US20180132646A1

US20180132646A1 - Pole top curtain rod bracket, curtain accessory and curtain assemblies, and conversion kit

Info

Publication number: US20180132646A1
Application number: US15/811,875
Authority: US
Inventors: Lisa Sharon Montanaro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-11-15
Filing date: 2017-11-14
Publication date: 2018-05-17

Abstract

A pole top curtain rod bracket assembly is disclosed which includes a connecting member having a first end mechanically coupled to a pole top curtain rod, either by itself or via a mounting plate, and a second end that has inwardly turned top and bottom edges and includes at least one orifice to connect to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket. The invention further includes a tie back curtain accessory assembly for holding back curtains from a window. The invention also includes a curtain assembly comprising two to four panels that enable different shading options over a window. The invention also includes a conversion kit that converts a “flat” curtain rod into a pole top curtain rod.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/422,343, filed Nov. 15, 2016. The entire contents of the above application are incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

Aspects of the present invention described herein relate to curtain rods, curtain accessory assemblies and curtain assemblies.

Related Art

Single and double curtain rods and mounting brackets have long been known and used to hold curtains. The mounting brackets are commonly affixed to surfaces such as walls, windows, window frames, window casings, and ceilings.
Typical mounting brackets can support only a single or double curtain rod. Single or double curtain rod mounting brackets are incompatible with pole top curtain rods. Thus it is not possible to readily mount a pole top curtain rod on a pre-installed single or double mounting bracket. As a result, the homeowner or renter must remove the existing mounting brackets and install new brackets. This leads to the mounting surface becoming honeycombed or even split. Due to this damage and hassle of installing new hardware, many homeowners with existing single and double curtain rod mounting brackets choose not to install pole top curtain rods. Further, many renters are not permitted to remove the existing single or double curtain rod mounting brackets and install a pole top curtain rod mounting bracket due to the high potential of damage to the mounting surface.
Window curtains open either vertically or horizontally. Vertical-opening curtains normally open from the bottom of the window and retract up towards the top of the window. Horizontal-opening curtains normally hang from a point above the window and retract open to one or both sides of a window. These designs have limited versatility for partially-opening the curtain. For example, neither design enables a user to keep the top-portion of the curtain open and close the bottom portion. Since vertical-opening curtains open from the bottom-portion of the window and retract up, the top-portion of the window always remains covered by the curtain. Likewise, horizontal-opening curtains always uniformly cover the top and bottom portions of the window because they fall straight down from a supporting point above the window. This becomes problematic when a user wants to cover only a small portion of the window with the curtain, such as when trying to block direct sun rays or light glares. The existing designs also inhibit one from covering only the bottom portion of the window for privacy reasons, but not cover the top-half of the window to let sunlight into the room.
“Flat” curtain rods have long been known in the art. However, many people now like the look of a pole top curtain rod. When a “flat” curtain rod is already installed, many people do not want to be inconvenienced or go through the hassle of installing a pole top rod.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a pole top curtain rod with attachment brackets that attaches to single and double curtain rod brackets and does not require additional mounting hardware that damages the mounting surface.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tie back curtain accessory assembly that attaches to single and double curtain rod brackets and does not require additional mounting hardware that damages the mounting surface.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a window curtain assembly that enables a user to form one curtain that covers an entire window, close only the top-half or bottom-half of the curtain, or open only one bottom-quarter section of the curtain.
It is an even further object of the present invention to provide a conversion kit that converts a “flat” curtain rod into a pole top curtain rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, a pole top curtain rod bracket assembly is disclosed that includes a connecting member having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to a pole top curtain rod. The second end has inwardly turned top and bottom edges to create top and bottom surfaces. These surfaces have at least one orifice in each of the top and bottom surfaces to connect to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket. The connecting member extends outward and substantially perpendicular from the pole top curtain rod.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, a curtain accessory assembly is disclosed that includes a connecting member having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to a tie back rod. The second end has inwardly turned top and bottom edges to create top and bottom surfaces. These surfaces have at least one orifice in each of the top and bottom surfaces to connect to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket. The connecting member extends outward from the tie back rod.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a curtain assembly is disclosed. This curtain assembly includes two curtain panels. Each curtain panel includes a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge. The first vertical edge of each curtain panel includes a rod pocket that holds a curtain rod, and the second vertical edge of each curtain panel includes an attachment seam. The attachment seam comprises a plurality of fasteners, which are well known by those of skill in the art. The first vertical edge of each of the two curtain panels are located on opposite sides of a window and are attached on or near the window jamb through the curtain rod. The two curtain panels are attachable to one another at the second vertical edge of each.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, another curtain assembly is disclosed. In this embodiment, the curtain assembly includes four curtain panels. Each curtain panel includes a first vertical edge, a second vertical edge, and a horizontal attachment seam. The first vertical edge of each curtain panel includes a rod pocket that holds a curtain rod, and the second vertical edge of each curtain panel includes an attachment seam. The attachment seam comprises a plurality of fasteners. The horizontal attachment seam is located substantially perpendicular to the second vertical edge and also comprises a plurality of fasteners. The four curtain panels are positioned in a grid pattern such that the first vertical edge of two curtain panels are located on one side of a window and two curtain panels are located on the opposite side of the window and are attached on or near the window jamb through the curtain rod. Each curtain panel is attachable to at least two other curtain panels by the second vertical edge and the horizontal attachment seam.
In an even further embodiment of the present invention, a pole top conversion kit is disclosed which transforms a “flat” curtain rod to look and function as a pole top curtain rod. This conversion kit comprises a flat curtain rod having opposing end sections that are substantially 90 degrees and are connected by a middle section. An end cover is placed over each end section. Each end cover includes a rod section that protrudes outward from each end cover and is longitudinal to the middle section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the example embodiments of the invention presented herein will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

FIG. 1A is an example of a prior art pole top curtain rod;

FIG. 1B is an example of a prior art wall mounting bracket assembly;

FIG. 2A is a top view of a pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of the invention;

FIG. 2B is an embodiment of a pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of the invention wherein a decorative finial is releasably attachable;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a pole top curtain rod bracket assembly with an adjustable pole top curtain rod in use according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a pole top curtain rod bracket assembly in use according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pole top curtain rod bracket assembly in use of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pole top curtain rod bracket assembly in use of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an attachable pole top curtain rod bracket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the pole top curtain rod bracket assembly using the attachable assembly from FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a pole top curtain rod bracket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a different side view of the pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the pole top curtain rod bracket assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a tie back curtain accessory assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a tie back curtain accessory assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a curtain assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a curtain assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of a pole top curtain rod conversion kit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a section of the pole top curtain rod conversion kit of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a part of the pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A depicts a prior art pole top curtain rod having a curtain rod and two finials, 101 a and 101 b. FIG. 1B depicts a prior art attachment assembly for a pole top curtain rod having a first end 104 that holds the pole top curtain rod 100 and a second end 102. The second end 102 has two orifices for attaching the curtain rod assembly to the wall. To attach the second end 102 to the wall, there are two holes 103 a and 103 b through which screws 105 may be inserted to fasten the prior art attachment assembly to the wall.
Referring now to FIG. 2A, a view of the curtain rod bracket assemblies 204 a and 204 b which support the pole top curtain rod 200 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2A, the curtain rod bracket assemblies 204 a and 204 b are connected towards each end of the non-adjustable pole top curtain rod 200 and are positioned such that they substantially mirror one another; 202 a and 202 b represent the second ends of the assembly; 203 a and 203 b represent the first ends of the assembly; and 206 a and 206 b represent top orifices for attachment to single or double curtain rod mounting brackets. In an embodiment, curtain rod bracket assemblies 204 a and 204 b connect inward from each end of the pole top curtain rod 200 to create end pieces 205 a and 205 b in which decorative finials 201 a and 201 b may be attached. FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the decorative finial 201 a may be releasably attached to the pole top curtain rod.
FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the pole top curtain rod has two rods 300 a and 300 b which are slidably connectable to each other allowing for adjustment in length of the pole top curtain rod. As shown in FIG. 3, the curtain rod bracket assemblies 204 a and 204 b are connected to an adjustable pole top curtain rod 300 a and 300 b. The curtain rod bracket assemblies 204 a and 204 b may be mechanically coupled to non-adjustable and adjustable pole top curtain rods, e.g., pole top curtain rods 300 a and 300 b, respectively. Mechanically coupled means that two objects are fixed together (e.g., including but not limited to, molded or welded), or fastened together (e.g., including but not limited to, nailed, screwed, bolted, or riveted).
FIGS. 4 and 5 represent front and rear views of pole top curtain rod bracket assemblies of the invention described in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3. In FIGS. 5, 501 a and 501 c are inwardly facing portions of one of the second ends and 501 b and 501 d are inwardly facing portions of the other second end; and 502 a and 502 b are the bottom orifices for attachment to single or double curtain rod mounting brackets.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the curtain rod bracket assembly 600 extends rearwardly and substantially perpendicular from the pole top curtain rod 200. In an embodiment, the curtain rod bracket assembly 600 is mechanically coupled to the pole top curtain rod 200 at an attachment end 601, while the distal or second end 202 a has inwardly turned top and bottom edges (501 a and 501 c) to connect to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket (not shown). The distal end 202 a has two orifices 502 a and 202 a that are used to securely connect the curtain rod bracket assembly 600 to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket. In an embodiment, the attachment end 601 is permanently fixed to the pole top curtain rod 200 by using general manufacturing processes such as molding and spot welding.
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, in another embodiment, attachable curtain rod bracket assembly 800 a comprises a substantially perpendicular mounting plate 805 a at attachment end 804. In an embodiment, mounting plate 805 a is substantially curved along its longitudinal axis to cradle the diameter of the pole top curtain rod 900. Mounting plate 805 a has holes 806 to attach the attachable curtain rod bracket assembly 800 a to the pole top curtain rod 900 by using mounting hardware 803. Mounting hardware 803 may be customary fasteners including, but not limited to, nails, screws, bolts and nuts, and rivets. Attachable curtain rod bracket assembly 800 a further comprises a distal or second end 802 that has inwardly turned top and bottom edges to connect to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket (not shown). The distal end 802 comprises two orifices 801 a and 801 b that further enable the curtain rod bracket assembly 800 a to securely connect to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket.
As shown in FIG. 9, attachable curtain rod bracket assemblies 800 a and 800 b are positioned such that they substantially mirror one another. The mounting plates 805 a and 805 b are positioned on the inward-side of the pole top curtain rod 900. This mirror positioning of the attachable curtain rod bracket assemblies 800 a and 800 b enable the mounting plates 805 a and 805 b to effectively brace the weight of the pole top curtain rod 900 and to counteract any bending. The attachable curtain rod bracket assemblies 800 a and 800 b attach to the pole top curtain rod 900 by mounting hardware 803.
The curtain rod bracket assemblies 800 a and 800 b may be mechanically coupled to non-adjustable and adjustable pole top curtain rods, e.g., pole top curtain rods 900 (FIG. 9), 300 a and 300 b (FIG. 3), respectively.
FIGS. 10 and 11 exemplify another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, curtain rod bracket assembly 1000 includes an attachment end 1003 that has a pole-holder 1002. The pole-holder 1002 is shaped to hold and cradle a pole top curtain rod, such as the pole top curtain rods 900 (FIG. 9), and 300 a and 300 b (FIG. 3). It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that that the pole-holder 1002 may include a securing mechanism (not shown), such as a screw, to further secure the pole top curtain rod. The curtain rod bracket assembly 1000 also includes a proximal or first end 1001 a and a distal or second end 1001 b that have inwardly turned top and bottom edges to connect to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket (not shown). The distal end 1001 b comprises two orifices 1004 a and 1004 b that further enable the curtain rod bracket assembly 1000 to securely connect to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket.
FIG. 12 illustrates stabilizers 1200 a and 1200 b according to an embodiment of the invention. Stabilizers 1200 a and 1200 b are connected to the curtain rod bracket assembly 1000 near the distal end 1001 b. The stabilizers 1200 a and 1200 b extend outward from the distal end 1001 b and come into contact with the single or double curtain rod mounting bracket and/or mounting surface (not shown). This positioning further stabilizes the curtain rod bracket assembly 1000 by preventing side-to-side motion; particularly when a user opens or closes the curtains. Stabilizers 1200 a and 1200 b may be two separate pieces or one continuous piece wrapped fully or partially around the curtain rod bracket assembly 1000. Stabilizers 1200 a and 1200 b may be made from materials including, but not limited to, rubber, plastic, or a composite material. It will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art that stabilizers 1200 a and 1200 b can be utilized in all of the different embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, e.g., on curtain rod bracket assemblies 204 a (FIGS. 2A-5), 600 (FIGS. 6 and 7), 800 (FIGS. 8 and 9), 1000 (FIGS. 10 and 11) and 1300 (FIGS. 13 and 14).
Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a tie back accessory 1300 which attaches to single and double curtain rod mounting brackets is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the tie back accessory 1300 is mechanically coupled to the tie back rod 1301, while the distal end 1303 has inwardly turned top and bottom edges to connect to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket (not shown). The distal end 1303 comprises two orifices 1304 a and 1304 b (not shown) that further enable the tie back accessory 1300 to securely connect to a single or double curtain rod mounting bracket. In an embodiment, the tie back accessory 1300 is permanently fixed to the tie back rod 1301 by general manufacturing processes including, but not limited to, molding and spot welding. In an embodiment, a decorative finial 1302 may be attached to the end of the tie back rod 1301.
As shown in FIG. 13, tie back accessory 1300 may be positioned generally perpendicular to the tie back rod 1301. This positioning enables the tie back accessory 1300 to attach to single and double curtain rod mounting brackets located on the front of a window frame. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, tie back accessory 1401 may be positioned generally parallel to the tie back rod 1301. This alternative positioning enables the tie back accessory 1401 to attach to single and double curtain rod mounting brackets located on the side of a window frame. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the angle between the tie back accessory 1300 and the tie back rod 1301 can substantially vary and depends on many factors including, but not limited to, dimensions of window frames and perimeter trim and the aesthetic design of the tie back rod 1301.
The curtain rod bracket assemblies 204 a, 800 a and 1000, and tie back curtain accessory assembly 1300 may be made from materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, composite material, or wood, or any combination thereof, and may be made by general manufacturing processes, for example, stamping, molding, laser cutting, bending, spot welding, and milling.
Referring now to FIG. 15, a curtain panel 1502 a is placed onto a curtain rod 1501 a by a rod pocket 1503 a. The curtain panel 1502 a also has an attachment seam 1500 a located on the opposing end from the rod pocket 1503 a. The attachment seam 1500 a includes attachment points 1504 a. Similarly, curtain panel 1502 b is a mirror image (along a vertical axis) of curtain panel 1502 a, and includes the same curtain rod 1501 b, rod pocket 1503 b, and attachment seam 1500 b with attachment points 1504 b. The curtain rods 1501 a and 1501 b are installed vertically on or near a window jamb (not shown) and placed on opposing sides of the window (not shown). The curtain panels 1502 a and 1502 b connect together at the attachment seams 1500 a and 1500 b by the attachment points 1504 a and 1504 b to form one curtain to cover the window.
FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the curtain panels 1502 a and 1502 b. In this embodiment, the curtain panels 1502 a and 1502 b include a second attachment seam 1601 a and 1601 b, respectively, located at the bottom of each curtain panel. The second attachment seam 1601 a and 1601 b each include attachment points 1600 a and 1600 b, respectfully. Curtain panel 1606 a is a mirror image (along a horizontal axis) of curtain panel 1502 a, and includes the same curtain rod 1602 a, rod pocket 1605 a, and attachment seams 1608 a and 1603 a with attachment points 1607 a and 1604 a. Similarly, curtain panel 1606 b is a mirror image (along a horizontal axis) of curtain panel 1502 b, and includes the same curtain rod 1602 b, rod pocket 1605 b, and attachment seams 1608 b and 1603 b with attachment points 1607 b and 1604 b.
The curtain rods 1501 a, 1602 a, 1501 b and 1602 b are installed vertically on or near a window jamb (not shown). The curtain rods 1501 a and 1602 a are placed on one side of the window (not shown), with the curtain rod 1501 a placed above the curtain rod 1602 a. The curtain rods 1501 b and 1602 b are placed on the opposite side the window, with the curtain rod 1501 b placed above the curtain rod 1602 b.
The curtain panels independently connect to one another at the attachment seams 1500 a, 1500 b, 1608 a and/or 1608 b by the attachment points 1505 a, 1505 b, 1607 a and/or 1607 b. For example, curtain panel 1502 a can independently connect to curtain panels 1502 b, 1606 a and/or 1606 b; curtain panel 1502 b can independently connect to curtain panels 1502 a, 1606 a and/or 1606 b; curtain panel 1606 a can independently connect to curtain panels 1502 a, 1502 b and/or 1606 a; curtain panel 1606 b can independently connect to curtain panels 1606 a, 1502 a and/or 1502 b. This independent curtain panel design enables a user to form one curtain that covers the entire window, close only the top-half or bottom-half of the curtain, or open only one bottom-quarter section of the curtain. This design is particularly useful when one wants to block only one section of a window, but still let some sunlight through another section of the window. For example a user can block the bottom-half of a window for privacy reasons and still allow the sunlight through the top-half of the window. A user can also block direct sunlight or sun glares at certain sections of the window and allow the sunlight through other sections of the window.
In an embodiment, the attachment points 1505 a, 1505 b, 1607 a and 1607 b may be customary fasteners including, but not limited to, buttons and buttonholes, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and zippers.
Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, a pole top conversion kit is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment transforms a “flat” curtain rod 1703 to look and function as a pole top curtain rod. End covers 1702 a and 1702 b are placed over each end of the “flat” curtain rod 1703. In an embodiment, the inside edge of the end covers 1702 a and 1702 b have an opening 1800 to allow for easy installation and attachment to the “flat” curtain rod 1703. The end covers 1702 a and 1702 b include rod sections 1701 a and 1701 b in which decorative finials 1700 a and 1700 b may be attached. The pole top conversion kit may also include a middle cover 1704 that covers the middle portion of the “flat” curtain rod 1703. In an embodiment, rod sections 1701 a and 1701 b align with end covers 1702 a and 1702 b and the middle cover 1704 to give the appearance and functionality of one continuous pole top curtain rod. The middle cover 1704 may also have an opening 1800 to allow for easy installation and attachment to the “flat” curtain rod 1703.
The end covers 1702 a and 1702 b may be made from materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, composite material, or wood, or any combination thereof, and made by general manufacturing processes, for example, stamping, molding, laser cutting, bending, and milling.
While various example embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It is apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein, for example, to facilitate manufacturing. Thus, the invention should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A pole top curtain rod bracket assembly comprising:

a connecting member having a first end and a second end, the first end being mechanically coupled to a pole top curtain rod, and the second end having inwardly turned top and bottom edges to create top and bottom surfaces,

wherein there is at least one orifice in each of the top and bottom surfaces, and

wherein the second end extends outward and substantially perpendicular from the pole top curtain rod.

2. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end is permanently fixed to the pole top curtain rod.

3. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the pole top curtain rod and the connecting member are offset by 90 degrees.

4. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the second end includes a stabilizer that comes into contact with the top and bottom surfaces.

5. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 4, wherein the stabilizer is substantially cylindrical and substantially wraps around the second end.

6. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the connecting member is permanently fixed to a mounting plate having a plurality of attachment holes to connect to the pole top curtain rod.

7. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 6, wherein the mounting plate and the connecting member are offset by 90 degrees.

8. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 6, wherein the mounting plate is substantially curved along a longitudinal axis.

9. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the connecting member is permanently fixed to a pole-holder having a holding arm.

10. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 9, wherein the holding arm has a substantially U-shaped cross-section.

11. A curtain accessory assembly comprising:

a connecting member having a first end and a second end, the first end being mechanically coupled to a tie back rod, and the second end having inwardly turned top and bottom edges to create top and bottom surfaces,

wherein there is at least at least one orifice in each of the top and bottom surfaces, and

wherein the connecting member extends outward from the tie back rod.

12. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 11, wherein a decorative finial is attached to the tie back rod.

13. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 11, wherein the second end includes a stabilizer that comes into contact with the top and bottom edges.

14. The pole top curtain rod bracket assembly of claim 13, wherein the stabilizer is substantially cylindrical and substantially wraps around the second end.

15. A curtain assembly, comprising:

two curtain panels, each curtain panel includes a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge,

the first vertical edge of each curtain panel includes a rod pocket in which a curtain rod is placed through,

the second vertical edge of each curtain panel includes an attachment seam comprising a plurality of fasteners, and

wherein the first vertical edge of the two curtain panels are located on opposite sides of a window and are attached on or near the window jamb by the curtain rod, and the two curtain panels are attachable to one another at the second vertical edge by the plurality of fasteners.

16. A curtain assembly, comprising:

four curtain panels, each curtain panel includes a first vertical edge, a second vertical edge, and a horizontal attachment seam,

the horizontal attachment seam of each curtain panel is located substantially perpendicular to the second vertical edge and comprises a plurality of fasteners,

wherein the four curtain panels are positioned in a grid pattern such that the first vertical edge of two curtain panels are located on one side of a window and two curtain panels are located on the opposite side of the window and are attached on or near the window jamb by the curtain rod, and

wherein each curtain panel is attachable to at least two other curtain panels by the second vertical edge and the horizontal attachment seam.

17. The curtain assembly of claim 16, wherein the four curtain panels are positioned in a two-by-two grid pattern.

18. The curtain assembly of claim 16, wherein each curtain panel is attachable to at least three other curtain panels by the second vertical edge and the horizontal attachment seam.

19. A pole top conversion kit comprising:

a flat curtain rod having opposing end sections that are substantially 90 degrees and are connected by a middle section,

two end covers, wherein each end cover is placed over each end section, and

two rod sections, wherein each rod section protrudes outward from each end cover and is longitudinal to the middle section.

20. The pole top conversion kit of claim 19, wherein each end cover includes an attachment opening.

21. The pole top conversion kit of claim 20, wherein the attachment opening is located on an inside edge of each end cover.

22. The pole top conversion kit of claim 19, wherein a decorative finial is attached to each rod section.

23. The pole top conversion kit of claim 19, wherein a middle cover wraps substantially around the middle section and extends to each end cover such that the rod sections, end covers and middle section appear and function as a single pole top curtain rod.

24. The pole top conversion kit of claim 23, wherein the middle cover includes an attachment opening that extends its entire length.