 of the window covering 408 between the removable magnetic decorative head 470 and the bracket assembly 419 to completely cover the exterior frame sidewall 404 of the frame 402 and hide the bracket assembly 419 from view. Thus, the window covering surround area 409 supported by the surround legs 440 reduces or prevents light from entering the room and allows the rack assembly 419 to be concealed. As described more fully below, the surrounding leg 440 provides a shade overhang distance D, and the first horizontal leg 430 provides a shade extension distance L, which may be selected to provide a desired room dimming effect. The window covering 408 may be of any known design and may typically include two window covering panels that may each be pulled into one of the bracket assemblies of the present invention to provide a room dimming effect. However, other types of window coverings may be used, including single panel window coverings.

Curtain rod assembly 410 includes a telescoping curtain rod 412, a first bracket assembly 419, and a second bracket assembly 519 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 22, the telescoping shade rod 412 includes a first telescoping rod section 414 (also referred to as a first rod section) and a second telescoping rod section 418 (also referred to as a second rod section). The first and second rod segments of this embodiment may have the same or similar construction as the first, second and third rod segments as described in the previous embodiments.

The blind stretch rod assembly 410 includes a rod segment locking device (not shown), a first bushing (not shown), and a second bushing (not shown). The rod segment locking device and the first and second bushings of this embodiment may be of the same or similar construction as the rod segment locking device 90 as described in the previous embodiment of fig. 1-11.

As shown in fig. 20, the vertical guide edge 424 of the alignment mounting bracket 420 may be positioned in alignment with the outer sash side wall 404 of the sash 402. According to an embodiment of the invention, the vertical guiding edge 424 may be located directly adjacent to the outer sash side wall 404 of the sash 402. This arrangement allows the alignment mounting bracket to be mounted on the lower window stile when the vertical guide edge 424 is positioned in alignment with the outer sash side wall 404 of the sash 402. In another embodiment, the vertical guide edge may be positioned directly above the outer sash side wall 404 of the sash 402. As shown in fig. 20, the horizontal leading edge 432 of the mounting bracket 420 may be positioned to align with the top edge 405 of the window frame 402. In another embodiment, a user may desire to position the shade rod assembly above the top edge 405 of the window frame. Such positioning may be performed by aligning the vertical guide edge 424 with the outer sash side wall 404 of the sash 402. The use of vertical guide edges 424 and/or horizontal guide edges 432 according to embodiments of the present invention enables installation of the shade bar assembly 410 without measurement.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 22 and 23, the first bracket assembly 419 comprises a two-piece design that includes an alignment mounting bracket 420 and a support arm 460. In this embodiment, the wrap around leg 440 also includes a support arm 460 to provide an adjustable curtain hang distance D. While a two-piece mounting bracket 420 and support arm 460 arrangement is shown in fig. 22 and 23, it should be understood that a one-piece or unitary mounting bracket 419 may be used, as shown in fig. 20 and 21. The alignment mounting bracket 420 includes a vertical guide leg 422, a first horizontal leg 430, and a second horizontal leg 440, the second horizontal leg 440 providing, in conjunction with the support arm 460, an adjustable wrap-around leg extending laterally between the first horizontal leg 430 and the generally cylindrical end 464 of the bracket support arm 460. Vertical guide leg 422 includes a vertical guide edge 424, a lower end 426, and an upper end that terminates at a horizontal guide edge 432. As shown in fig. 23, the vertical guide legs 422 may also include aligned mounting bracket wall mounting holes 428 and 429. The first horizontal leg 430 may extend from the vertical guide leg 422 in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 412 and includes a horizontal guide edge 432 and a window frame end terminating in a vertical guide edge 424. A laterally extending second horizontal surrounding leg 440 extends from the first horizontal leg in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 412 (e.g., in a direction having a component perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod) and includes an upper edge 442 and an end 444. In the illustrated embodiment, a laterally extending second horizontal surrounding leg 440 extends at a 90 ° angle from the axis of the telescoping shade rod 412. However, any other suitable extension angle having a component perpendicular to the axis may be used. The second horizontal surround leg 440 may also include support arm mounting holes 448 and 449. The first horizontal leg 430 and the second horizontal leg 440 may intersect to form an alignment intersection 446. According to some embodiments of the invention, the horizontal leading edge 432 of the first horizontal leg 430 may be substantially aligned with the upper edge 442 of the second horizontal surrounding leg 440.

As shown in fig. 22, 27 and 28, the bracket assembly 419 has a curtain hang distance D, a curtain extension L, and a vertical height H selected to properly position the curtain rod assembly 410 during installation around the window frame 402. Similar dimensions D, L and H may be used in the embodiments shown in fig. 20 and 21.

The curtain overhang distance D of the bracket assembly 419 around the leg 440 may be selected to position the telescoping rod 412 away from the wall and provide a sufficient surrounding area 409 for the curtain 408. The curtain suspension distance D is measured along the length of the surrounding leg 440 and offsets the vertical guide leg 422 and the first horizontal leg 430 relative to the axis of the telescoping curtain rod 412 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the telescoping curtain rod. For example, the curtain hang distance D may typically be in the range of 0.5 to 8 inches, or 1 to 6 inches, or 1.5 to 4.5 inches. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the blind is pulled from the blind rod 412 to the bracket assembly, the blind hang distance D provides a surround area 409 as shown in fig. 21. The blind surround area 409 provides a shading function where the side edges of the blind 408 overlap or are adjacent to the outer sash side wall 404 and/or contact or are adjacent to the wall in which the window is installed, which will block light from entering the room.

The shade extension distance L may be selected to allow the telescoping rod 412 and shade to extend away from the outer frame sidewall 404 of the window frame 402 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 412. The shade extension distance L offsets the vertical guide edge 424 relative to the end 480 of the first rod segment 414 and/or the rod abutment surface 466 of the support arm 460 in a direction parallel to the axis of the telescoping shade rod 412. For example, the shade extension distance L of the stand assemblies 419 may typically be up to 8 inches, e.g., 1 to 6 inches, or 3 to 5 inches. In some embodiments, the shade extension distance L may be minimized or eliminated such that an edge in the encircled area of the shade 408 is located at or near the side wall 404 of the window frame 402, such as when the first horizontal leg 430 is eliminated.

The vertical height H of the alignment mounting bracket 420 may be selected to properly position the curtain rod assembly 410 during installation around the window frame 402. The vertical height H may be selected to provide a vertical guide edge 424 and enable access to the aligned mounting bracket wall mounting holes 428 and 429. For example, the vertical height H may be up to 4 inches, e.g., 0.5 to 4 inches, or 1 to 3 inches, or 1.5 to 2.5 inches. In certain embodiments, vertical height H may be reduced or eliminated, such as when vertical legs 422 of brace assembly 419 are eliminated.

When the alignment mounting bracket 420 is positioned adjacent to the outer frame side wall 404 or vertical portion of the window frame 402, the shade of the alignment mounting bracket 420 extends a distance L such that the telescoping shade rod 412 and shade can extend beyond the outer frame side wall 404 or vertical portion of the window frame 402. This curtain extension distance L may desirably provide additional shading and/or provide aesthetics. The curtain rod assembly 410 provides shade and aesthetic functions and enables the bracket assembly 419 to be mounted on a window stile without measurement.

As shown in fig. 22-27, a support arm 460 may be attached to the second horizontal leg 440 of the mounting bracket 420 of the bracket assembly 419 to thereby form an adjustable wrap-around leg. The support arm 460 includes a second end portion 461 and a substantially cylindrical first end portion 464. The substantially cylindrical first end portion 464 defines an axis substantially aligned with the axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 412. The second end 461 may be laterally offset from the substantially cylindrical first end 464 in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the telescoping shade rod 412 and/or an axis of the substantially cylindrical first end 464. The substantially cylindrical first end portion 464 may include: a rod abutment surface 466; a rod receiving opening 467, an inner diameter of the rod receiving opening 467 having an outer diameter selected based on a rod segment it receives; and a cosmetic tip abutment surface 469. According to an embodiment of the invention, the mounting section 462 may be disposed between the substantially cylindrical first end 464 and the second end 461. The mounting section 462 of the support arm 460 may include a connection slot 463 configured to allow the alignment mounting bracket 420 to be slidably mounted on the second end 461 of the support arm.

As shown in fig. 22, the rod abutment surface 466 may include a threaded support arm stud or bolt 476 substantially aligned with the axis of the substantially cylindrical first end 464 and the axis of the telescoping rod 412. In the illustrated embodiment, a threaded support arm stud or bolt 476 is integrally formed with the rod abutment surface. However, any other suitable arrangement may be used, for example, a threaded support arm stud or bolt 476 may be threadably engaged with the rod abutment surface. As shown in fig. 22, the end 480 of the first rod section 414 may include an inner sleeve 482 having a threaded bore 483. A threaded support arm stud or bolt 476 may be configured to threadably engage a threaded bore 483 of the sleeve 482. However, any other suitable shape and arrangement of engagement between the substantially cylindrical first end portion 464 and the end portion 480 of the first rod segment 414 may be used, such as pins, mechanical fasteners, clamps, snap fits, adhesives, and the like. According to another embodiment of the invention, the rod abutment surface 466 may not include a threaded support rod, and the end 480 of the first rod section 414 may be engaged only by the substantially cylindrical first end 464. For example, the end 480 of the first rod segment 414 may be engaged by the substantially cylindrical first end 464 using a frictional engagement, a pin, a mechanical fastener, a clamp, a snap fit, a magnet, an adhesive, or the like.

As shown in fig. 22, the decoration head abutment surface 469 includes a decoration head engagement magnet 471. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the decoration head engagement magnet 471 may be located at the center of the decoration head abutment surface 464. According to the embodiment shown, the deco-engagement magnet 471 is disc-shaped and is attached to the circular deco-abutment face 469 using any suitable means, such as an adhesive, mechanical fastener, clamp, snap-fit, or the like. Alternatively, the decoration head abutment surface 469 may be formed of a magnetic material. According to another embodiment of the invention, the trim head abutment surface 469 may include a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron, nickel, cobalt, etc.) to attract the cradle engagement magnet 478 of the magnetic trim head 470.

As shown in fig. 23, 24, and 28, the magnetic trim head 470 is removably attached to the bracket assembly 419. According to an embodiment of the invention, the decorative head includes an outer edge 472, a face 474, and a bracket engagement magnet 478. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket engagement magnet 478 is attached to the face 474 by any suitable means. For example, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, clamps, snap fits, etc. may be used to secure the bracket engaging magnet 478. Alternatively, the face 474 may be formed of a magnetic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the rack engaging magnet 478 comprises a disk shape, however, any other suitable shape of magnet may be used, such as rectangular, square, triangular, oval, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket engagement magnet 478 extends from the face 474 to a distance slightly beyond the outer edge 472. This causes the bracket engagement magnet 478 to become proximate to the deco engagement magnet 471 as the window covering is secured between the magnets 471 and 478 of the bracket assembly 419 and the removable deco 470. When the magnetic decorative head 470 is installed, its outer edge 472 contacts or comes into proximity with the window covering 408 to thereby provide a desirable appearance.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bracket engagement magnets 478 of the magnetic trim 470 allow the trim to be removed from the bracket assembly 419 to facilitate pulling the window covering 408 to the surrounding legs 440 of the bracket assembly 419 to form the surrounding region 409. Once window covering 408 is pulled over surrounding legs 440 of bracket assembly 419, magnetic decorative head 470 may then be reattached to bracket assembly 419 with window covering 408 secured between magnetic decorative head 470 and bracket assembly 419.

The magnetic connection between the decorative head 470 and the bracket assembly 419 allows the shade 409 to be positioned therebetween without cutting or tearing the fabric of the shade 408, according to embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the decoration head engagement magnet 471 and the cradle engagement magnet 478 may be of matching size and shape, and oriented such that their poles attract each other. This allows magnetic trim head 470 to align with the axis of retractable curtain rod 412 when attached to bracket assembly 419.

The deco-engagement magnet 471 and the holder-engagement magnet 478 may be made from any suitable hard magnetic material known to those skilled in the art, including ferromagnetic materials and rare earth materials.

As shown in fig. 22 to 28, the alignment mounting bracket 420 may be fastened to the wall by alignment mounting bracket wall mounting holes 428 and 429 using mechanical fasteners 450 and 451. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical fasteners 450 and 451 are threaded screws, however, any other suitable type of mechanical fastener may be used, such as bolts or any other conventional type of mechanical fastener. According to some embodiments of the invention, the mechanical fasteners may be self-tapping screws to secure the alignment mounting bracket 420 into a metal and/or wooden window stile. According to some embodiments, the mechanical fastener may be fastened using an optional wall anchor 452. However, as discussed above, when the mounting bracket 420 is positioned adjacent to a window frame, it is possible for a window stile to be disposed in such a position, and the use of the wall anchor 452 may not be necessary. As shown in fig. 22, 23, and 25-27, the alignment mounting bracket 420 can be fastened to the support arm 460 with mechanical fasteners 454 and 455 through the mounting holes 448 and 449 of the alignment mounting bracket 420 and the attachment slot 463 of the support arm 460. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical fastener 450 is a threaded screw, however, any other suitable type of mechanical fastener may be used, such as a thumb screw, a bolt, or any other conventional type of mechanical fastener.

Fig. 22 illustrates a second bracket assembly 519 of a curtain rod assembly 410 according to an embodiment of the invention. The same reference numerals are used in fig. 22 for common features found in the first frame assembly 419 of fig. 20-28. As shown in fig. 22, the bracket assembly 519 includes an alignment mounting bracket 520 and a support arm 560, and the second horizontal leg of the mounting bracket 520 in combination with the support arm 560 forms an adjustable horizontal wrap-around leg. The alignment mounting bracket 520 may be a mirror image of the alignment mounting bracket 420 depicted in the first bracket assembly 419 as shown in fig. 20-28. The support arm 560 may mirror the support arm 460 depicted in the first frame assembly 419 as shown in fig. 21-28, with the substantially cylindrical first end 564 sized to receive the end 484 of the second lever section 418. The alignment mounting bracket 520 and support arm 560 of the second bracket assembly 519 may be of the same or similar construction as the alignment mounting bracket 420 and support arm 460 described in the first bracket assembly 419 as shown in fig. 20-28.

As shown in fig. 22, the support arms 560 of the second bracket assembly 519 may be attached to the alignment mounting bracket 520 of the bracket assembly 519. The support arm 560 includes a second end 561 and a substantially cylindrical first end 564. The substantially cylindrical first end 564 defines an axis substantially aligned with an axial direction of the telescoping shade rod 412. The second end 562 can be laterally offset relative to the substantially cylindrical first end 564 in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the telescoping curtain rod 412 and/or an axis of the substantially cylindrical first end 564. The substantially cylindrical first end 564 may include: a rod abutment surface 566; a rod receiving opening 567, an inner diameter of the rod receiving opening 567 being selected based on an outer diameter of a rod section that it receives; and a finial abutment surface 569. According to embodiments of the invention, the mounting section 562 may be disposed between the substantially cylindrical first end 564 and the second end 561. The mounting section 562 of the support arm 560 can include a connection slot 563 configured to allow the alignment mounting bracket 520 to be slidably mounted on the second end 461 of the support arm. The support arms 560 of the second bracket assembly 519 may have the same or similar construction as the support arms 460 as described in the first bracket assembly 419.

As shown in fig. 22, the rod abutment face 566 may include a threaded support arm bolt or stud 576 that is substantially aligned with the axis of the substantially cylindrical first end 564 and the axis of the telescoping rod 412. As shown in fig. 22, the end 484 of the second rod segment 418 may include an inner sleeve 486 having a threaded bore 487. The threaded support arm bolt 576 may be configured to threadedly engage the threaded bore 487 of the sleeve 486. However, any other suitable shape and arrangement of engagement between the substantially cylindrical first end 564 and the end 488 of the second rod segment 418 may be used, such as pins, mechanical fasteners, clamps, snap fits, adhesives, and the like. According to another embodiment of the invention, the rod abutment surface 566 may not include a threaded support rod, and the end 484 of the second rod segment 418 may be engaged only by the substantially cylindrical first end 564.

As shown in fig. 22, the trim head abutment surface 569 may include a trim head engagement magnet 571. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the deco engagement magnet 571 may be located in the center of the deco abutment surface 564. In the illustrated embodiment, the trim head engagement magnet 571 is attached to the trim head abutment face 569 using any suitable means. Such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners, clamps, snap fits, etc. Alternatively, the finial abutment surface 569 may be formed of a magnetic material.

As shown in fig. 22, the decorative head 570 is removably attached to the bracket assembly 519. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the decorative head includes an outer edge 572, a face 574, and a bracket engaging magnet 578. The trim head 570 of the second bracket assembly 519 may have the same or similar configuration as the trim head 470 as described in the first bracket assembly 419.

The telescoping shade rod, alignment mounting bracket, support arm, decorative head, and fastener can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, and the like. For example, the telescoping shade rod and mounting alignment bracket may be made of metal such as aluminum and/or steel. The support arm and the trim head may be made of a metal or polymeric material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, and the like.

To install the blind rod assembly 410, the alignment mounting bracket 420 of the first bracket assembly 419 may be positioned along a first vertical portion of the window frame 402 and mounted, for example, on a lower window stile, according to embodiments of the present invention. The first magnetic decorative head 470 may be removable from the first frame member 419. The alignment mounting brackets 520 of the second bracket assembly 519 may be positioned along opposing vertical portions of the window frame 402 and mounted on opposing window stiles. The second magnetic decoration head 570 may be removed from the second bracket assembly 519. The window covering 408 may be mounted on the first rod section 414 and/or the second rod section 418. The end 480 of the first rod section 414 may be inserted into the substantially cylindrical first end 464 of the support arm 460 of the first bracket assembly 419. The threaded bolt 476 of the rod abutment surface 466 may engage the threaded bore 483 of the threaded sleeve 482 at the end 480 of the first rod section 414. The shade 409 may be attached to a telescoping shade rod 412. The end 484 of the second rod segment 418 may be inserted into the substantially cylindrical first end 564 of the support arm 560 of the second bracket assembly 519. The first rod section 414 may then be axially locked relative to the second rod section 418. The threaded bolt 576 of the rod abutment surface 566 may engage the threaded bore 487 of the threaded sleeve 486 at the end 484 of the second rod segment 418. If not, the first magnetic decorative head 470 may be removed from the first stand 419 and the window covering 408 may be pulled over the surrounding legs 440 of the first stand 419 into the surrounding area 409. Magnetic decorative head 470 may then be reattached to first bracket 419 with a portion of window covering 408 positioned between magnetic decorative head 470 and first bracket 419. If not, the second magnetic trim head 570 may be removed from the second bracket 519 and the window covering 408 may be pulled onto the surrounding leg of the second bracket 519 into a second surrounding area on the opposite side of the window covering from the first surrounding area 409. The second magnetic decorative head 570 may then be reattached to the second bracket 519 with another portion of the window covering 408 positioned between the second magnetic decorative head 570 and the second bracket 519.

While specific embodiments of the 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 (16)

1. A blind rod assembly, comprising:

a curtain rod including a first end and a second end;

a first bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive the first end of the shade rod, the first bracket assembly including a first surrounding leg extending perpendicularly away from a longitudinal axis of the shade rod, the first surrounding leg allowing the shade to be pulled thereon, and a removable first magnetic decorative head constructed and arranged to magnetically attach to the first bracket assembly with a portion of the shade positioned between the first magnetic decorative head and the first bracket assembly; and

a second bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive the second end of the shade rod, the second bracket assembly including a second surrounding leg extending perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis of the shade rod, the second surrounding leg allowing the shade to be pulled onto it, and a removable second magnetic decorative head constructed and arranged to be magnetically attached to the second bracket assembly with a portion of the shade between the second magnetic decorative head and the second bracket assembly.

2. The curtain rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the removable first magnetic decorative head includes a magnet alignable with a magnet attached to the first bracket assembly, and the removable second magnetic decorative head has a magnet alignable with a second magnet attached to the second bracket assembly.

3. The curtain rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first bracket assembly includes a substantially cylindrical end configured and arranged to receive the first end of the curtain rod, and the second bracket assembly includes a substantially cylindrical end configured and arranged to receive the second end of the curtain rod.

4. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3, wherein the substantially cylindrical end of the first bracket assembly includes a first decor abutment face and the substantially cylindrical end of the second bracket assembly includes a second decor abutment face.

5. The curtain rod assembly of claim 4, wherein the trim abutment face of the first bracket assembly and the trim abutment face of the second bracket assembly comprise a ferromagnetic material.

6. The blind rod assembly of claim 4, wherein the first trim abutment face includes a first trim engaging magnet and the second trim abutment face includes a second trim engaging magnet.

7. The curtain rod assembly of claim 6, wherein the first decor-engaging magnet is secured to the first decor-abutting face and the second decor-engaging magnet is secured to the second decor-abutting face.

8. The blind rod assembly of claim 6, wherein the first finial engagement magnet is integrally formed with the first finial abutment surface and the second finial engagement magnet is integrally formed with the second finial abutment surface.

9. The shade bar assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second trim-engaging magnets are substantially disc-shaped, the first and second bracket-engaging magnets are substantially disc-shaped, and the first trim-engaging magnet has a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the first bracket-engaging magnet and the second trim-engaging magnet has a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the second bracket-engaging magnet.

10. The curtain rod assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a first rod abutment surface comprising a threaded bolt or stud extending into the substantially cylindrical end of the first bracket assembly and engageable with a threaded bore of the first end of the shade rod; and a second rod abutment surface comprising a threaded bolt or stud extending into the substantially cylindrical end of the second bracket assembly and engageable with a threaded bore of the second end of the shade rod.

11. The curtain rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second surrounding legs have a fixed length.

12. The curtain rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second surrounding legs have adjustable lengths.

13. The curtain rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second surrounding legs have a drape distance D of 1 to 6 inches.

14. The curtain rod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the curtain rod are axially movable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the curtain rod and lockable relative to each other.

15. A method of installing the shade rod assembly of claim 1 adjacent to a window, the method comprising:

securing the first bracket assembly along a first vertical portion of a window frame;

securing the second bracket assembly along a second vertical portion of the window frame;

mounting a window covering to the window shade bar;

inserting the first end of the curtain rod into the first bracket assembly;

inserting the second end of the shade rod into the second bracket assembly;

pulling the window covering onto the first surrounding leg of the first bracket assembly and the second surrounding leg of the second bracket assembly; and is

Magnetically attaching the removable first magnetic trim head to the first bracket assembly and the removable second magnetic trim head to the second bracket assembly, wherein the first and second magnetic trim heads are attached to the first and second bracket assemblies with a portion of the window covering between the first and second magnetic trim heads and the second bracket assembly.

16. An assembly of a window covering and a pole, the assembly comprising:

a curtain rod including a first end and a second end;

a first bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive the first end of the curtain rod, the first bracket assembly including a first surrounding leg extending perpendicularly away from a longitudinal axis of the curtain rod;

a second bracket assembly constructed and arranged to receive the second end of the shade rod, the second bracket assembly including a second surrounding leg extending perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis of the shade rod; and

a blind mounted on the blind rod, wherein the blind is pulled onto the first and second surrounding legs to thereby provide first and second blind surrounding areas;

a first magnetic decorative head magnetically attached to the first bracket component, wherein a portion of the window covering is located between the first magnetic decorative head and the first bracket component; and

a second magnetic decorative head magnetically attached to the second bracket assembly, wherein another portion of the window covering is located between the second magnetic decorative head and the second bracket assembly.

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