MOUNTABLE CURTAIN CLIPS WITH DECORATIVE FACADES
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to window treatments and accessories, and more particularly to a decorative device for holding any fabric about any window.
BACKGROUND ART
Horizontal curtain rods and associated wall brackets are well-known devices used to hang draperies vertically across a square window. Although such devices have proven generally suitable for their intended purpose, they possess inherent deficiencies which detract from their overall effectiveness and desirability. Such rods and brackets are typically unsightly. The draperies are expensive as they are specially arranged and sewn together, and usually gathered at the top where numerous hooks or loops are required. Additionally, such a setup is typically placed directly above the window, meaning it does not work very well on irregularly shaped windows. Installing the numerous hooks and hanging heavy draperies to the horizontal rod is a chore. Taking the draperies down for cleaning, transporting them to and from the cleaners, and reinstalling them is such a burden it is seldom done in most households or offices. Often the same draperies are left hanging the same way until they are so dirty and deteriorated from the sun that the homeowner elects to replace the draperies. Even when they are new, vertical draperies have a certain uniform look which may appear drab or unexciting. Sometimes decorative materials known as "swags" or "tails" are added to a window treatment, those materials attached to the wall by sharp tacks. Usually considerable time and skill is required to install these materials successfully for a neat appearance. This installation is relatively permanent, as once it is tacked up it is inconvenient to change, and the tacks form undesirable holes in the material.
In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, it is desirable to provide a system of window treatments that is inexpensive and versatile, such that any fabric may be hung in minutes in a variety of ways and/or changed out just as quickly. It is further desirable to provide a system of window treatments that requires no horizontal rods or other unsightly brackets, nor requires that holes be made in the fabric.
The prior art has recognized to a limited extent the problems described above and attempted to develop solutions for the same. One proposed solution is the use of rings with a clip to hang any fabric. That is, rings which hang from horizontal curtain rods, the rings including a conventional clip to which any fabric may be attached. While this is more versatile and inexpensive than conventional vertical curtains, it still involves the use of curtain rods. Applicant's proposed solution has heretofore never been addressed.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention comprises a curtain clip with a decorative facade that is mountable adjacent any window, to hold the edge of any fabric juxtaposed a window or over portions of it.
The device includes a conventional spring clip having two (2) sides between which the fabric may be
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suspended. A decorative facade is attached to the clip to obscure it from view. In attaching the clip to the wall or window frame, a standoff bracket may be added such that the clip and fabric are a predetermined distance from the wall.
The bracket and clip are preferably configured to slidably engage one another, in which case, the clip includes a stop which bears against the bracket and supports the weight of the clip once the two are fully engaged. Alternatively, the clip is pivotably attached to the bracket, such that the clip may be rotated out of the way to provide access for installation of fasteners to secure the bracket to a wall near the window.
A number of the curtain clips may be placed around the window from which any fabric may be hung. Each clip preferably includes a decorative facade and a standoff bracket. The standoff bracket preferably includes a middle portion substantially less wide than the facade, such that the facade obscures the bracket from view.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary mountable curtain clip with decorative facade in accordance with the present invention, the clip depicted in an open position; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first side of the clip;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second side of the clip;
Figure 4 is an end view of the second side of the clip;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the underside of a decorative facade, including a Velcro® strip for securing the ornament to the clip; Figure 6 is a perspective view showing installation of the mounting bracket;
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a first alternate embodiment, the clip in a closed position;
Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a second alternate embodiment;
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a third alternate embodiment;
Figure 10 is a front view showing fabric held by the decorative clips across portions of a square window; and Figure 11 is a front view showing fabric held by the decorative clips over an irregularly shaped window.
MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
The mountable curtain clips with decorative facades of the present invention are illustrated in Figures 1-10, which illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Referring now to Figure 1, the preferred embodiment is comprised generally of a device 10 for holding any fabric about a window, including a spring clip 12, a decorative facade or ornament 14, and a standoff bracket 16. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, once one or a number of the devices 10 are installed about any window, any fabric may be held and draped over portions of the window. It is also possible to hang fabric over portions of a window having existing Venetian blinds (not shown).
Now also referring to Figures 2 through 6, the individual components of the device 10 of the preferred embodiment may be described in further detail. The clip 12 includes a first side 17 and a second side 18, each having a pair of tabs, 20 and 22, respectively. The clip first side 17 includes curled edges or tracks 24 along its side edges, and a curled edge or stop 26 along the top edge. The standoff bracket 16 similarly includes curled edges or s tracks 28 along its side edges, the bracket tracks 28 sized to slidably engage the clip tracks 24. The clip tracks 24 preferably include a tapered portion 30, so as to facilitate initial engagement of the clip and bracket tracks 24 and 28.
The spring clips 12 include a conventional spring coil 32 which causes the clip sides 17 and 18 to be biased toward each other on one end in a closed position. The assembly of the spring clip 12 is held together by a conventional rod and a pair of rivets 34. Figure 1 shows the spring clip 12 in the open position, the force of the o spring coil 32 overcome, and the clip 12 ready to receive any fabric between the clip sides 17 and 18. The bottom edge 36 of the clip second side 18 is preferably permanently bent to aid in grasping and retaining the fabric between the clip sides 17 and 18. Figures 7 and 9 show a spring clip in the closed position for alternate embodiments of the invention. The spring clips 12 may be specially made, or perhaps made by modifying a conventional spring clip. Numerous manufacturers of specialty clips and suppliers of conventional clips exists, including John F. Maguire Co. s of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
Adhered to the outside surface of the clip second side 18 is a strip of Velcro® 38, or a piece of fabric with small hooks interwoven within. Adhered to the underside of the decorative facade or ornament 14 is a corresponding Velcro® strip 40. The Velcro® strips 38 and 40 facilitate temporary attachment of the ornament 14 to the clip second side 18. Alternatively, the clip second side 18 and ornament 14 may be configured such that the ornament 14 o snaps into place or is secured to the clip 12 by a shallow screw (not shown). Another alternative configuration would include the clip second side 18 being the decorative facade itself (not shown). Hooks, eyes, snaps, buttons, catches, and all manners of attachment means may be used to provide adherence.
The ornament 14 shown is a leaf design, but many other interchangeable ornament 12 designs are contemplated, including grape clusters, cherubs, shells, fleur-de-lis and stars, to name a few. Children's designs
25 including dinosaurs, teddy bears, baseballs/footballs/helmets and licensed sports logos, and the like are also all contemplated. Besides painted finishes, other finishes are contemplated including silver, gold, pewter, bronze, copper, iron, etc., which could be distressed, antiqued, lacquered or flat. The ornaments are preferably lightweight stamped steel.
The clip sides 17 and 18, and the standoff bracket 16 are all preferably fabricated from steel sheet metal
30 having a thickness of approximately .030 inches. Obviously other materials and thicknesses may be used, as long as the clip 12 and the standoff bracket 16 maintain appropriate stiffness and are not subject to bending during use of the device 10. The clip sides 17 and 18 also should have smooth edges to avoid the possibility of tearing thin fabrics. A pair of conventional screws 42 are used to install the standoff bracket 16 to a wall or window frame adjacent a window.
35 Referring now to Figure 7, a first alternate embodiment may be described. The device 50 includes a spring clip 52, the same decorative facade or ornament 14, and a standoff bracket 56. In this alternate embodiment, the standoff bracket 56 is pivotally attached to the top end of the first clip side 57 by way of a conventional spring coil 59 and a conventional rod and pair of rivets 61, through a small tab 63 in the standoff bracket 56. The first clip side 57 and standoff bracket 56 exclude the curled edges or tracks described above. Rather, the first clip side 57 0 includes upstanding edges or tracks, spaced apart to accommodate the standoff bracket 56 therebetween.
Next, referring to Figure 8, a second alternate embodiment may be described. The device 70 of this embodiment includes a spring clip 72 having an extended portion 73 from its first side. The standoff bracket 76 is a closed configuration having a slotted opening 79 on one end, sized to receive the extended portion of the clip 73. Again, a pair of conventional screws 42 are used to attach the standoff bracket 76 to the wall adjacent a window or to the window frame.
Finally, referring to Figure 9, a third alternate embodiment may be described. This embodiment's device 90 includes a conventional spring clip 92, and a standoff bracket 94, including a pair of plates 95 and a cylindrical pole 96 middle portion. The opposing ends of the cylindrical pole 96 and the pair of plates are threaded to facilitate assembly of the standoff bracket 94. A pair of conventional rivets secure one of the plates 95 to the spring clip 92, while a pair of conventional screws 42 secure the other plate 95 to the wall or woodwork near a window.
Having described the structure of several preferred embodiments, it is now possible to describe the operation, function and use of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Any type of fabric may be used, including tablecloths, bed sheets, shawls, silk kimonos, sarongs, children's blankets, or any fabric purchased from a fabric store — the possibilities are endless. The fabric may be folded or arranged on a bed or other nearby flat surface to approximate how it will be displayed over a window. Next, a number of clips 12 may be preliminarily installed, e.g., with extra strips of Velcro® or double-sided tape, around a window of any shape, and the fabric hung from the clips 12. In this way the look of the curtains may be assessed prior to a more permanent installation.
If the look of the curtains appears satisfactory, the standoff brackets 16 may be installed at the locations of the clips 12, through use of conventional screws 42. In the preferred embodiment of Figures 1 through 6, the clip 12 is slid down into place, by engaging the clip tracks 24 to ride on the bracket tracks 28, until the clip stop 26 reaches the top of the bracket 16. Then each of the clips 12 may be opened and the fabric inserted therein. Finally, the chosen decorative facades or ornaments 12 are added. Advantageously, the fabric may hide preexisting brackets from previous conventional curtain rod installations, meaning it is unnecessary to remove those old brackets.
The installation procedures vary somewhat for the alternate embodiments. In the first alternate embodiment of Figure 7, the clip 52 and bracket 56 are one piece, the clip 52 being rotatable out of the way to provide access for installation of the screws 42 which secure the bracket 56 portion to the wall or window frame. In the second alternate embodiment of Figure 8, the extended portion 73 of the clip 72 is slid down into place inside the slotted opening 79 of the bracket 76. Lastly, in the third alternate embodiment of Figure 9, first the plate 95 is secured to the wall or window frame with screws 42. Then the cylindrical pole 96 is screwed into the threaded hole of that plate 95, and then the other plate 95 is screwed onto the opposing threaded end of the cylindrical pole 96.
It is understood that the exemplary mountable curtain clips with decorative facades described herein and shown in the drawings represents only presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Indeed, various modifications and additions may be made to such embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. These and other modifications and additions may be obvious to those skilled in the art and may be implemented to adapt the present invention for use in a variety of different applications.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
Accordingly, objects of the present invention are to provide a device for holding any fabric about any window, the device being inexpensive and quick and easy to install,
Another object of the present invention are to provide such a device that is versatile, i.e., it can be placed in multiple positions and moved to support a variety of curtain arrangements.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a device that does not require holes to be formed in the curtain fabric.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a set of interchangeable decorative facades for the device, to hide any bracketry with a variety of ornaments.
These as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from a review of the following specification and accompanying drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims which follow without departing from the spirit of the invention.