GB2603258A

GB2603258A - Multi-part curtain rail supporting bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2603258A
Application number: GB2116614.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hobbs Stuart
Original assignee: Rothley Ltd
Current assignee: Rothley Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-18
Filing date: 2021-11-18
Publication date: 2022-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2041-11-18
Also published as: GB202116614D0; GB202018117D0; GB2603258B

Abstract

A multi-part curtain rail supporting bracket comprising a backing part 2 configured to be secured to a wall and a projecting part 1 comprising a curtain rail receiving channel 14 into which a curtain rail can be lowered, wherein the projecting part and the backing part are releasably engageable with one another, wherein the projecting part and the backing part define a prismatic joint that enables the projecting part and the backing part to be releasably engaged with one another, wherein one of the backing part or the projecting part comprises a lipped prismatic channel 22 having an open end, and wherein the other of the backing part or the projecting part comprises a slider 16 configured to fit within the prismatic channel to create the releasable engagement, wherein a first portion 32 along the slider is narrower than lips of the prismatic channel, and wherein a second portion 34 along the slider is wider than the lips of the prismatic channel.

Description

TITLE

Multi-part curtain rail supporting bracket

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a multi-part curtain rail supporting bracket.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A curtain rail is also known as a curtain rod or curtain pole, and is for suspending curtains. Most, but not all curtain rails are circular hollow tubes.

A curtain rail supporting bracket is configured to secure the curtain rail to a surface, typically a vertical wall.

The curtain rail supporting bracket is typically secured to the wall by screws.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined in the appended independent claims.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a multi-part curtain rail supporting bracket comprising: a backing part configured to be secured to a wall; and a projecting part comprising a curtain rail receiving channel into which a curtain rail can be lowered, wherein the projecting part and the backing part are configured to be releasably engageable with one another, wherein the projecting part and the backing part define a prismatic joint that enables the projecting part and the backing part to be releasably engaged with one another, wherein one of the backing part or the projecting part comprises a lipped prismatic channel having an open end, and wherein the other of the backing part or the projecting part comprises a slider configured to fit within the prismatic channel to create the releasable engagement, wherein a first portion along the slider is narrower than lips of the prismatic channel, and wherein a second portion along the slider is wider than the lips of the prismatic channel.

This provides the advantage of a secure and convenient curtain rail supporting bracket. This is because the backing part is easy to attach to the wall while the projecting pad is not engaged and is out of the way, and because a curtain rail can be dropped into place to be securely supported from below. In at least some examples there is provided a curtain rail supporting bracket that is convenient and strong despite being a multi-part design, and not overly complex to manufacture despite being a multi-part design. In at least some examples there is provided a curtain rail supporting bracket with no or minimal visible fixings.

An advantage of the width change is that a vertical clearance requirement below a ceiling (or equivalent obstruction) is reduced during installation, because the first portion of the slider can be 'dropped in' to the prismatic channel perpendicularly to the prismatic channel, rather than the whole slider having to be initially positioned above the prismatic channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a projecting part of an example curtain rail supporting bracket; FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a backing part of an example curtain rail supporting bracket; FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an assembled curtain rail supporting bracket; and FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a projecting part of an example curtain rail supporting bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The Figures illustrate an example of a multi-part curtain rail supporting bracket 3 comprising: in FIG. 1, a projecting part 1 comprising a curtain rail receiving channel 14 into which a curtain rail 5 can be lowered; in FIG. 2, a backing part 2 configured to be secured to a wall; and in FIG. 3, the assembled bracket 3 illustrating the projecting part 1 and the backing part 2 engaged with one another. FIG. 4 illustrates a width change of a slider 16.

First, the projecting part 1 is described. The projecting part 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1, although it will be appreciated that other designs are possible and at least some of its features can be omitted.

The curtain rail receiving channel 14 of the projecting part 1 is configured to hold a curtain rail 5 away from the wall, such that the curtain rail 5 extends generally horizontally and parallel to the wall in use. The curtain rail 5 may be tubular. The projecting part 1 is configured to transfer the weight of the curtain rail 5 to the backing part 2 when the projecting part 1 is engaged with the backing part 2.

In some, but not necessarily all examples the projecting part 1 comprises a plurality of structural members 10, 12, 16. In FIG. 1, but not necessarily all examples, the projecting part 1 comprises at least three structural members. 30 The structural members can interconnect to form a structural frame.

A subset of the structural members comprises a plurality of projecting arms 10, 12. The projecting arms are configured to cantilever the curtain rail receiving channel 14 away from the wall, by a desired span distance L along an x-axis for ensuring that the curtains can hang properly.

The projecting arms 10, 12 can comprise an upper projecting arm 10 and a lower projecting arm 12. The upper projecting arm 10 and the lower projecting arm 12 can vertically converge towards each other at an increasing x-axis distance from the wall/backing part 2.

The lower projecting arm 12 may couple to the upper projecting arm 10 towards a distal end (furthest from the wall) of the projecting part 1.

The upper projecting arm 10 may extend in a substantially horizontal direction (parallel to x-axis). The lower projecting arm 12 may extend in a substantially diagonal direction to converge with the upper projecting arm 10. The lower projecting arm 12 may therefore act as a diagonal bracing member to increase strength against torsion.

At least two (in this case, all) of the projecting arms 10, 12 can each be structurally connected at a proximal end (closest to the wall) of the projecting part 1 to a further structural member 16. The further structural member 16 may be configured to structurally interconnect the projecting arms 10, 12.

The further structural member 16 can be a non-projecting arm oriented to extend in an approximately wall-parallel direction. The further structural member 16 can extend in a substantially vertical direction (z-axis) in use, and can be regarded as a vertical structural member 16.

The locations 1 8a, 18b at which the projecting arms 10, 12 couple to the vertical structural member 16 are regarded as anchor locations (arm connection points) on the vertical structural member 16. The vertical distance H between the illustrated pair of anchor locations 18a, 18b can be shorter or longer than the span length L, with a ratio H/L chosen from the range 0.3 to 2. A lower value than this range would reduce resistance to torsion so more material may be needed. A higher value than this range could require long projecting arms which could reduce resistance to buckling.

Based on the above description, the structural frame may define an approximately triangular cantilever when viewed from the side. However, the directions of and number of the projecting arms 10, 12 can differ in other implementations.

In some, but not necessarily all examples the projecting part 1 comprises a metal. For example, some or all of the structural members can comprise a metal. The metal may comprise at least one of: ferrous steel; non-ferrous steel (stainless steel), aluminium alloy (cast or formed), or zinc diecast. The metal can be finished in a variety of different ways to provide an aesthetic effect and/or to resist corrosion in damp environments. For example, the metal can be chromed.

A structural frame as described above can withstand heavy steady-state loads as well as heavy transient loads without breaking or releasing the curtain. High transient loads can be encountered when attaching the curtain rail 5 or if a curtain or curtain rail is later grabbed and pulled. Use of a structural frame with multiple members enables use of thinner materials for a reduced bill of materials compared with a single cantilevered beam.

To significantly reduce fabrication steps and reduce tooling requirements, the structural members 10, 12, 16 can comprise sheet sections as shown. A sheet section refers to a flat bar based on a substantially rectangular cross-section, and having a small thickness in relation to its width. The flat bars can be bent into curved shapes during manufacture, if required. In at least some examples a sheet section comprises a uniform thickness along substantially its whole length. The uniform thickness can be from the range approximately lmm to approximately 3mm.

One or more pairs of the sheet sections 10, 12, 16 can be welded to each other by spot welds (not shown) to facilitate high volume manufacture and/or automation.

Spot welds in the vertical structural member 16 can be on its rear wall-facing side (not visible) to provide a clean appearance from the front.

To facilitate a rear spot weld, the vertical structural member 16 may comprise a through-aperture configured to receive a small tab on the end of a projecting arm. The end of the tab fits into the aperture and a spot weld can be added at the rear to secure the tab to the wall-facing side of the vertical structural member 16. The tab, aperture and spot weld are not visible in the post-assembled front perspective view of FIG. 1, demonstrating the clean appearance.

In another embodiment, the projecting part 1 is moulded (e.g. die cast) rather than fabricated and welded. In some examples, the arms 10, 12 can be part of a continuous form with a web section (not shown) interconnecting the arms 10, 12, rather than the hollow interior space separating the arms 10, 12 shown in the illustrations.

In some, but not necessarily all examples the upper projecting arm 10 is not entirely linear/flat. For example, the upper projecting arm 10 can comprise the curtain rail receiving channel 14. The curtain rail receiving channel 14 can be an integral part of the upper projecting arm 10, achieved by bending a portion of the upper projecting arm 10 into a shape that defines the curtain rail receiving channel 14. In FIG. 1 the curtain rail receiving channel 14 has a recessed shape. The recessed shape can comprise a half-tube as shown. The recessed shape (e.g. half-tube) is oriented to be approximately coaxial with the curtain rail 5 in use.

The curtain rail receiving channel 14 can be located at the distal half of the upper projecting arm 10. In some examples, the proximal half of the upper projecting arm 10 is substantially horizontal The curtain rail receiving channel 14 is shaped so that the curtain rail 5 is received from above rather than from below. The lower projecting arm 12 extending under the upper projecting arm 10 would prevent the curtain rail 5 being raised from below.

In the illustration of FIG. 3, the curtain rail 5 does not directly clip in to the curtain rail receiving channel 14. Instead, a separate curtain rail clip 4 for retaining the curtain rail 5 is optionally provided at the curtain rail receiving channel 14.

An example of a separate curtain rail clip 4 is shown in FIG. 3. The curtain rail clip 4 is a flexible clip. The flexible clip 4 may comprise a spring clip. The curtain rail clip 4 may be attached to the curtain rail receiving channel 14 by any 20 appropriate fastener such as a screw.

The curtain rail clip 4 may define a slotted tubular shape wherein the slot defines an open mouth 42 (set of jaws) for receiving the curtain rail 5 from above. When a curtain rail 5 is pushed through the mouth 42, the curtain rail clip 4 flexes to widen the mouth 42 and receive the curtain rail 5. When the widest diameter of the curtain rail 5 is through the mouth 42, the mouth 42 closes around the curtain rail 5 providing a retaining force.

The curtain rail clip 4 may have a smaller outer diameter than the diameter of the half-tube-shaped curtain rail receiving channel 14, and a slightly larger inner diameter than the curtain rail 5. The curtain rail clip 4 may be generally coaxial with the curtain rail receiving channel 14. In some examples the inner diameter of the curtain rail clip 4 is corrugated 44 to increase friction and resist axial sliding of the curtain rail 5 while opening and closing curtains.

Example flexible materials for the curtain rail clip 4 include resiliently deformable polymeric materials. An example of a resiliently deformable polymeric material is nylon.

In use, a curtain rail 5 is retained within the curtain rail clip 4 which is located within the curtain rail receiving channel 14 but the curtain rail 5 does not directly touch the curtain rail receiving channel 14.

A benefit of having a separate curtain rail clip 4 is that it is easy to install and secure the curtain rail 5.

In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the curtain rail 5 is secured in the curtain rail receiving channel 14 by a protruder configured to extend into the curtain rail receiving channel 14 and meet the curtain rail 5 at a relatively small point. The protruder can extend in an approximately radial direction towards a centre of the curtain rail receiving channel 14. The protruder can be configured to apply a bias force against the curtain rail 5 to impart high friction at the point of contact with the curtain rail 5, preventing axial sliding.

In some examples, the bias force is adjustable and the protruder may comprise a screw. Screws can adapt to a wide range of curtain rail diameters, but are more visible than the curtain rail clip 4 and can fall out from over-loosening, causing them to be lost.

In other examples, the bias force is non-adjustable and the protruder can comprise one or more portions of material that are fixedly attached to the curtain rail receiving channel 14, to provide a resiliently deformable mouth that works on a similar principle to the curtain rail clip 4. The resilient deformation in this example would comprise deformation of the portions of protruder material and/or of the sheet section (e.g. arm 10 could be locally/globally thinned for flexibility, with the cost of reduced weight-bearing capacity).

Referring now to the lower projecting arm 12, the lower projecting arm 12 in the illustrations extends under the upper projecting arm 10 and under the curtain rail receiving channel 14 to distally couple to the upper projecting arm 10. That is, the location at which the lower and upper projecting arms 10, 12 couple may be more distal in the x-axis than the curtain rail receiving channel 14.

In some examples, a distal end portion 12b of the lower projecting arm 12 continues past the coupling location with the upper projecting arm 10 to extend slightly vertically above the coupling location. This provides unobstructed access to a spot welder to apply a hidden spot weld from above and to the rear. Therefore, the slight vertical extension not only provides an aesthetic effect, but also reduces fabrication complexity. Another benefit of the distal end portion 12b is preventing the curtail rail from rolling off the end of the projecting part 1 if the curtain rail 5 is not secured.

In other examples, the lower projecting arm 12 can couple to the upper projecting arm 10 at another location.

In some, but not necessarily all examples the lower diagonal projecting arm is not entirely linear and may be shaped before fabrication. A bending operation may achieve the desired shape. For example, in the illustrated example the lower projecting arm 12 comprises a concave vertical curve and then a convex vertical curve along its span length.

In some, but not necessarily all examples the lower projecting arm 12 does not entirely have a uniform width. The lower projecting arm 12 can be wider than the upper projecting arm 10, along a portion 12a of the length of the lower projecting arm 12 that extends under and in front of the curtain rail receiving channel 14. This is more visible in FIG. 3 than in FIG. 1. This widened portion 12a provides a degree of concealment of the curtain rail receiving channel 14 and provides its own decorative effect.

The backing part 2 is now described. The backing part is illustrated in FIG. 2, although it will be appreciated that other designs are possible and at least some of its features can be omitted.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the backing part 2 is configured to be secured to a wall by one or more fasteners (fixings). The backing part 2 can comprise one or more fixing apertures 29 individually configured to receive one or more fasteners. FIG. 2 illustrates a pair of fixing apertures 29. The fixing apertures 29 can be configured to receive screws.

The projecting part 1 and the backing part 2 define a prismatic joint 30 that enables the projecting part 1 and the backing part 2 to be releasably engaged with one another. A prismatic joint is a connection between two objects that has one degree of freedom of translation, allowing relative motion along a single axis, in this case a vertical z-axis. In some examples, the prismatic joint 30 does not allow translation in any other axis (w-axis or x-axis) and does not allow rotation in any axis.

In order to enable the prismatic joint 30, one of the backing part 2 or the projecting part 1 comprises a prismatic channel 20 while the other comprises a slider (such as the vertical structural member 16) configured to fit within the prismatic channel 20 (socket) and slide into and out of the prismatic channel 20 as permitted by the single degree of freedom. In the illustrations, the backing part 2 comprises the prismatic channel 20 and the projecting part 1 comprises the slider 16.

The prismatic channel 20 comprises an open end 22 permitting entry of the slider 16, and an opposite channel stop 24 (e.g. closed end) to prohibit further sliding of the slider 16.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, an end face 26 comprising the open end 22 further comprises a transitional edge 28 extending around the periphery of the open end 22, for guiding the slider 16 into the prismatic channel 20. This is useful because the open end 22 may be above the head level of the installer.

In some examples, the transitional edge 28 comprises a chamfer.

During installation, the backing plate is fixed against a wall at an orientation so that the open end 22 is at the top and the closed end 24 is at the bottom. Then the projecting part 1 is lowered into the backing part 2 from above. Since the closed end 24 is at the bottom, the projecting part 1 cannot fall out under gravity.

An advantage of a prismatic joint 30 is that there are no visible fixings.

As shown in FIG. 3, the projecting part 1, once lowered into the backing part 2, is held securely in place and prevented from upward release because of the downward force exerted by the weight of the inserted curtain pole 5 and curtains that the bracket 3 supports. The projecting part 1 is prevented from forward release by the vertical prismatic joint 30 and downward release by the closed end 24 that forms a channel stop.

According to FIG. 2, but not necessarily all examples, the fixing apertures 29 of the backing part 2 are located within the prismatic channel 20. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3 the fixing apertures 29 and fixings will not be visible in use because they will be hidden behind the projecting part 1.

In order to prevent the head of a fixing from protruding into the prismatic channel 20 and causing interference, the fixing apertures 29 can be recessed into the backing part 2. The recess is deep enough that the head of the fixing will not protrude into the prismatic channel 20. The recess can be formed by a countersink for example.

In some, but not necessarily all examples the vertical structural member 16 of the projecting part 1 is shaped as a slider configured to enable, in part, the releasable engagement to the backing part 2. Therefore, a separate slider is not required to minimise a bill of materials and to enable the use of standard sheet sections.

If the vertical structural member 16 is the slider, the prismatic channel 20 may comprise the shape of the vertical structural member 16. If the vertical structural member 16 is a sheet section as shown, the prismatic channel 20 can have a matching substantially rectangular cross-section.

The prismatic channel 20 in the illustration is a lipped channel, with lips 21 configured to partially enclose the slider 16 and prevent translation of the engaged projecting part 1 in the x-axis away from the backing part 2.

The widths of the lower and upper projecting arms 10, 12 can be narrower than the width between the pair of lips of the prismatic channel 20, to prevent interference between the lower and upper projecting arms 10, 12 and the lips. This is why the upper and lower projecting arms 10, 12 are narrower than the slider 16 in FIG. 1.

Since there is no interference between the lower and upper projecting arms 10, 12 and the lips of the prismatic channel 20, a long prismatic channel can be provided. The length of the illustrated prismatic channel 20 can be longer than the distance H between the arm connection points (anchor locations 18a, 18b) on the slider 16.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the fixing points (e.g. fixing apertures 29) can be vertically aligned with the arm connection points 18a, 18b of the slider 16 in use. The fixing apertures 29 can be directly behind the arm connection points 18a, 18b. As a result, the transmitted loads are not vertically offset relative to the fixings. The vertical separation of the fixing apertures 29 can be approximately equal to H. In some, but not necessarily all examples the backing part 2 comprises metal.

Optionally, the metal can be the same metal as the projecting part 1.

The backing part 2 can be fabricated by moulding. For example, the backing part 2 can be moulded by die casting. Die casting enables high-speed production, dimensional accuracy and casting of unusual shapes such as the lipped channel.

With reference to FIG. 4, the curtain rail supporting bracket 3 is further improved by the provision of means 32 for reducing the vertical clearance requirements below a ceiling (or equivalent obstruction), during insertion of the projecting part 1 into the backing part 2. The vertical clearance requirement is reduced without sacrificing the length of the channel (a.1-1).

The means 32 illustrated in FIG. 4 comprises a first portion 32 of the length of the slider 16 being narrower (w-axis) than the prismatic channel 20. The width wi of the first portion 32 is less than or equal to the width separation between the lips 21 of the prismatic channel 20. This enables the first portion 32 of the slider 16 to be 'dropped in' to the channel in the x-direction, perpendicularly to the prismatic channel 20.

A second portion 34 of the length of the slider 16 is wider than the first portion 32. The second portion 34 fits into the prismatic channel but the width w2 of the second portion 34 is greater than the width separation between the lips 21 of the prismatic channel 20. Therefore, the second portion 34 can only be slid into the prismatic channel 20 from the open end 22 of the prismatic channel 20.

The vertical clearance requirement below the ceiling no longer needs to be greater than the length of the whole slider 16. The vertical clearance requirement below the ceiling depends on the length of the second portion 34 of the slider 16, because there only needs to be space to position the second portion 34 of the slider 16 above the open end 22 of the prismatic channel 20. The first portion 32 can be 'dropped in' to the prismatic channel 20.

The length of the second portion 34 of the slider 16 may be less than the length of the first portion 32 of the slider 16, to minimise a vertical clearance requirement. The second portion 34 may be less than half, less than a third or less than a quarter of the length of the first portion 32.

The slider of FIG. 4 could be described as subtly T-shaped, based on its increase in width towards its top end.

If the second portion 34 is much shorter than the first portion 32, then the slider 16 may be loose because the first portion may be able to rotate out of the prismatic channel 20 or 'rattle' loosely. Therefore, a securing means 36 can be provided to secure the first portion 32 within the prismatic channel 20. This provides a second point of engagement with the prismatic channel 20, towards the opposite end of the slider 16 than the second portion 34.

For example, the securing means 36 can be implemented as an end lip at the closed end 24 of the prismatic channel 20. The position of the edge of the end lip 36 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 4 by a broken line. Once the second portion 34 of the slider 16 has been inserted far enough into the prismatic channel 20, the end of the slider 16 (end of the first portion 32) slides under the end lip 36 of the closed end 24 of the prismatic channel 20. Therefore, the first portion 32 is held by the end lip 36 and the second portion 34 is held by the side lips 21, to provide a secure connection. This enables the slider 16 to have a long length while enabling the curtain rail supporting bracket 3 to be located close to a ceiling.

In another embodiment, the securing means 36 (lip) could be elsewhere than the closed end 24 of the prismatic channel 20. For example, the side lips 21 may comprise a narrower section near the closed end 24 of the prismatic channel 20, narrower than the width wi of the first portion 32 of the slider 16.

In still further embodiments, the securing means 36 is other than a lip, such as a separate part added by the user.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A multi-part curtain rail supporting bracket comprising: a backing part configured to be secured to a wall; and a projecting part comprising a curtain rail receiving channel into which a curtain rail can be lowered, wherein the projecting part and the backing part are releasably engageable with one another, wherein the projecting part and the backing part define a prismatic joint that enables the projecting part and the backing part to be releasably engaged with one another, wherein one of the backing part or the projecting part comprises a lipped prismatic channel having an open end, and wherein the other of the backing part or the projecting part comprises a slider configured to fit within the prismatic channel to create the releasable engagement, wherein a first portion along the slider is narrower than lips of the prismatic channel, and wherein a second portion along the slider is wider than the lips of the prismatic channel.
2. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 1, wherein the projecting part comprises an upper projecting arm and a lower projecting arm extending under the upper projecting arm to couple to the upper projecting arm
3. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 2, wherein the upper projecting arm is a substantially horizontal structural member and wherein the lower projecting arm is a diagonal bracing member.
4. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 2 or 3, wherein the lower projecting arm extends under the upper projecting arm and under at least a portion of the curtain rail receiving channel to distally couple to the upper projecting arm.
5. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the lower projecting arm is wider than the upper projecting arm, along a portion of a length of the lower projecting arm that extends under the curtain rail receiving channel.
6. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the upper projecting arm comprises the curtain rail receiving channel.
7. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the curtain rail receiving channel is cantilevered by a span distance L, wherein the lower projecting arm is anchored at a distance H below an anchor location of the upper projecting arm, and wherein H/L is a value between 0.3 and 2.
8. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any preceding claim, wherein a length of the second portion of the slider is shorter than a length of the first portion of the slider.
9. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any preceding claim, comprising a securing means to secure the first portion within the prismatic channel.
10. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the slider is a sheet section.
11. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any preceding claim, wherein an end face of the backing part comprises the open end of the prismatic channel and comprises a transitional edge for guiding the slider into the prismatic channel.
12. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the slider comprises a plurality of arm connection points.
13. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 12, wherein one or more arms of the projecting part are narrower than the slider to prevent interference between the one or more arms and the lips of the lipped prismatic channel.
14. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 13, wherein a length of the prismatic channel is greater than a distance between arm connection points on the slider.
15. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 13 or 14, wherein fixing points for securing the backing part to the wall are located to be aligned with the arm connection points on the slider when the projecting part and the backing part are engaged.
16. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the prismatic channel comprises recessed fixing apertures for securing the backing part to the wall.
17. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 16, wherein the recessed fixing apertures comprise countersunk screw holes.
18. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the projecting part comprises a curtain rail clip at the curtain rail receiving channel, configured to receive and retain a curtain rail.
19. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 18, wherein the curtain rail clip comprises a mouth and is configured to flex to widen the mouth in dependence on insertion or removal of the curtain rail.
20. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 18 or 19, wherein the curtain rail clip comprises polymeric material.
21. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the projecting part comprises metal.
22. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the projecting part comprises a plurality of sheet sections.
23. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 22, wherein the sheet sections 5 are welded to each other by spot welds.
24. The curtain rail supporting bracket of claim 22 or 23, wherein the sheet sections have a uniform thickness from the range approximately 1mm to approximately 3mm.
25. The curtain rail supporting bracket of any preceding claim, wherein the backing part is a moulded part.