U.S. patent application number 13/341240 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-04 for drapery track system.
This patent application is currently assigned to UMBRA LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Mauricio Affonso, Paul Rowan. Invention is credited to Mauricio Affonso, Paul Rowan.
Application Number | 20130167326 13/341240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48693656 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130167326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rowan; Paul ; et
al. |
July 4, 2013 |
DRAPERY TRACK SYSTEM
Abstract
An apparatus for mounting a drapery including a mounting
bracket, a track having an upper mounting portion and a lower
engagement portion, wherein the upper mounting portion
complementarily engages the mounting bracket, and a drapery
securing means having an upper engagement portion and a lower
securing portion, wherein the upper engagement portion slidably
engages the lower engagement portion of the track and the lower
securing portion releasably engages the drapery.
Inventors: |
Rowan; Paul; (Toronto,
CA) ; Affonso; Mauricio; (Toronto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rowan; Paul
Affonso; Mauricio |
Toronto
Toronto |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
UMBRA LLC
Buffalo
NY
|
Family ID: |
48693656 |
Appl. No.: |
13/341240 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
16/94D |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 13/01 20130101;
Y10T 16/375 20150115; A47H 15/02 20130101; A47H 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
16/94.D |
International
Class: |
A47H 1/04 20060101
A47H001/04; A47H 15/02 20060101 A47H015/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for mounting a drapery comprising: a mounting
bracket; a track comprising an upper mounting portion and a lower
engagement portion, wherein the upper mounting portion
complementarily engages the mounting bracket; and, a drapery
securing means comprising an upper engagement portion and a lower
securing portion, wherein the upper engagement portion slidably
engages the lower engagement portion of the track and the lower
securing portion releasably engages the drapery.
2. The apparatus for mounting a drapery of claim 1 further
comprising a bracket arm, wherein the mounting bracket comprises an
aperture and the bracket arm is releasably secured to the mounting
bracket through the aperture.
3. The apparatus for mounting a drapery of claim 2 wherein the
bracket arm comprises first and second extensions arranged
substantially perpendicular, the first extension is arranged to be
secured to a substantially vertical surface and the second
extension is releasably secured to the mounting bracket.
4. The apparatus for mounting a drapery of claim 1 wherein the
mounting bracket comprises a substantially planar portion having
oppositely disposed first and second j-shaped portions integrally
formed thereon.
5. The apparatus for mounting a drapery of claim 1 wherein the
mounting bracket is arranged to be secured to a substantially
horizontal surface.
6. The apparatus for mounting a drapery of claim 1 wherein the
track is an extruded body.
7. The apparatus for mounting a drapery of claim 6 wherein the
extruded body is formed from a metal material or a plastic
material.
8. The apparatus for mounting a drapery of claim 1 wherein the
upper engagement portion is a partial spherical ball.
9. The apparatus for mounting a drapery of claim 8 wherein the
lower engagement portion of the track comprises a partially curved
surface arranged to receive the partial spherical ball.
10. The apparatus for mounting a drapery of claim 1 wherein the
lower securing portion is a clip.
11. The apparatus for mounting a drapery of claim 1 wherein the
track further comprises an inner frame structure having a thinned
portion arranged to permit removal of the track from the mounting
bracket by application of pressure proximate the lower engagement
portion.
12. A system for mounting a plurality of draperies comprising: a
plurality of mounting brackets; a plurality of tracks each
comprising an upper mounting portion and a lower engagement
portion, wherein each upper mounting portion complementarily
engages one of the plurality of the mounting brackets; and, a
plurality of drapery securing means each comprising an upper
engagement portion and a lower securing portion, wherein the
plurality of mounting brackets are arranged parallel to each other,
the plurality of tracks are arranged parallel to each other, each
upper engagement portion slidably engages the lower engagement
portion of one of the plurality of tracks and each lower securing
portion releasably engages one of the plurality of draperies.
13. The system for mounting a plurality of draperies of claim 12
further comprising a bracket arm, wherein the plurality of mounting
brackets each comprise an aperture, each of the apertures are in
registered alignment and the bracket arm is releasably secured to
the plurality of mounting brackets through each respective
aperture.
14. The system for mounting a plurality of draperies of claim 13
wherein the bracket arm comprises first and second extensions
arranged substantially perpendicular, the first extension is
arranged to be secured to a substantially vertical surface and the
second extension is releasably secured to the plurality of mounting
brackets.
15. The system for mounting a plurality of draperies of claim 12
wherein each of the plurality of draperies is separately moveable
along each of the plurality of tracks.
16. A system for mounting a drapery comprising: a plurality of
mounting brackets; a plurality of tracks each comprising an upper
mounting portion and a lower engagement portion, wherein each upper
mounting portion complementarily engages one of the plurality of
the mounting brackets; a connecting means; and, a plurality of
drapery securing means each comprising an upper engagement portion
and a lower securing portion, wherein the connecting means aligns
and releasably secures adjacent tracks of the plurality of tracks,
the plurality of mounting brackets are arranged collinearly, the
plurality of tracks are arranged collinearly, each upper engagement
portion slidably engages the lower engagement portion of one of the
plurality of tracks and each lower securing portion releasably
engages one of the plurality of draperies.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention broadly relates to a drapery system, more
specifically to a drapery system having an uninterrupted track, and
even more particularly to a drapery system having an uninterrupted
track that may be configured in a variety of lengths and shapes,
and may be mounted on a variety of surface types.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Draperies, hangings, privacy screens and the like have been
used for many years to provide coverings for windows, decorations
along walls, separations between portions of a room, etc.
Traditionally, such hangings are mounted on and moveable along a
fixed rod via a set of rings. The rod is mounted on a ceiling or
wall using mounting hardware, and the rings, having larger inner
diameters than the rod outer diameter, slide back and forth along
the rod. Due to the positions of the mounting hardware, ring
movement is often impeded as the hardware limits such movement to
the lengths between the hardware. In other words, the rings cannot
pass by the mounting hardware.
[0003] Moreover, conventional drapery systems have limited lengths
and/or length ranges. For example, the rods described above may be
fixed in length or may comprise two or more nested rods which move
coaxially relative to each other. Such nested rod assemblies may be
expanded to a desired length and then secured using mounting
hardware; however, the length range is not unlimited, it is
typically configured as several options, e.g., 36-72'', 72-144'',
etc.
[0004] Additionally, conventional drapery systems are limited in
shape, e.g., linear or slightly arcuate. The above described rods
limit the shape of the drapery system to the rods' original shapes,
thereby preventing more complex arrangements designed to fit a
unique space as opposed to merely providing a fixed
arrangement.
[0005] As can be derived from the variety of devices and methods
directed at slidably securing draperies and/or hangings, many means
have been contemplated to accomplish the desired end, i.e., free
movement of a drapery along an entire length of a mounting system
where such mounting system can be customized to fit a variety of
spaces. Heretofore, tradeoffs between length, shape and mounting
hardware locations were required. Thus, there is a long-felt need
for a drapery system having a modifiable length and a modifiable
shape. There is a further long-felt need for a drapery system which
can be mounted on a variety of surface types without the need for
mounting hardware that impedes the movement of the drapery or
hanging.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention broadly comprises an apparatus for
mounting a drapery including a mounting bracket, a track having an
upper mounting portion and a lower engagement portion, wherein the
upper mounting portion complementarily engages the mounting
bracket, and a drapery securing means having an upper engagement
portion and a lower securing portion, wherein the upper engagement
portion slidably engages the lower engagement portion of the track
and the lower securing portion releasably engages the drapery.
[0007] In some embodiments, the apparatus for mounting a drapery
further includes a bracket arm, wherein the mounting bracket
includes an aperture and the bracket arm is secured to the mounting
bracket through the aperture. In some embodiments, the bracket arm
includes first and second extensions arranged substantially
perpendicular relative to each other. The first extension is
arranged to be secured to a substantially vertical surface and the
second extension is secured to the mounting bracket.
[0008] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket includes a
substantially planar portion having oppositely disposed first and
second j-shaped portions integrally formed thereon. In some
embodiments, the mounting bracket is arranged to be secured to a
substantially horizontal surface.
[0009] In some embodiments, the track is an extruded body. In some
embodiments, the extruded body is formed from a metal material or a
plastic material. In some embodiments, the upper engagement portion
is a partial spherical ball, and in some embodiments, the lower
engagement portion of the track includes a partially curved surface
arranged to receive the partial spherical ball. In some
embodiments, the lower securing portion is a clip. In some
embodiments, the track further includes an inner frame structure
having a thinned portion arranged to permit removal of the track
from the mounting bracket by application of pressure proximate the
lower engagement portion
[0010] In a further embodiment, the present invention broadly
comprises a system for mounting a plurality of draperies including
a plurality of mounting brackets, a plurality of tracks each having
an upper mounting portion and a lower engagement portion, wherein
each upper mounting portion complementarily engages one of the
plurality of the mounting brackets, and a plurality of drapery
securing means each having an upper engagement portion and a lower
securing portion, wherein the plurality of mounting brackets are
arranged parallel to each other, the plurality of tracks are
arranged parallel to each other, each upper engagement portion
slidably engages the lower engagement portion of one of the
plurality of tracks and each lower securing portion releasably
engages one of the plurality of draperies.
[0011] In some embodiments, the system for mounting a plurality of
draperies further includes a bracket arm, wherein the plurality of
mounting brackets each include an aperture, each of the apertures
are in registered alignment and the bracket arm is secured to the
plurality of mounting brackets through each respective aperture. In
some embodiments, the bracket arm includes first and second
extensions arranged substantially perpendicular relative to each
other. The first extension is arranged to be secured to a
substantially vertical surface and the second extension is secured
to the plurality of mounting brackets. In some embodiments, each of
the plurality of draperies is separately moveable along each of the
plurality of tracks.
[0012] In yet a further embodiment, the present invention broadly
comprises a system for mounting a drapery including a plurality of
mounting brackets, a plurality of tracks each having an upper
mounting portion and a lower engagement portion, wherein each upper
mounting portion complementarily engages one of the plurality of
the mounting brackets, a connecting means, and a plurality of
drapery securing means each having an upper engagement portion and
a lower securing portion, wherein the connecting means aligns and
releasably secures adjacent tracks of the plurality of tracks, the
plurality of mounting brackets are arranged collinearly relative to
each other, the plurality of tracks are arranged collinearly
relative to each other, each upper engagement portion slidably
engages the lower engagement portion of one of the plurality of
tracks and each lower securing portion releasably engages one of
the plurality of draperies.
[0013] It is a general object of the present invention to provide a
drapery track system which may be configured to provide a variety
of window treatment orientations, wall coverings, privacy screens
and the like.
[0014] It is another general object of the present invention to
provide a drapery track system which may be configured at a variety
of lengths and shapes.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a drapery track system which can be secured to a variety of surface
types and does not require mounting hardware that impedes the
movement of a drapery or hanging slidably secured thereon.
[0016] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be readily appreciable from the following
description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the
accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention
will now be more fully described in the following detailed
description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing
figures, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a present
invention drapery track system;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a
present invention drapery track system;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
present invention drapery track system;
[0021] FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of an embodiment of a
present invention drapery track system;
[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a
present invention drapery track system;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a track
used in a present invention drapery track system;
[0024] FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the track of FIG.
6;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
mounting bracket used in a present invention drapery track
system;
[0026] FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of the mounting bracket of
FIG. 8;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
securing means used in a present invention drapery track
system;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the securing means of
FIG. 10;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the securing means of
FIG. 10 taken generally along Line 12-12 of FIG. 11;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
bracket arm used in a present invention drapery track system;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the bracket arm of
FIG. 13;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a back elevational view of the bracket arm of
FIG. 13;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
bracket arm used in a present invention drapery track system;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the bracket arm of
FIG. 16;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment
of a bracket arm used in a present invention drapery track
system;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the bracket arm of
FIG. 18;
[0037] FIG. 20 is an end elevational view of another embodiment of
the present invention drapery track system having three tracks
arranged in parallel;
[0038] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of the
present invention drapery track system having two tracks arranged
in parallel and including a curved corner portion;
[0039] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
connecting means used in a present invention drapery track
system;
[0040] FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
connecting means used in a present invention drapery track
system;
[0041] FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
present invention drapery track system showing two adjacent tracks
joined by the connecting means shown in FIGS. 22 and 23;
[0042] FIG. 25A is an end elevational view of an embodiment of a
present invention drapery track system being installed on a
substantially vertical surface;
[0043] FIG. 25B is an end elevational view of the embodiment of the
present invention drapery track system shown in FIG. 25A being
further installed on the substantially vertical surface;
[0044] FIG. 26A is an end elevational view of an embodiment of a
present invention drapery track system being installed on a
substantially horizontal surface; and,
[0045] FIG. 26B is an end elevational view of the embodiment of the
present invention drapery track system shown in FIG. 26A being
further installed on the substantially horizontal surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While
the present invention is described with respect to what is
presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be
understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the
disclosed aspects.
[0047] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not
limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications
described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of
the present invention, which is limited only by the appended
claims.
[0048] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It
should be appreciated that the term "drapery" is synonymous with
terms such as "hanging", "window treatment", "covering", "screen",
"curtain", etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as
appearing in the specification and claims. Although any methods,
devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the
preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
[0049] Adverting now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of an embodiment of a present invention drapery track system 10.
FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a present
invention drapery track system 10, while FIG. 3 is a top
perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention drapery
track system 10. FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of an embodiment
of a present invention drapery track system 10, and FIG. 5 is an
exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention
drapery track system 10. FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an
embodiment of track 12 used in a present invention drapery track
system 10, while FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of track 12.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of mounting
bracket 14 used in a present invention drapery track system 10,
while FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of mounting bracket 14.
FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of securing
means 16 used in a present invention drapery track system 10, while
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of securing means 16. FIG. 12 is
a cross sectional view of securing means 16 taken generally along
Line 12-12 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an
embodiment of bracket arm 18 used in a present invention drapery
track system 10, while FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of
bracket arm 18 and FIG. 15 is a back elevational view of bracket
arm 18. The following discussion is best understood in view of
FIGS. 1-15.
[0050] Drapery track system 10 is an apparatus for mounting drapery
20. System 10 comprises mounting bracket 14, track 12 and drapery
securing means 16. Track 12 comprises upper mounting portion 22 and
lower engagement portion 24. Upper mounting portion 22
complementarily engages mounting bracket 14. It should be
appreciated that "complementarily engages", as used herein, is
intended to mean that one structure has a shape and configuration
that interlocks with the shape and configuration of another
structure, e.g., the inverted j-shaped structures of upper mounting
portion 22 complementarily engage the j-shaped structures of
mounting bracket 14. Drapery securing means 16 comprises upper
engagement portion 26 and lower securing portion 28. Upper
engagement portion 26 slidably engages lower engagement portion 24
of track 12 and lower securing portion 28 releasably engages
drapery 20. It should be appreciated that "slidably engages", as
used herein, is intended to mean that two structures are permitted
to slide relative to each other along an axis, while relative
movement in other directions is prevented. For example, drapery
securing means 16 are permitted to slide along the length of track
12; however, drapery securing means 16 are not permitted to move
downwardly out of track 12.
[0051] As is best understood in view of FIG. 7, track 12 comprises
an inner frame structure which provides multiple functions. The
frame structure provides openings for positioning and holding
connecting means, surfaces for interacting with drapery securing
means, and a flexible member which facilitates the assembly and
disassembly of the drapery track system, all as described infra.
Moreover, the inner frame structure also provides added support and
strength to the walls of track 12.
[0052] In some embodiments, drapery track system 10 further
comprises bracket arm 18. In such embodiments, mounting bracket 14
comprises aperture 30 and bracket arm 18 is releasably secured to
mounting bracket 14 through aperture 30. Bracket arm 18 comprises
first and second extensions 32 and 34, respectively, arranged
substantially perpendicular to each other. First extension 32 is
arranged to be secured to a substantially vertical surface (See
FIGS. 25A and 25B) and second extension 34 is releasably secured to
mounting bracket 14, as also shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, and
described infra.
[0053] Mounting bracket 14 comprises substantially planar portion
36 having oppositely disposed first and second j-shaped portions
38a and 38b, respectively. As can be seen in the figures, first and
second j-shaped portions 38a and 38b, respectively, are integrally
formed with substantially planar portion 36. Mounting bracket 14 is
arranged to be secured to a substantially horizontal surface, e.g.,
the horizontal surface shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, or secured to a
bracket arm as described above. Mounting bracket 14 may be formed
as a stamped metal part, a molded plastic part or an extruded
part.
[0054] In some embodiments, track 12 is an extruded body such as
extruded body 42. Extruded body 42 may be formed from a variety of
materials such as metal, e.g., aluminum, steel, etc., or plastic,
e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, acetal, acrylic, polyamides,
polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,
polycarbonate, etc.
[0055] In some embodiments, upper engagement portion 26 of securing
means 16 is a partial spherical ball, e.g., partial spherical ball
44. Lower engagement portion 24 of track 12 comprises opening 46
having partially curved surface 48 arranged to receive partial
spherical ball 44. It should be appreciated that other arrangements
of both upper engagement portion 26 and lower engagement portion 24
are also possible, e.g., upper engagement portion 26 may be
frustoconical shaped and lower engagement portion 24 may comprise
linear angular surfaces arranged to slidably engage the
frustoconical shaped upper engagement portion, and such variations
are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. In some
embodiments, lower securing portion 28 is a clip, e.g., clip 50. It
should be further appreciated that securing portion 28 may take
other forms, e.g., hooks, and such variations are within the spirit
and scope of the claimed invention. It should be yet further
appreciated that the surface characteristics of the upper
engagement portion of the securing means and the lower engagement
portion of the track may be selected such that friction
therebetween is minimized, e.g., upper engagement portion 26 may be
formed from a plastic material having a low coefficient of friction
such as PTFE. Upper engagement portion 26 and drapery securing
portion 28 may be connected by any means known in the art, e.g.,
wire 52. As shown in FIG. 1, the end portions of drapery track
system 10 may be enclosed by covers 54 thereby preventing drapery
securing means 16 from falling out of track 12.
[0056] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a
bracket arm used in a present invention drapery track system, i.e.,
bracket arm 56. FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of bracket arm
56. FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of
a bracket arm used in a present invention drapery track system,
i.e., bracket arm 58. FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of bracket
arm 58. FIG. 20 is an end elevational view of another embodiment of
the present invention drapery track system, i.e., drapery track
system 60, having three tracks, i.e., tracks 62a, 62b and 62c,
arranged in parallel. FIG. 21 is a top plan view of yet another
embodiment of the present invention drapery track system, i.e.,
drapery track system 64, having two tracks, i.e., tracks 66a and
66b, arranged in parallel and including a curved corner portion.
The following discussion is best understood in view of FIGS.
1-21.
[0057] The present invention drapery track system may include more
than one track arranged parallel to each other. In such embodiments
of the present invention drapery track system, e.g., drapery track
systems 60 and 64, the system comprises a plurality of mounting
brackets, e.g., mounting brackets 68a, 68b and 68c or mounting
brackets 70a, 70b, 72a, 72b, 74a, 74b, 76a, 76b, 78a and 78b. The
system further comprises a plurality of tracks, e.g., tracks 62a,
62b and 62c or tracks 66a and 66b. Each track comprising an upper
mounting portion, e.g., upper mounting portions 84a, 84b and 84c,
and comprises a lower engagement portion, e.g., lower engagement
portions 88a, 88b and 88c. Each upper mounting portion
complementarily engages at least one of the plurality of the
mounting brackets, as is best understood in view of FIG. 20. The
drapery track system yet further comprises a plurality of drapery
securing means, e.g., securing means 92a, 92b and 92c. Each drapery
securing means comprises an upper engagement portion, e.g., upper
engagement portions 94a, 94b and 94c, and a lower securing portion,
e.g., lower securing portion 96a, 96b and 96c. In the foregoing
embodiments of the present invention, it can be seen that the
plurality of mounting brackets are arranged parallel to each other,
as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the plurality of tracks are arranged
parallel to each other, as also shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, and each
upper engagement portion of each securing means slidably engages
the lower engagement portion of one of the plurality of tracks and
each lower securing portion of each securing means releasably
engages one of the plurality of draperies, as depicted in FIG.
1.
[0058] In some embodiments, the drapery track system further
comprises a bracket arm, e.g., bracket arm 56 or 58. In such
embodiments, the plurality of mounting brackets each comprise an
aperture, similar to aperture 30 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, and
each of the apertures are in registered alignment to each other,
i.e., the apertures form a continuous opening through all adjacent
mounting brackets. The bracket arm is releasably secured to the
plurality of mounting brackets through each respective aperture, as
is best understood in view of FIG. 20 where bracket arm 58 is
secured to mounting brackets 68a, 68b and 68c. Each bracket arm,
e.g., bracket arms 56 or 58, comprises first and second extensions,
e.g., first and second extensions 98 and 100, respectively,
arranged substantially perpendicular to each other. The first
extension is arranged to be secured to a substantially vertical
surface (See FIGS. 25A and 25B) and the second extension is
releasably secured to the plurality of mounting brackets (See FIGS.
20 and 21). It should be appreciated that the second extension
includes openings, e.g., openings 102a, 102b, 104a, 104b and 104c,
which are arranged to secure a mounting bracket as described infra.
It should be appreciated that the foregoing arrangement of adjacent
tracks permits the unrestricted, independent movement of each
drapery along each track, thus each of the plurality of draperies
is separately moveable along each of the plurality of tracks.
[0059] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
connecting means used in a present invention drapery track system,
i.e., connecting means 106. FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of
another embodiment of a connecting means used in a present
invention drapery track system, i.e., connecting means 108. FIG. 24
is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a present invention
drapery track system, i.e., drapery track system 110, showing two
adjacent tracks 112a and 112b joined by connecting means 106 and
108. The following is best understood in view of FIGS. 1-24.
[0060] The present invention is arranged such that adjacent tracks
may be assembled to form a greater length. To do so, tracks 112a
and 112b are joined together via connecting means 106 and 108, as
shown in FIG. 24. Tracks 112a and 112b each comprise features that
permit the securing of connecting means therein, i.e., opening 114
is arranged to receive connecting means 106 therein, while openings
116a and 116b are arranged to receive connecting means 108 therein.
Openings 114, 116a and 116b may be sized so that an interference or
friction fit occurs between the connecting means inserted therein
and the walls of the openings. It should be appreciated that the
shape of the openings and connecting means are not limited to the
embodiments shown in the figures, and that other shapes may also be
used. In such embodiments having joined tracks, the system for
mounting a drapery comprises a plurality of mounting brackets, a
plurality of tracks, connecting means, and a plurality of drapery
securing means. Each track comprises an upper mounting portion and
a lower engagement portion, and each upper mounting portion
complementarily engages one of the plurality of the mounting
brackets. Each drapery securing means comprises an upper engagement
portion and a lower securing portion. The connecting means aligns
adjacent tracks of the plurality of tracks, as shown in FIG. 24.
The plurality of mounting brackets are arranged collinearly to each
other, the plurality of tracks are arranged collinearly to each
other, each upper engagement portion of the drapery securing means
slidably engages the lower engagement portion of one of the
plurality of tracks. Thus, each drapery securing means may pass
from one track to an adjacent track in an unimpeded movement. As in
the embodiments described above, each lower securing portion of the
drapery securing means releasably engages one of the plurality of
draperies. It should be appreciated that shorter track lengths may
also be formed from the present invention drapery track system by
merely cutting the track to the desired length.
[0061] It should be further appreciated that curved portions 118a
and 118b of tracks 66a and 66b may be integrally formed with tracks
66a and 66b, or alternatively, curved portions 118a and 118b may be
independent of tracks 66a and 66b and connected to such tracks as
described above with respect to the use of connecting means 106 and
108. It should be yet further appreciated that the shapes of the
tracks are not limited to the shapes depicted in the figures, that
such shapes may take other forms, e.g., arcuate, and that such
variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed
invention.
[0062] FIG. 25A is an end elevational view of an embodiment of a
present invention drapery track system 200 being installed on a
substantially vertical surface, i.e., wall 202. FIG. 25B is an end
elevational view of the embodiment of the present invention drapery
track system 200 being further installed on wall 202.
[0063] Bracket arm 18 is secured to wall 202 using fastener 212,
e.g., a screw or a screw with an anchor. Subsequently, mounting
bracket 14 is secured to bracket arm 18 by passing extension 34
through aperture 30 in mounting bracket 14, as described above, and
then securing fastener 213 through openings 214 and 216 within
bracket arm 18 and mounting bracket 14, respectively. Fastener 213
may be a screw if opening 214 is a threaded opening, or fastener
213 may alternatively comprise a nut and bolt combination if
opening 214 is not threaded. Upper mounting portion 22 of track 12
is secured to j-shaped portion 38a and then track 12 is rotated as
shown by arrow 218 so that upper mounting portion 22 is secured to
j-shaped portion 38b. If more than one mounting bracket 14 is used,
track 12 may be installed simultaneously or serially to each of the
mounting brackets.
[0064] FIG. 26A is an end elevational view of an embodiment of a
present invention drapery track system 220 being installed on a
substantially horizontal surface, i.e., ceiling 222. FIG. 26B is an
end elevational view of the embodiment of the present invention
drapery track system 220 being further installed on ceiling
222.
[0065] Mounting bracket 14 is secured to ceiling 222 using fastener
224, e.g., a screw or a screw with an anchor. Upper mounting
portion 22 of track 12 is secured to j-shaped portion 38a and then
track 12 is rotated as shown by arcuate arrow 226 so that upper
mounting portion 22 is secured to j-shaped portion 38b. If more
than one mounting bracket 14 is used, track 12 may be installed
simultaneously or serially to each of the mounting brackets.
[0066] It should be appreciated that the present invention drapery
track systems, e.g., systems 200 and 220, may be disassembled in a
similar fashion. The inner frame structure of track 12 may include
thinned portion 228 which permits the flexing of track 12 about
thinned portion 228 along the longitudinal axis of track 12,
thereby releasing upper mounting portion 22 from mounting bracket
14. In other words, pressure may be applied on or near lower
engagement portion 24, i.e., proximate lower engagement portion 24,
which causes upper mounting portion 22 to expand outwardly. The
expansion of upper mounting portion 22 releases track 12 from
mounting bracket 14. Upon removal of the pressure, track 12 returns
to its original shape thereby permitting track 12 to again be
secured to mounting bracket 14.
[0067] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention
are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the
invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill
in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the
spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood
that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present
invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore,
other embodiments of the present invention are possible without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *