US20100294441A1

US20100294441A1 - Method and apparatus for curtain baton with positionable pin

Info

Publication number: US20100294441A1
Application number: US12/468,896
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael A. Ligas, Sr.; Daniel A. Thomson; Barry A. Winkler
Original assignee: MERLIN Manufacturing Inc
Current assignee: MERLIN Manufacturing Inc
Priority date: 2009-05-20
Filing date: 2009-05-20
Publication date: 2010-11-25

Abstract

A curtain rod system adapted to be used with a window covering includes a baton for selectively positioning the window covering along a track, a stop member selectively engaged with a portion of the track for maintaining the position of the window covering at a selectable location along the track, the stop member operatively connected to the baton, a resilient member for providing a force to engage the stop member with the portion of the track to maintain the window covering at the selected location along the track, the resilient member operatively connected to the stop member, wherein the stop member can be selectively disengaged from the track by a force exerted on the baton, the force acting on the resilient member to disengage the stop member from the track and allow the stop member to slide freely along the track so the baton may selectively position the window covering.

Description

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention
This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses related to a curtain rod for positioning a window covering at a selected location along a track.
B. Description of the Related Art
It is well known in the art to provide curtains, draperies, or other window coverings with a rod, wand, or baton to open or close the window covering.
While known rod, wand, or batons generally work well for their intended purpose, they do not maintain the window covering in a desired position.
Therefore, what is needed is a method and apparatus that maintains a window covering at the opened position, the closed position, or any position in between.

II. SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a curtain rod system may include a baton for selectively positioning the window covering along a track, a stop member selectively engaged with a portion of the track for maintaining the position of the window covering at a selectable location along the track, the stop member operatively connected to the baton, a resilient member for providing a force to engage the stop member with the portion of the track to maintain the window covering at the selected location along the track, the resilient member operatively connected to the stop member, wherein the stop member can be selectively disengaged from the track by a force exerted on the baton, the force acting on the resilient member to disengage the stop member from the track and allow the stop member to slide freely along the track so the baton may selectively position the window covering.
According to another embodiment, curtain rod system may include a baton for selectively positioning the window covering along a track, a stop member operatively connected to the baton, the stop member including a top portion selectively engaged with a first portion of the track for maintaining the position of the window covering at a selectable location along the track, and an elastically deformable flange selectively engaged with a second portion of the track to urge the top portion of the stop member to maintain contact with the first portion of the track, wherein the top portion of the stop member can be selectively disengaged from the first portion of the track by a force exerted on the baton, the first force elastically deforming the flange to allow the stop member to slide freely along the track so the baton may selectively position the window covering.
According to another embodiment, a method for selectively positioning a curtain rod system may include the steps of exerting a downward force on a baton, the force acting on a resilient member, which disengages a stop member from a portion of a track and allows the stop member to slide freely along the track so the baton may selectively position the window covering, the stop member operatively connected to the baton and the resilient member, positioning the window covering in a selected location by moving the baton along the track, and releasing the baton and allowing the resilient member to urge the stop member into contact with the portion of the track to maintain the window covering at the selected location along the track.
One advantage of this invention is that the curtain rod system maintains the curtain in a closed position.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of a window covering system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1 b is a perspective view of a window covering system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1 c is a perspective view of a window covering system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 a is a side view of a window covering system having a single track;

FIG. 2 b is a side view of a window covering system having a dual track;

FIG. 3 a is a side view of a curtain rod system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 b is a side view of a curtain rod system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 c is a side view of a curtain rod system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 a is a close up view of a curtain rod system shown in FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 b is a side view of a curtain rod system shown in FIG. 4 a with a disengaging force applied to the stop member;

FIG. 5 a is a close up view of a curtain rod system shown in FIG. 3 b;

FIG. 5 b is a side view of a curtain rod system shown in FIG. 5 a with a disengaging force applied to the stop member;

FIG. 6 a is a side view of a curtain rod system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 b is a side view of a curtain rod system shown in FIG. 6 a with a disengaging force applied to the stop member;

FIG. 6 c is a side view of a curtain rod system shown in FIG. 6 a with the stop member disengaged from a portion of the track;

FIG. 6 d is a side view of a curtain rod system shown in FIG. 6 a with an engaging force applied to the stop member;

FIG. 7 a is a side view of a curtain rod system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 b is a side view of a curtain rod system shown in FIG. 7 a with a disengaging force applied to the stop member;

FIG. 8 a is a side view of a curtain rod system according to one embodiment; and,

FIG. 8 b is a side view of a curtain rod system shown in FIG. 8 a with a disengaging force applied to the stop member.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating at least one embodiment only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components, FIGS. 1 a-1 c show a window covering system 10. The window covering system 10 may include a window covering 12 for covering a window 14, a curtain or drapery rod or track 20, and a push or pull assembly 30. The window covering 12 may be any type of window covering 12 including, but not limited to, pinch pleated drapes, box pleated drapes, ripple fold drapes, cone pleated drapes, pleated shades, vertical shades, roman shades, drapery sheers, cubicle curtains, blackout draperies, and other traversing enclosures. The track 20 may be any type of rod or track for hanging a window covering 12 adjacent a window 14 including, but not limited to, a curtain rod, a super glide, a master track, or panel tracks. The track 20 may be mounted to a wall 16 or to the ceiling 18 by any fastener, as is well known in the art, or by any apparatus or method chosen by one with ordinary skill in the art.
With reference now to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, the window covering system 10 may have a plurality of carriers 70 that are mounted for movement in the track 20. The track 20 may have a top member 21, side members 22, 22, and a bottom member 23, which may form a channel 24 for receiving the carriers 70. The track 20 may include an extended flange 60, and in one embodiment, the top member 21 may include the extended flange 60, as shown in FIG. 3 c. The track 20 may include an aperture 29 in the bottom member 23. The carrier 70 may include a roller 74, which moves along a bottom inside portion 26 of the track 20, as shown in FIG. 2 a. Alternately, the carrier 70 may include a generally rectangular-shaped body portion 76, as shown in FIG. 2 b. The carrier 70 may include a projection 78, which passes through the aperture 29 in the bottom member 23 of the track 20 and extends below the track 20. The projection 78 may have an aperture 72 for receiving a drapery pin 80. The height of the window covering 12 may be determined by vertical placement of drapery pin 80 inserted into the rear 13 of the window covering 12. The track 20 may be attached to the ceiling 18 with screws or other fasteners 19, as is well known in the art.
With reference now to FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, 5 b, and 1 a-1 c, the push or pull assembly 30 may include a wand, baton, or cord pull assembly 32, an attachment mechanism 36, a stop member 42, and a resilient member 50. The baton 32 may be formed of plastic, metal, fiberglass, or any other material chosen by one with ordinary skill in the art. The baton 32 may include a handle 34 for grasping the baton 32, and a first loop or hook 38. The attachment mechanism 36 may be a hook and loop system, a clip or clasp, a wire hook or loop, a cable, or any other attachment means chosen by one with ordinary skill in the art. The stop member 42 may be operatively connected either to the window covering 12 or to one of the carriers 70, including a master carrier. The stop member 42 may be formed of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, a polymer, or any other material chosen by one with ordinary skill in the art. The stop member 42 may be a metal clevis type pin. The stop member 42 may include a head portion 43 and a body portion 46. The head portion 43 may have a top portion or surface 44 and a bottom portion or surface 45. In one embodiment, the stop member 42 may be formed of a substantially rigid material and may have a polymer coating along the top surface 44. At least a portion of the stop member 42 may be located within a channel 24 of the track 20, as shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. The top surface 44 may have a generally curved shape for engaging the top member 21 of the track 20. In one embodiment, the top surface 44 engages a bottom surface 61 of the flange 60, as shown in FIG. 3 c. In another embodiment, the top surface 44 engages a top inside portion 25 of the track 20, as shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. The bottom surface 45 may have a generally flat shape for receiving a first end 52 of the resilient member 50. The body portion 46 may extend through an aperture 66 in a bracket 62, which operatively connected to the track 20, as shown in FIG. 3 c. The bracket 62 may be fixedly attached to a carrier 70, or a master carrier, by a fastener 64, including but not limited to, a screw, a bolt, a rivet, or any other fastening means chosen by one with ordinary skill in the art. In another embodiment, the body portion 46 may extend through the aperture 29 in the track 20. The body portion 46 may be adapted to receive the attachment mechanism 36. In one embodiment, the body portion 46 has an aperture for receiving a cable, as shown in FIG. 3 c. In another embodiment, the body portion 46 may have a second loop or hook 40 for operatively connecting with the first hook or loop 38 of the baton 32.
With continuing reference now to FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, 5 b, and 1 a-1 c, at least a portion of the resilient member 50 may be located within the channel 24 of the track 20, as shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. A second end 54 of the resilient member may engage a top surface 68 of the bracket 62, as shown in FIG. 3 c. In another embodiment, the second end 54 may engage a bottom inside portion 26 of the track 20, as shown in FIG. 3 a. The resilient member 50 may be formed of any elastic material chosen by one with ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the resilient member is a spring. In a more specific embodiment, the resilient member 50 is a coil spring. The push or pull assembly 30 may also include a base member 56 having a bottom portion 57, a top portion 58, and an aperture 59 for receiving at least a portion of the stop member 42. At least a portion of the base member 56 may be located within channel 24 of the track 20. The bottom portion 57 may have a generally curved shape for engaging the top surface 68 of the bracket 62. Alternatively, the bottom portion 57 may engage the bottom inside portion 26 of the track 20. The top portion 58 may have a generally flat shape for receiving the second end 54 of the resilient member 50. The body portion 46 of the stop member 42 may pass completely through the aperture 59. In one embodiment, the base member 56 may be operatively connected to the window covering 12 or the carrier 70.
With reference now to FIGS. 3 a, 4 a, 4 b, and 1 a-1 c, the operation of the push or pull assembly 30 according to one embodiment will now be described. FIG. 4 a shows the top surface 44 of the head portion 43 of the stop member 42 in an engaged position with the top inside portion 25 of the track 20. In this position, the stop member 42 maintains the position of the window covering 12 at a location along the track 20. When a user desires to reposition the window covering 12 to a different location, the user grasps the handle 34 or baton 32 and pulls down on the baton 32 with a force F. The force F compresses the resilient member 50 between the bottom surface 45 of the stop member 42 and the bottom inside portion 26 of the track 20, which disengages the stop member 42 from the track 20, as shown in FIG. 4 b. The user may then move the baton 32 to reposition the window covering 12 in a different location, including any partially opened or closed position or a fully opened or closed position. As the user moves the baton 32, the second end 54 of the resilient member 50 slides along the bottom inside portion 26 of the track 20. Once the window covering 12 is in the desired position, the user releases the baton 32 and the resilient member 50 expands to engage the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 with the top inside portion 25 of the track 20, as shown in FIG. 4 a. The stop member 42 then maintains this desired position of the window covering 12.
With reference now to FIGS. 3 c, and 1 a-1 c, the operation of the push or pull assembly 30 according to another embodiment will now be described. The top surface 44 of the head portion 43 of the stop member 42 engages with the top member 21 of the track 20 to maintain the position of the window covering 12 at a location along the track 20. In a more specific embodiment, the top surface 44 engages with a bottom surface 61 of the extended flange 60 of the top member 21 to maintain the position of the window covering 12. When a user desires to reposition the window covering 12 to a different location, the user grasps the baton 32 or the handle 34 and pulls down with a force F. The force F compresses the resilient member 50 between the bottom surface 45 of the stop member 42 and the top surface 68 of the bracket 62, which disengages the stop member 42 from the track 20. The user may then move the baton 32 to reposition the window covering 12 in a different location, including any partially opened or closed position or a fully opened or closed position. As the user moves the baton 32, the second end 54 of the resilient member 50 slides along the top surface 68 of the bracket 62. Once the window covering 12 is in the desired position, the user releases the baton 32 and the resilient member 50 expands to engage the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 with the top member 21 of the track 20. In a more specific embodiment, the resilient member 50 expands to engage the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 with the bottom surface 61 of the extended flange 60 of the top member 21. The stop member 42 then maintains this desired position of the window covering 12.
With reference now to FIGS. 3 b, 5 a, 5 b, and 1 a-1 c, the operation of the push or pull assembly 30 according to another embodiment will now be described. FIG. 5 a shows the top surface 44 of the head portion 43 of the stop member 42 engaged with the top inside portion 25 of the track 20. In this position, the stop member 42 maintains the position of the window covering 12 at a location along the track 20. When a user desires to reposition the window covering 12, the user pulls down on the baton 32 with a force F. The force F compresses the resilient member 50 between the bottom surface 45 of the stop member 42 and the top portion 58 of the base member 56, which disengages the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 from the track 20, as shown in FIG. 5 b. The user may then move the baton 32 to reposition the window covering 12 in a different location, including any partially opened or closed position or a fully opened or closed position. As the user moves the baton 32, the bottom portion 57 of the base member 56 slides along the bottom inside portion 26 of the track 20. Once the window covering 12 is in the desired position, the user releases the baton 32 and the resilient member 50 expands to engage the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 with the top inside portion 25 of the track 20, as shown in FIG. 5 a. The stop member 42 then maintains this desired position of the window covering 12.
With reference now to FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, and 1 a-1 c, the operation of the push or pull assembly 30 according to another embodiment will now be described. The track 20 may further include a slot 90 having sides 91, 91 and a bottom 92. The bottom 92 may include an aperture 93. Both the top surface 44 and the bottom surface 45 of the stop member 42 have a general convex curvature forming a flange 47 around the head portion 43. The bottom surface 45 of the stop member 42 engages a bottom inside portion 94 of the slot 90, which provides a force to engage the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 with the top inside portion 25 of the track 20, as shown in FIG. 6 a. The body portion 46 of the stop member 42 extends through the aperture 93 of the slot 90. In this position, the stop member 42 maintains the position of the window covering 12 at a location along the track 20. When a user desires to reposition the window covering 12, the user pulls down on the baton 32 with a force F, which elastically deforms the flange 47 into a general concave curvature, as shown in FIG. 6 b. The user may then move the baton 32 to partially open or close or fully open or close the window covering 12. As the user moves the baton 32, the bottom surface 45 of the stop member 42 slides along the bottom inside portion 94 of the slot 90. Once the window covering 12 is in the desired position, the user releases the baton 32 and the flange 47 elastically reverts to a general convex curvature, which engages the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 with the top inside portion 25 of the track 20, as shown in FIG. 6 a. The stop member 42 then maintains this desired position of the window covering 12.
With reference now to FIGS. 6 a-6 d, and 1 a-1 c, the operation of the push or pull assembly 30 according to another embodiment will now be described. When a user desires to reposition the window covering 12, the user pulls down on the baton 32 with a force F, which first elastically deforms the flange 47 into a general concave curvature, as shown in FIG. 6 b, and then completely removes the stop member 42 from the slot 90 through aperture 93, as shown in FIG. 6 c. The user may then move the baton 32 to partially open or close or fully open or close the window covering 12. As the user moves the baton 32, the stop member 42 moves freely within the channel 24 of the track 20. In this condition, the flange 47 has a generally convex curvature. Once the window covering 12 is in the desired position, the user pushes the baton 32 with a force F, which engages the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 against a bottom outside portion 95 of the slot 90. This engagement elastically deforms the flange 47 into having a more convex curvature, as shown in FIG. 6 d, until the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 engages with the top inside portion 25 of the track 20 and the bottom surface 45 of the stop member 42 engages the bottom inside portion 94 of the slot 90, as shown in FIG. 6 a. The stop member 42 then maintains this desired position of the window covering 12.
With reference now to FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 1 a-1 c, the operation of the push or pull assembly 30 according to another embodiment will now be described. The resilient member 50 is operatively attached to the stop member 42 and the base member 56. In one embodiment, the stop member 42, the resilient member 50, and the base member 56 are all formed as one piece out of the same elastic or resilient material chosen by one with ordinary skill in the art. In another embodiment, the stop member 42, the resilient member 50, and the base member 56 are all formed as one piece out of the same material and the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 is coated with a polymer or other material chosen by one with ordinary skill in the art for maintaining the position of the window covering 12. The stop member 42 engages with the bottom outside portion 28 of the track 20. The base member 56 is in contact with the top outside portion 27 of the track 20. The resilient member 50 maintains the stop member 42 and the base member 56 in contact with the track 20. In this position, the stop member 42 maintains the position of the window covering 12 at a location along the track 20. When a user desires to reposition the window covering 12, the user pulls down on the baton 32 with a force F, which expands the resilient member 50 and disengages the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 from the bottom outside portion 28 of the track 20, as shown in FIG. 7 b. The user may then move the baton 32 to partially open or close or fully open or close the window covering 12. As the user moves the baton 32, the bottom portion 57 of the base member 56 slides along the top outside portion 27 of the track 20. Once the window covering 12 is in the desired position, the user releases the baton 32 and the resilient member 50 contracts to engage the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 with the bottom outside portion 28 of the track 20, as shown in FIG. 7 a. The stop member 42 then maintains this desired position of the window covering 12.
With reference now to FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, and 1 a-1 c, the operation of the push or pull assembly 30 according to another embodiment will now be described. At least a portion of the base member 56 is located within the channel 24 of the track 20. The base member 56 may have an aperture 59 for receiving at least a portion of the body portion 46 of the stop member 42. The resilient member 50 is operatively attached to the top surface 44 of the head portion 43 of the stop member 42 and the bottom portion 57 of the base member 56. The top surface 44 of the stop member 42 engages with the bottom outside portion 28 of the track 20. The bottom portion 57 of the base member 56 is in contact with the bottom inside portion 26 of the track 20. The resilient member 50 maintains the stop member 42 in contact with the track 20. In this position, the stop member 42 maintains the position of the window covering 12 at a location along the track 20. When a user desires to reposition the window covering 12, the user pulls down on the baton 32 with a force F, which expands the resilient member 50 and disengages the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 from the bottom outside portion 28 of the track 20, as shown in FIG. 8 b. The user may then move the baton 32 to partially open or close or fully open or close the window covering 12. As the user moves the baton 32, the bottom portion 57 of the base member 56 slides along the bottom inside portion 26 of the track 20. Once the window covering 12 is in the desired position, the user releases the baton 32 and the resilient member 50 contracts to engage the top surface 44 of the stop member 42 with the bottom outside portion 28 of the track 20, as shown in FIG. 8 a. The stop member 42 then maintains this desired position of the window covering.
Numerous embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A curtain rod system adapted to be used with a window covering, wherein the window covering is used with an associated window, the curtain rod system comprising:

a baton for selectively positioning the window covering along a track;

a stop member selectively engaged with a portion of the track for maintaining the position of the window covering at a selectable location along the track, the stop member operatively connected to the baton;

a resilient member for providing a force to engage the stop member with the portion of the track to maintain the window covering at the selected location along the track, the resilient member operatively connected to the stop member; and,

wherein the stop member can be selectively disengaged from the track by a force exerted on the baton, the force acting on the resilient member to disengage the stop member from the track and allow the stop member to slide freely along the track so the baton may selectively position the window covering.

2. The curtain rod system of claim 1, wherein the force exerted on the baton compresses the resilient member, which disengages the stop member from the track.

3. The curtain rod system of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is supported to a bottom inside portion of the track, wherein the force exerted on the baton compresses the resilient member between the stop member and the bottom inside portion of the track, and wherein the force disengages the stop member from a top inside portion of the track.

4. The curtain rod system of claim 1, wherein the force exerted on the baton expands the resilient member, which disengages the stop member from the track and allows the stop member to slide freely along the track.

5. The curtain rod system of claim 1 further comprising a base member in slidable contact with a bottom inside portion of the track, the base member operatively connected to the stop member, wherein the force exerted on the baton compresses the resilient member between the stop member and the base member, which disengages the stop member from the track and allows the stop member to slide freely along the track.

6. The curtain rod system of claim 5, wherein the base member has an aperture for receiving an extending portion of the stop member, and wherein the resilient member has an aperture for receiving the extending portion of the stop member.

7. The curtain rod system of claim 1 further comprising a base member in slidable contact with a top outside portion of the track, the base member operatively connected to the stop member, wherein the force exerted on the baton expands the resilient member to disengage the stop member from a bottom outside portion of the track.

8. The curtain rod system of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is supported to a bracket operatively connected to the track, wherein the force exerted on the baton compresses the resilient member between the stop member and the bracket, and wherein the force disengages the stop member from a top member of the track.

9. The curtain rod system of claim 1, wherein the stop member is substantially hemispherical with a substantially curved face for engaging a top inside portion of the track and a substantially flat face for making contact with the resilient member.

10. The curtain rod system of claim 1, wherein the track has a top member, two side members and a bottom member, and wherein the bottom member defines a longitudinal aperture for a portion of the stop member to extend through.

11. The curtain rod system of claim 1 further comprising a base member in slidable contact with a bottom inside portion of the track, the base member operatively connected to the stop member, wherein the force exerted on the baton expands the resilient member to disengage the stop member from a bottom outside portion of the track.

12. A curtain rod system adapted to be used with a window covering, wherein the window covering is used with an associated window, the curtain rod system comprising:

a baton for selectively positioning the window covering along a track;

a stop member operatively connected to the baton, the stop member comprising:

a top portion selectively engaged with a first portion of the track for maintaining the position of the window covering at a selectable location along the track; and,

an elastically deformable flange selectively engaged with a second portion of the track to urge the top portion of the stop member to maintain contact with the first portion of the track; and,

wherein the top portion of the stop member can be selectively disengaged from the first portion of the track by a force exerted on the baton, the first force elastically deforming the flange to allow the stop member to slide freely along the track so the baton may selectively position the window covering.

13. The curtain rod system of claim 12 wherein the track further comprises a longitudinal extending slot having a first side, a second side, and a bottom side, wherein the elastically deformable flange selectively engages an inside portion of the bottom side of the slot to urge the top portion of the stop member to engage a top inside portion of the track to maintain the position of the window covering at the selectable location.

14. The curtain rod system of claim 13, wherein the stop member can be disengaged from the slot by a first force exerted on the baton, and wherein the stop member can be engaged with the slot by a second force exerted on the baton, the second force elastically deforming the flange until the flange selectively engages an inside portion of the bottom side of the slot, wherein the second force is in substantially the opposite direction as the first force.

15. A method for selectively positioning a curtain rod system adapted to be used with a window covering, wherein the window covering is used with an associated window, the method comprising the steps of:

exerting a downward force on a baton, the force acting on a resilient member, which disengages a stop member from a portion of a track and allows the stop member to slide freely along the track so the baton may selectively position the window covering, the stop member operatively connected to the baton and the resilient member;

positioning the window covering in a selected location by moving the baton along the track; and,

releasing the baton and allowing the resilient member to urge the stop member into contact with the portion of the track to maintain the window covering at the selected location along the track.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the force exerted on the baton compresses the resilient member between the stop member and the track, which disengages the stop member from the track and allows the stop member to slide freely along the track.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the force exerted on the baton expands the resilient member to disengage the stop member from the track and allow the stop member to slide freely along the track.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of exerting a downward force further comprises a base member in slidable contact with a bottom inside portion of the track, the base member operatively connected to the stop member, wherein the force exerted on the baton compresses the resilient member between the stop member and the base member.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of exerting a downward force further comprises a base member in slidable contact with a top outside portion of the track, the base member operatively connected to the stop member, wherein the force exerted on the baton expands the resilient member to disengage the stop member from a bottom outside portion of the track.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of exerting a downward force further comprises a base member in slidable contact with a bottom inside portion of the track, the base member operatively connected to the stop member, wherein the force exerted on the baton expands the resilient member to disengage the stop member from a bottom outside portion of the track.