US20060043246A1

US20060043246A1 - Curtain hanging fixture

Info

Publication number: US20060043246A1
Application number: US10/931,952
Authority: US
Inventors: Louise Wells
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-09-01
Filing date: 2004-09-01
Publication date: 2006-03-02

Abstract

Provided is a curtain hanging fixture designed to eliminate the problems related to accessing the top of the curtain and rod. By providing a curtain hanging fixture that can be lowered to a height amenable to the user, the need for elevating the user is abolished. The importance of this feature is that the risk associated with ascending ladders, chairs, stools and like is no longer present. Additionally, the curtain hanging fixture is easily matched to any decorating environment. The curtain hanging fixture may be operated by one individual, quickly, efficiently, and at a low cost.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the field of window hangings and coverings and more particularly to a specialized curtain hanging fixture.
2. Description of the Related Art
Buildings that include windows and similar accesses are designed to admit light, air and sound, while permitting those inside to view the outside world from the comfort and security of the indoors. However, in residential use, windows have become very important aspects of a home's decor and architectural design. As such, window treatments have evolved from simple, functional adornments, to provocative, fashion setting additions, and include various combinations of both function and aesthetics.
When used in this disclosure, references to curtains, draperies, window treatments and the like, are meant to be interchangeable, and the omission of a specific term for a window treatment, or hanging, is not meant to exclude that type of window treatment.
Curtains, draperies and the like, perform a number of important functions. For example, curtains may be hung such that the window frame itself is covered by the curtain. This helps to limit drafts at the many framing intersections between the window, the window frame, and the building structure. Additionally, it may be desirable to cover the sight of the window frame; and a well placed curtain is capable of covering the entire frame. The frame may be discolored, or not match other elements that make up the interior design of the structure or dwelling place.
Window treatments also perform the function of covering the window opening. If the window is made of glass, a curtain may be used to block or partially diffuse light that enters the building. Further, the curtain may be used to ensure the privacy of those within the structure by covering the viewable portion of the window.
In addition to the many functions they perform, window treatments may be designed to act as an aesthetic addition to the overall appearance of the structure, or a specific area within the structure. It is also possible for a curtain be placed on, near, or around a non-window item to create a certain look. Mirrors, photographs and other pictures may be used as a type of faux window, and in this instance, the “window” treatment is used primarily for aesthetic value. Whether for a true, or faux window, the window treatment will most often be chosen to add aesthetic value to the area.
It should be apparent then, that there is a need to change out window treatments in conjunction with the various functions the treatments perform. Cleaning is a required task that in turn creates the need for accessing a window treatment. If a curtain is cleaned in place, the person cleaning it must still access the top portion, which is normally not accessible while standing on the floor. What is needed is some form of device that will allow the person access to the top portion of the window treatment easily and safely.
If the person cleaning the curtain chooses instead to remove the curtain for cleaning, the problem becomes accessing the curtain rod in order to remove it from the wall. The typical person will rely on some secondary device to provide the necessary reach. Often, the device comes in the form of a ladder, step stool, or even a chair. The problem with this is that the person ascending the device is normally alone, with no spotter or other assistance. Add to the equation the fact that the person ascending the device may be physically limited in some manner, a potentially dangerous evolution becomes even more so.
The popularity of changing window treatment styles only increases the need for removing curtains and the need for climbing onto a potentially unsafe device to effect removal. The changing of the seasons may provide the need to change the window treatment style. People in colder climates may choose a heavier curtain material in the winter to help alleviate heating problems. The purchase of a new furniture item may also necessitate the need for a curtain change. New home owners often find no curtains remaining upon entering their new home, or they wish to add their own personalized style to the home, which includes changing window treatments.
As alluded to, there exist many difficulties and dangers in removing curtains. A standard telescoping curtain rod must be lifted upward before it can be released from its brackets which add to the difficulty. Someone removing the curtain with the aid of a ladder, stool or chair now must contend with the additional weight of the curtain rod, and the curtain itself, while balancing their own weight. It should be apparent then, that removing or accessing the top portion of a window treatment can be a dangerous, if not cumbersome ordeal.
Therefore, what is needed is a curtain hanging fixture that provides a means to access the top portion of the window that does not require the use of a secondary height increasing device, such as a chair, ladder, or stool.
It is also required that a window treatment be accessed, or removed by a single person.
What is also required is a curtain hanging fixture that is easy and quick to operate, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
What is further required is a curtain hanging fixture that is structurally unobtrusive.
What is also required is a curtain hanging fixture that will not aesthetically clash with the existing components of the window and surrounding area.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a curtain hanging fixture that provides a means to access the top portion of the window that does not require the use of a secondary height increasing device, such as a chair, ladder, or stool.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a curtain hanging fixture wherein the window treatment may be accessed, or removed by a single person.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a curtain hanging fixture that is easy and quick to operate, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a curtain hanging fixture that is structurally unobtrusive.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a curtain hanging fixture that will not aesthetically clash with the existing components of the window and surrounding area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the curtain hanging fixture of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a single track anchor and slide support of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the curtain hanging fixture of the present invention with slide support in a partially lowered position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates the curtain hanging fixture 1 of the present invention attached substantially adjacent to a decorating area 2. Track anchors 3 are shown with slide supports 4 within in a raised position, locked by top locks 5 and bottom locks 6. Universal brackets 7 are displayed attached to the top section of slide supports 4. As previously noted, decorating area 2 is referenced, rather than a window frame specifically, because the present invention could also be used in non-window settings. Examples of non-window settings include wall-hung mirrors, paintings and the like. The preferred embodiment does include a decorating area that comprises a window. Additionally, the universal brackets 7 are adaptable to support a standard telescoping metal curtain rod, or the various fixed length type curtain rods, as is typical in the art. Top locks 5 and bottom locks 6 are preferably simple triangular-shaped detents that allow movement of slide supports 4 when depressed, yet can lock the slide support 4 in place when desired. The locks could include springs or similar tensioning implements, but preferably are kept as simple as possible to keep the cost of manufacture as low as possible. Additionally, the locks may be located in a variety of vertical positions to accommodate the desired size of the window treatment and decorating area.
FIG. 2 displays a front view of the present invention displaying track anchor 3, slide support 4 and top lock 5 and bottom lock 6. All components of the present invention may be colored to match the surrounding decorating area, or preferably, are transparent so as to be virtually invisible. This feature increases the versatility of the present invention in that it will be aesthetically pleasing in any environment.
FIG. 3 illustrates a single track anchor 3 and slide support 4 in a partially lowered position. In this position, T-shaped channel 8 is clearly visible at the top of track anchor 3. Also shown is wood screw 9 that is used to attach track anchor 3 substantially adjacent to decorating area 2. Track anchor 3 is shown including wood screw 9, but it will be clear to those skilled in the art that a variety of attachment methods could be used. The first consideration will be the material to which the track anchor will be secured upon. If the material that track anchor 3 is to be secured upon comprises wood or similar material, then wood screws 9 will be sufficient. Other materials, or the user of the curtain hanging fixture 1, may choose to use an adhesive so as to not penetrate the securing surface. The material could be supplied separately, or included upon track anchor 3 posterior surface. In either event, it should be apparent that a variety of securing methods may be used, and those mentioned herein are noted as examples and not limitations.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be substituted therefore without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A curtain hanging fixture comprising:

a first track anchor having a first track proximal end and a first track distal end, and a second track anchor, having a second track proximal end and a second track distal end, wherein said first track anchor and said second track anchor are attached substantially adjacent to a decorating area, said decorating area having a desired color;

a first slide support, and a second slide support, wherein said first slide support is slidably engaged with said first track anchor, and said second slide support is slidably engaged with said second track support; and

a first universal bracket secured to said first slide support, and a second universal bracket secured to said second slide support.

2. The curtain hanging fixture of claim 1, wherein said first track anchor further comprises a first top lock and first bottom lock.

3. The curtain hanging fixture of claim 2, wherein said second track anchor further comprises a second top lock and a second bottom lock.

4. The curtain hanging fixture of claim 3, wherein said first track anchor further comprises a substantially T-shaped first channel, and wherein said first channel traverses said first track anchor in an axially parallel direction from said first track proximal end to said first track distal end, and wherein said second track anchor further comprises a substantially T-shaped second channel, wherein said second channel traverses said second track anchor in an axially parallel direction from said second track proximal end to said second track distal end;

and wherein said first track anchor, said second track anchor, said first slide support and said second slide support comprise a color matching said desired color;

and wherein said tracks are attached to said decorating area by wood screws.

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. The curtain hanging fixture of claim 10, wherein said first top stop, said second top stop, said first bottom stop, and said second bottom stop comprise a plastic detent tab.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. A curtain hanging fixture comprising:

a first track anchor having a first track proximal end and a first track distal end, and a second track anchor, having a second track proximal end and a second track distal end, wherein said first track anchor and said second track anchor are attached to a decorating area, and wherein said first track anchor includes a first top lock and a first bottom lock, and wherein said second track anchor includes a second top lock and a second bottom lock, and wherein said first track anchor further comprises a substantially T-shaped first channel, wherein said first channel traverses said first track anchor in an axially parallel direction from said first track proximal end to said first track distal end, and wherein said second track anchor further comprises a substantially T-shaped second channel, wherein said second channel traverses said second track anchor in an axially parallel direction from said second track proximal end to said second track distal end;

a first universal bracket secured to said first slide support, and a second universal bracket secured to said second slide support, wherein said first universal bracket is adapted to communicate with a standard curtain rod, and said second universal bracket is adapted to communicate with a standard curtain rod;

and wherein said first track anchor, said second track anchor, said first slide support, and said second slide support comprise a transparent material.

16. (canceled)