U.S. patent application number 13/316109 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-14 for arch rod systems.
Invention is credited to Cynthia Lee, Kerry Lee.
Application Number | 20120145660 13/316109 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46198256 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120145660 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Cynthia ; et
al. |
June 14, 2012 |
ARCH ROD SYSTEMS
Abstract
An arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway comprising: a flexible
rod, a center attacher, a first mounting end, and a second mounting
end. The flexible rod is bendable so as to conform to the shape of
the curved shaped window archway. The center attacher serves to
attach the flexible rod to an apex of the curved shaped window
archway and the flexible rod comprises a first mounting end and a
second mounting end which serve to provide attachment points for
the flexible rod to the two sides of the curved shaped window
archway.
Inventors: |
Lee; Cynthia; (Walker,
LA) ; Lee; Kerry; (Walker, LA) |
Family ID: |
46198256 |
Appl. No.: |
13/316109 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61422553 |
Dec 13, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 1/022 20130101;
A47H 2001/045 20130101; A47H 23/04 20130101; A47H 1/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/123 |
International
Class: |
A47H 1/022 20060101
A47H001/022; A47H 1/02 20060101 A47H001/02 |
Claims
1. An arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway comprising: a flexible
rod; a center attacher; a first mounting end; and a second mounting
end; wherein said flexible rod is bendable so as to conform to the
shape of said curved shaped window archway; wherein said center
attacher serves to attach said flexible rod to an apex of said
curved shaped window archway; and wherein said flexible rod
comprises said first mounting end and said second mounting end
which serve to provide attachment points for said flexible rod to
two sides of said curved shaped window archway.
2. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 1 wherein said
flexible rod is made of flexible and bendable material and
comprises a shaft with a diameter.
3. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 2 wherein said
flexible rod comprises fiberglass.
4. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 2 wherein said
flexible rod comprises plastic.
5. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 2 wherein said
flexible rod comprises non-plastic material.
6. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 1 wherein said
flexible rod comprises two telescopically engaged parts so that
said flexible rod is extendable or retractable and thereby is
adaptable to various sized said curved shaped window archways.
7. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 1 wherein said
center attacher comprises a screw cup hook which is screwed into
said apex of said curved shaped window archway and which is of
sufficient diameter to hold said flexible rod when said flexible
rod is being passed through said screw cup hook.
8. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 1 wherein said
center attacher comprises a screw eye hook which is screwed into
said apex of said curved shaped window archway and which is of
sufficient diameter to hold said flexible rod when said flexible
rod is being passed through said screw eye hook.
9. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 1 wherein said
first mounting end and said second mounting end each comprise a
horizontally oriented rubber stopper which serves to secure said
flexible rod in a desired position.
10. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 1 wherein said
first mounting end and said second mounting end each comprise a
vertically oriented rubber stopper which serves to secure said
flexible rod in a desired position.
11. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 1 wherein said
first mounting end and said second mounting end each comprise a
mounting plate comprising apertures for fasteners so as to
facilitate the attachment of said flexible rod to said two sides of
said curved shaped window archway.
12. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 1 wherein said
first mounting end and said second mounting end each are being
passed through a screw eye hook each situated at said two sides of
said curved shaped window archway.
13. An arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway comprising: a flexible
rod; a center attacher; a first mounting end; and a second mounting
end; wherein said flexible rod is made of flexible and bendable
material and comprises a shaft with a diameter so as to conform to
the shape of said curved shaped window archway; wherein said center
attacher serves to attach said flexible rod to an apex of said
curved shaped window archway and comprises a screw cup hook which
is screwed into said apex of said curved shaped window archway and
is of sufficient diameter to hold said flexible rod when said
flexible rod is being passed through said screw cup hook; and
wherein said flexible rod comprises said first mounting end and
said second mounting end which serve to provide attachment points
for said flexible rod to two sides of said curved shaped window
archway and said first mounting end and said second mounting end
each comprise a horizontally oriented rubber stopper which serves
to secure said flexible rod in a desired position.
14. The arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway of claim 13 further
comprising a kit including said at least one flexible rod; said at
least one center attacher; said first mounting end; said second
mounting end; a set of said fasteners; and a user instruction
manual.
15. A method of using an arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting
a curtain or drapery in a curved shaped window archway comprising
the steps of: attaching a center attacher to an apex of a curved
shaped window archway; hanging a curtain over a flexible rod;
bending said flexible rod so as to conform a shape of said flexible
rod to said curved shaped window archway; attaching said flexible
rod to said center attacher and thereby attaching said flexible rod
to said apex of said curved shaped window archway; and attaching a
first mounting end and a second mounting end of said flexible rod
to sides of said curved shaped window archway.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority
from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/422,553, filed Dec.
13, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The following includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that
any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material,
to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any
publication or document that is specifically or implicitly
referenced is prior art.
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates generally to the field of
curtain rods and more specifically relates to a curtain support rod
for supporting a curtain in a window archway.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] An arched window can add architectural beauty and
attractiveness to a home, but it can be difficult to dress because
of its arched shape. If privacy is not an issue, leaving the arched
windows bare can bring in more light and provide a beautiful view.
However, in cases where privacy is desired and direct sunlight is
not convenient to the occupants, one may dress the window with an
appropriate window treatment. Hanging curtains over an arched
window allows the occupant to control how much natural light is
present in the room.
[0008] Since decorating an arched window can be a challenge, many
people leave the curved part of the arched window uncovered, hang
horizontally oriented curtain rods just below the arch, and then
hang the curtains. Unfortunately this may look unattractive and
detract from the look of the arched window. Another possibility is
to use curved rods which follow the shape of the arched window.
Window treatments which conform to the arch of a window may improve
the appearance of an arch window on the interior and exterior of
the home.
[0009] Unfortunately, arched curtain rods are often difficult to
install due to their inherent shape. It may require effort and
patience to properly install an arched shaped rod in an arched
window frame. The challenge of installing the arched rod may
prevent many people from even attempting to install an arched rod.
Therefore a need exists for an arched rod which is user-friendly
and easy to install, so that any user is able to install the
curtain rod just with a few easy steps.
[0010] Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned
problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2006/0201636;
5,205,337; 4,825,611; 5,678,704; 5,765,619; and 5,407,162. This
prior art is representative of curtain rods. None of the above
inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is
seen to describe the invention as claimed.
[0011] Ideally, a curtain support rod for supporting a curtain in a
window archway should be inexpensive, easy, uncomplicated and quick
to install, operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest
expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable arch rod system to
support a curtain in a window archway and to avoid the
above-mentioned problems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the
instillation and form of the rod for supporting a curtain in window
archway art, the present invention provides a novel Arch Rod
System. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a support
rod for supporting a curtain in a window archway.
[0013] An arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or
drapery in a curved shaped window archway is disclosed herein
comprising: a flexible rod, a center attacher, a first mounting
end, and a second mounting end. The flexible rod is bendable so as
to conform to the shape of a curved shaped window archway. The
center attacher serves to attach the flexible rod to an apex of the
curved shaped window archway. The flexible rod further comprises a
first mounting end and a second mounting end which serve to provide
attachment points for the flexible rod to the two sides of the
curved shaped window archway.
[0014] A kit is also described herein including at least one
flexible rod, at least one center attacher, a first mounting end, a
second mounting end, a set of fasteners, and a user instruction
manual.
[0015] A preferred method of use is further disclosed herein
comprising the following steps: attaching a center attacher to an
apex of a curved shaped window archway; hanging a curtain over a
flexible rod; bending the flexible rod so as to conform a shape of
the flexible rod to the curved shaped window archway; attaching the
flexible rod to the center attacher and thereby attaching the
flexible rod to the apex of the curved shaped window archway; and
attaching a first mounting end and a second mounting end of the
flexible rod to the sides of the curved shaped window archway.
[0016] The present invention holds significant improvements and
serves as an Arch Rod System. For the purpose of summarizing the
invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the
invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that
not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance
with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the
invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves
or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein
without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or
suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed
to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in
the concluding portion of the specification. These and other
features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will
become better understood with reference to the following drawings
and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The figures which accompany the written portion of this
specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the
present invention, Arch Rod Systems, constructed and operative
according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view illustrating an arch
curtain rod apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustrating the arch curtain
rod apparatus with a curtain according to an embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating various
embodiments of the arch curtain rod apparatus.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the arch curtain
rod apparatus in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of
the present invention of FIG. 1A.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using the
arch curtain rod apparatus for supporting a curtain or drapery in a
curved shaped window archway according to an embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 1A.
[0023] The various embodiments of the present invention will
hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings,
wherein like designations denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention
relate to a curtain rod device and more particularly to a curtain
support rod for supporting a curtain in a window archway.
[0025] Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is
shown in FIG. 1A, a perspective view illustrating arch curtain rod
apparatus 110 according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] Arch curtain rod apparatus 110 for supporting curtains 120
or drapery in curved shaped window archway 130 preferably comprises
flexible rod 140. Flexible rod 140 preferably is bendable so as to
conform to the shape of curved shaped window archway 130. Flexible
rod 140 is preferably made of flexible and bendable material and
comprises a shaft with a diameter. The diameter of the shaft
preferably measures 1/2 inch.
[0027] Flexible rod 140 preferably measures 61 inches in length and
thereby can accommodate a window that is 60 inches wide. However,
it should be appreciated that other lengths and diameters will fall
within the scope and spirit of the invention as described herein,
and that any references to sizes, lengths, and weights are
exemplary, and are not to be construed as limiting in any way.
Flexible rod 140 preferably comprises fiberglass. However, flexible
rod 140 may be made of any suitable and bendable material, such as
bendable plastic or non-plastic material. Flexible rod 140 is
preferably made of one piece or may comprise two telescopically
engaged parts so that flexible rod 140 is extendable or retractable
and thereby is adaptable to various sized curved shaped window
archways 130.
[0028] Flexible rod 140 further comprises first mounting end 160
and second mounting end 170 which serve to provide attachment
points for flexible rod 140 to two sides 190 of curved shaped
window archway 130. First mounting end 160 and second mounting end
170 preferably each comprise horizontally oriented rubber stopper
220 which serves to secure flexible rod 140 in a desired position.
Alternatively, first mounting end 160 and second mounting end 170
may each comprise vertically oriented rubber stopper 230 which also
may serve to secure flexible rod 140 in position. As a third
alternative, first mounting end 160 and second mounting end 170 may
comprise mounting plate 240 comprising apertures 250 for fasteners
260 so as to facilitate the attachment of flexible rod 140 to two
sides 190 of curved shaped window archway 130. A fourth alternative
to secure flexible rod 140 to two sides 190 of curved shaped window
archway 130 is to pass first mounting end 160 and second mounting
end 170 through two screw eye hooks 210 situated at two sides 190
of curved shaped window archway 130.
[0029] Arch curtain rod apparatus 110 for supporting a curtain 120
or drapery in a curved shaped window archway 130 further comprises
center attacher 150 which serves to attach flexible rod 140 to apex
180 of curved shaped window archway 130. Center attacher 150
preferably comprises screw cup hook 200 which may be screwed into
apex 180 of curved shaped window archway 130. Screw cup hook 200
preferably is of sufficient diameter to hold flexible rod 140 after
flexible rod 140 is passed through screw cup hook 200.
Alternatively, center attacher 150 may comprise screw eye hook 210
which is screwed into apex 180 of curved shaped window archway 130
and which is of sufficient diameter to hold flexible rod 140 after
flexible rod 140 is passed through screw eye hook 210. User may
therefore bend flexible rod 140 so as to conform flexible rod 140
to the shape of curved shaped window archway 130 and after that
pass flexible rod 140 through screw cup hook 200 or screw eye hook
210 so as to attach flexible rod 140 to apex 180 of curved shaped
window archway 130. However, center attacher 150 may comprise any
suitable hardware, such as safety cup hooks, ceiling hooks, eye
bolts, etc.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1B, a perspective view illustrating
arch curtain rod apparatus 110 with curtain 120 according to an
embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1A.
[0031] After attaching center attacher 150 to apex 180 of curved
shaped window archway 130, curtain 120 or other drapery may by hung
over flexible rod 140. Flexible rod 140 then may be bent so as to
conform to the shape of curved shaped window archway 130. After
that flexible rod 140 may be attached to center attacher 150, and
to two sides 190 of curved shaped window archway 130. Arch Rod
Systems 100 therefore comprises a curtain rod that affords
individuals the ability to hang curtains 120 from an arch window.
Due to the flexibility of flexible rod 140, the curtain rod and the
curtains 120 conform to the shape of curved shaped window archway
130 and thereby ensure a perfect look.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view illustrating
various embodiments of arch curtain rod apparatus 110.
[0033] After bending flexible rod 140 so as to conform the shape of
flexible rod 140 to curved shaped window archway 130, flexible rod
140 may be attached to center attacher 150 and thereby to apex 180
of curved shaped window archway 130. After that, flexible rod 140
may be snapped into place just by bending flexible rod 140 and
holding flexible rod 140 into curved shaped window archway 130 and
after that releasing flexible rod 140 so that first mounting end
160 and second mounting end 170 of flexible rod 140 push against
sides 190 of curved shaped window archway 130. Flexible rod 140 is
thereby held in place by center attacher 150 and the pressure of
flexible rod 140 against sides 190 of curved shaped window archway
130.
[0034] First mounting end 160 and second mounting end 170 thereby
provide attachment points for flexible rod 140 to two sides 190 of
curved shaped window archway 130. First mounting end 160 and second
mounting end 170 preferably each comprise horizontally oriented
rubber stopper 220 which serves to secure flexible rod 140 in a
desired position. After releasing flexible rod 140 each of
horizontally oriented rubber stoppers 220 is pushed against one of
two sides 190 of curved shaped window archway 130 due to the
inherent outward bending pressure of flexible rod 140. Since
horizontally oriented rubber stopper 220 is made of soft rubber
material, horizontally oriented rubber stopper 220 therefore
remains in the position in which it was placed adjacent each of two
sides 190 of curved shaped window archway 130 and therefore secures
flexible rod 140 in the desired position.
[0035] Alternatively, first mounting end 160 and second mounting
end 170 may each comprise vertically oriented rubber stopper 230
which also may serve to secure flexible rod 140 in position.
However, horizontally oriented rubber stopper 220 and vertically
oriented rubber stopper 230 may be made of any suitable material
which may hold flexible rod 140 in the desired position.
[0036] As a third alternative, first mounting end 160 and second
mounting end 170 may comprise a mounting plate 240 comprising
apertures 250 for fasteners 260 so as to facilitate the attachment
of flexible rod 140 to two sides 190 of curved shaped window
archway 130. Mounting plate 240 may comprise a metal plate which is
molded to flexible rod 140. Fasteners 260 preferably comprise
screws which may be guided through apertures 250 of mounting plate
240 and which may be used to attach flexible rod 140 to two sides
190 of curved shaped window archway 130. A fourth alternative to
secure flexible rod 140 to two sides 190 of curved shaped window
archway 130 may be to pass first mounting end 160 and second
mounting end 170 through two screw eye hooks 210 which be installed
at two sides 190 of curved shaped window archway 130.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view illustrating
arch curtain rod apparatus 110 in an in-use condition 500 according
to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1A.
[0038] After attaching center attacher 150 to apex 180 of curved
shaped window archway 130, curtain 120 or other drapery may by hung
over flexible rod 140. Flexible rod 140 then may be bent so as to
conform to the shape of curved shaped window archway 130. After
that flexible rod 140 may be attached to center attacher 150, and
to the two sides 190 of curved shaped window archway. Dressing an
arched window is therefore made easy and may be accomplished in a
few easy steps. There is no need to use a straight rod, hang the
curtain rods and curtains 120 just below the arch, and leave the
curved part of the arched window uncovered. Arch Rod Systems 100
therefore comprises a curtain rod that affords individuals the
ability to hang curtains 120 over an arch window covering the
complete arched portion of the window and providing privacy and
adequate protection from sunlight.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 4, showing a flowchart 450
illustrating a method 400 of using arch curtain rod apparatus 110
for supporting curtain 120 or drapery in curved shaped window
archway 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention of
FIG. 1A.
[0040] A preferred method of use 400 is further disclosed herein
comprising the following steps: step one 401 attaching center
attacher 150 to apex 180 of curved shaped window archway 130; step
two 402 hanging curtain 120 over flexible rod 140; step three 403
bending flexible rod 140 so as to conform a shape of flexible rod
140 to curved shaped window archway 130; step four 404 attaching
flexible rod 140 to center attacher 150 and thereby attaching
flexible rod 140 to apex 180 of curved shaped window archway 130;
and step five 405 attaching first mounting end 160 and second
mounting end 170 of flexible rod 140 to sides 190 of curved shaped
window archway 130.
[0041] Arch Rod Systems 100 may be sold as kit 300 comprising the
following parts: at least one flexible rod 140; at least one center
attacher 150; first mounting end 160; second mounting end 170; a
set of fasteners 260; and a user instruction manual. Arch Rod
Systems 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide
variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications.
Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that,
under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design
preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,
structural requirements, available materials, technological
advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for
example, including more or less components, customized parts,
different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc.,
may be sufficient.
[0042] It should be noted that the steps described in the method of
use can be carried out in many different orders according to user
preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be
appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing
preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials,
technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements
such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list,
elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding
certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.
[0043] The embodiments of the invention described herein are
exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements
can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent
results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit
and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing
abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the
public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and
practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal
terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of
the application.
* * * * *