Abstract:
A bracket for supporting window dressings including curtain rods, blinds, and other draperies for use with an opening such as a window. The bracket may be mounted on the corner of a window frame or on a wall near a window or other opening. The bracket includes a support plate, a window dressing coupling clip for connecting the various rods or other elements for supporting window dressings to the bracket, and mounting braces located on the support plate for receiving and securing the coupling clips to the plate. The bracket prevents marring of the window molding or adjacent wall surface in part because the coupling apparatus or elements are interchangeable for supporting a variety of different window dressings, and may have more than one mounting brace, allowing for easy incorporation of a variety of combinations of different window dressings. The bracket may have support flanges with anchoring prongs to assist the user in mounting the bracket. The bracket support plate also has apertures for mounting screws, as well as a slotted aperture for adjusting the positioning of a screw over a particular area.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to brackets used to support various window dressings such as curtains, window shades, and other draperies.  
           [0003]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0004]    Numerous brackets for supporting various window dressings such as curtains, window shades, and other draperies have been devised. Some of most significant advances in the art have centered around the development of brackets allowing curtain rods to be secured to window frames without damaging the outer facing of their moldings or the adjacent wall surface. However, none of these inventions discloses a permanent bracket which provides complete and easy interchangeability of individual coupling elements or clips for supporting a multiplicity of window dressings including blinds, draperies, or screens on the corners of window frames.  
           [0005]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,090,588, issued to Monette, discloses a curtain rod bracket for use in the placement of curtain rods adjacent a window, comprising a generally flat side flange, a generally flat anchoring flange adapted to be disposed intermediate the wall and casing, and a curtain rod coupling element. However, this invention is designed to be disposed intermediate the wall and casing, supports at most only one pair of curtain rods, and may provide a structural arrangement which makes it difficult to change the curtain rods.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. Re. 31,141, issued to Bartels, discloses a flanged bracket having a planar mounting surface for positioning and fastening to the corner of window trim or window openings by abutting the lateral flange with the trim or the interior corner of the window opening. A variety of different window covering mounting brackets can then be secured to the planar mounting surface of the corner bracket in preformed holes or slots on the planar surface. However, this invention is not provided with supporting flanges to assist the user in positioning it for use.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,842,786, issued to Kirsch, discusses a wall bracket comprising a wall plate adapted to be permanently mounted on a wall. The plate has a vertical flange having a notch on its rear edge and a pin spanning the notch, providing means for detachably mounting brackets on walls. This patent also does not provide auxiliary supporting flanges. U.S. Pat. No. 1,713,532, issued to Henry, discloses a curtain rod bracket, comprising an upright attaching plate having a longitudinally disposed substantially rectangular supporting plate affixed thereto and projecting at right angles to the attaching plate. The supporting plate is further provided with a central longitudinally disposed slot extending from the outer edge of the supporting plate as well as transverse and longitudinal portions for supporting a curtain rod.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,810,676, issued to Parkes, shows a window shade bracket adapted to be secured to a window stop and an laterally extending web portion terminating in a portion adapted to overlie the path of the window shaft and having a bearing hole to receive the gudgeon of a shade roller. And U.S. Pat. No. 2,602,936, issued to Erickson et al., shows a bathtub supporting bracket.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,633,322, issued to Barr, discloses a combined shade roller and board support bracket comprising a sheet metal portion shaped to abut against the inside-surface of a window frame, a cup-shaped projection formed with a recess for receiving a shade roller, a plurality of tabs struck out of the metal portion, an opposite edge portion inclined at an angle to the plane of the body and shaped to abut against an outside surface of the window frame for mounting the bracket, and connection means between the body and the opposite edge portion. And U.S. Pat. No. 3,907,240, issued to Belli, discloses a two piece window bracket system, having additional pieces for use with double windows. This invention is intended for placement within the left and right upper corners of a window jamb in order to serve as a universal window accessory support system and is adapted for detachable securement to the stops of a window jamb.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,963, issued to Solo, shows a curtain rod holder configured to engage and support a curtain rod, comprising a relatively flat support member having hooks extending from one side. U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,296, issued to Morehouse, shows a curtain rod hanger having attachment means and associated rod-supporting means. A curtain rod is positioned on the rod-supporting means by the hanger. The attachment means has an elongate portion adapted to be snugly received endwise and thereby secured between the opposing surfaces of the wall and the edge piece of the frame associated with the wall. The rod-supporting means includes a projecting portion attached to the elongate portion so as to project from one side so that when the elongate portion is securely positioned between the opposing surfaces of the wall and frame edge piece the projecting portion may support a curtain rod. And U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,094, issued to Ford, discusses a bracket for curtain rods, including a base bracket able to hold multiple brackets for curtain rods, requiring two screws on each side to mount it to a wall or a solid support.  
           [0011]    The base bracket does not need to be held in place while affixing the screws to the wall. The screws are mounted to the wall before the bracket is affixed to the wall, and then tightened after the bracket is hung on the screws. The preferred base bracket includes a longitudinal clamping groove which extends vertically when the base bracket is mounted on the wall, and in which curtain rod mounting brackets can be adjustably clamped. The groove additionally accommodates a plurality of tongues which extends from the curtain rod brackets, including clamping means which can lock to the tongues to hold the curtain rod bracket in place.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,626, issued to Johnson, discloses a curtain rod and end bracket assembly in which the rod sections have a front wall and upper and lower U-shaped flanges extending lengthwise along the rear side of the front wall. Rod end brackets are provided for supporting the ends of a rod section, and the rod end brackets are adjustable to vary the angle of projection of the rod end brackets relative to the surface on which the bracket is mounted, and also to adjust the angle at which the rod extends relative to the end bracket. A curtain rod connector is formed with end panels adapted for insertion into endwise adjacent rod sections and resilient tabs at one edge of the end panels for engagement with a flange on the curtain rod to hold the curtain rod and connector in assembled relation.  
           [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,143, issued to Garza et al. discloses a bracket for supporting a curtain rod for use with an opening such as a window. The bracket is designed to be mounted on the inside surface of a window frame to prevent marring the window molding or adjacent wall surface facing the interior of the room. The bracket is characterized by a main portion, a first extension, and a retaining member. The main portion includes a hole for receipt of a wood screw or nail. The first extension projects from the main portion. The retaining member is displaced from the first end to provide a surface for supporting the curtain rod such that the bracket is capable of supporting the rod in proximity to the window when the main portion is secured to the inside surface of the window frame. U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,878, issued to Guettler, shows a snap-in, snap-out curtain-supporting unit for windows. And U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,104, issued to Riley et al., discloses a conversion system for transverse curtain rods.  
           [0014]    None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0015]    A window bracket for supporting curtain rods, window shades, draperies, and other window dressing accoutrements is provided. The window bracket comprises an upright bracket plate having apertures disposed thereon for receiving screws for fastening the bracket to a mounting surface. The fastening apertures also include a slotted aperture, the dimensions of which allow for a linear range of sites for positioning its respective screw. The bracket plate may also have anchoring flanges to assist its positioning by the user. The anchoring flanges extend from the edges of the support plate, each flange providing an anchoring prong adapted to be driven into a mounting surface and to provide additional stability. Each of the window dressing brackets further includes at least one or more mounting braces for supporting a multiplicity of interchangeable coupling clips for connecting a variety of different types of curtain rods, blinds, and other draperies to the bracket plate.  
           [0016]    Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a multi-purpose window bracket which may be easily and manually attached to a window by an unskilled person to provide a semi-permanent fixture, thereby preventing marring of the window frame.  
           [0017]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a universal window accessory bracket capable of simultaneously supporting a variety of different window dressings.  
           [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a curtain rod holder which requires substantially less time for mounting on a wall than do conventional wall brackets.  
           [0019]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a bracket which permits complete and easy interchangeability of individual coupling clips for supporting a multiplicity of window dressings including blinds, draperies, or screens on the corners of window frames.  
           [0020]    It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification land drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a permanent window bracket, according to the invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a permanent window bracket, according to the invention, illustrating insertion of the coupling clip and the screws.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3 is an angular view of an alternative embodiment of the permanent window bracket, according to the invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 is an angular view of an alternative embodiment of the permanent window bracket, according to the invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 is an angular view of an alternative embodiment of the permanent window bracket, according to the invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 a  is an angular view of the permanent window bracket according to the invention, illustrating a heavy duty embodiment of the coupling clip.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 6 b  is an angular view of the permanent window bracket according to the invention, illustrating a heavy duty embodiment of the coupling clip.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 7 a  is a side view of the coupling clip, according to the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 7 b  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 7 c  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7 d  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 7 e  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 7 f  is a angular view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 7 g  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 7 h  is an angular view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 7 i  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the coupling clip, according to the invention. Similar reference characters denote corresponding features Inconsistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0037]    The present invention provides a support assembly for curtain rods for use with openings such as windows and doors. The preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The invention is generally referenced by numeral  10 .  
         [0038]    Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, in FIG. 1 an environmental perspective view of a pair of curtain rod brackets  10  is shown, the brackets  10  being mirror images of each other and located on the opposite upper corners C of a typical window frame. The environment includes a wall W and a window associated with the wall W. The window includes a glass portion, as well as a frame positioned about the glass portion. A curtain rod R is associated with the frame of the window and spans its width. Draperies D are attached to the curtain rod R, and the curtain rod brackets  10  are utilized to support the curtain rod R across the window. It will be understood that the principles of this invention can be applied to frames of other wall-associated structures such as door frames. Throughout the detailed description, as the preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention are presented, it is also understood that this specification embraces mirror image forms of the embodiments since window dressings must generally be supported by pairs of brackets, one on each end.  
         [0039]    With reference still to FIG. 1, the window frame includes four edge-pieces E, G, H, and F joined together in a rectangular configuration. Each of the edge-pieces E, G, H, and F being fixed to the wall by suitable means. Although the brackets  10  are preferably designed to be used on the front surfaces of the upper corners C of window and door frames, in alternative embodiments, such as in mobile homes or trailers which may not have door or window frames, the invention may be incorporated into a wall in such a manner that only that portion of the bracket  10  necessary to support a particular window dressing extends out from the surface of the wall W. In additional embodiments of the invention, the brackets  10  may be manufactured without the support flanges  16  and  18 .  
         [0040]    Now referring to FIG. 2, it can be more clearly seen that the curtain rod bracket  10  comprises a bracket plate  12  having mounting braces, generally referred to by numeral  13 , located thereon, a coupling clip  14  which may be fitted through the mounting braces  13 , and a pair of side flanges, also generally referred to by numerals  16  and  18 . The bracket plate  12  is substantially planar and adapted to engage one surface of a frame corner C and secured thereto by screws S which extend through apertures  20 ,  26 , and  28 , provided on the bracket plate  12 . In alternative embodiments, other suitable fastening means such as commonly used in the art may be employed. Also provided on the bracket plate  12  are a heavy duty  11  aperture, generally referenced as  22 , for providing additional support to the plate, and a slotted aperture, generally referenced as  24 . The apertures in FIGS.  1 - 6   b  may be created by stamping the metal or may be molded into the bracket plate  12  during the manufacturing process or by any other suitable means.  
         [0041]    And so the upper edge  30  and side edge  32  of the bracket  12 , which are respectively associated with the top and side edges of the window or door frame when the bracket is appropriately positioned, each define an identically-shaped flange,  16  and  18 , respectively. Both flanges,  16  and  18 , are generally normal to the plane of the bracket plate  12 . The bracket plate  12  may be sized and shaped to fit neatly over the corners of window frames of various dimensions and sizes, as shown in FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b . The shape of the bracket plate  12  is also generally rectangular or square; however, in alternative embodiments various other decorative shapes or motifs may be used such as a leaf, clam, sea shell, or a starfish. Additionally, both the coupling clip  14  and the bracket plate  12  may be made of any color and made of any suitably strong material, including brass, plastic, or, preferably, metal.  
         [0042]    The side flanges  16  and  18  each define anchoring prongs, represented generally by the reference numeral  34 , and may be formed by first making a substantially U-shaped cut in the central portion of the flanges  16  and  18 , and, secondly, by bending the free end of the resulting element downwardly along the line substantially at its midsection and parallel to the line defined by the points in between the furthest extent of the cut. The prong  34  may be moved to the position shown in FIGS.  2 - 5  by bending it upwardly along the line formed by the intersection of the prong  34  with the flange, placing the prong  34  in it&#39;s operative position and ready for use. The end of the prong  34  may be further shaped to form a sharp tip to aid in its insertion into the edge-pieces G and H, and may also be formed, in an alternative embodiment, by making a V-shaped cut. In alternative embodiments, the anchoring prongs  34  may be formed by any suitable method including being integrally formed as part of the manufacturing process or stamped into the flanges  16  and  18 . In additional embodiments of the invention, the brackets  10  may be manufactured without the support flanges  16  and  18 .  
         [0043]    Referring to FIGS. 1, 6 a , and  6   b , it should be obvious that the wall bracket  10  is easily placed in its operative position merely by abutting the anchoring flanges,  16  and  18 , against the top and side surfaces of a window frame and thereafter applying force by any suitable means, such as with a hammer (not shown) so as to drive the anchoring prongs  34  into the appropriate top and side surfaces of the edge-pieces G and H. The bracket  10 , by virtue of its described structure, enables quick and easy installation of curtain rods R or any other window dressings commonly known in the art.  
         [0044]    The anchoring prongs  34  are generally of the same thickness as the support flanges,  16  and  18 , from which they are formed and are adapted to be driven into the surfaces of the frame substantially intermediate the front and back faces of the edge-pieces G and H as shown in FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the support flanges,  16  and  18 , with their respective prongs (shown in their inserted position in FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b ) are used to help position the bracket relative to the corner C of the frame to allow the user to drill holes into the frame for insertion of screws S or other fastening means. The support flanges  16  and  18  also provide additional strength and support to the bracket  10 .  
         [0045]    As shown in FIGS.  2 - 6   b , each corner of the bracket has an aperture. An additional aperture is also located between the top corner apertures and is used for heavy duty embodiments as clearly illustrated in FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b , wherein connecting portions,  36  and  38 , respectively, can be seen uniting the coupling clips to form heavy duty coupling clips  40  and  42 , respectively. The heavy duty coupling clips,  40  and  42 , are both shown with screws securely inserted through their heavy duty connecting portions,  36 , and  38 , respectively, and in their heavy duty apertures. In FIG. 6 b  a heavy duty embodiment  42  is shown which extends to abut the edges of the frame corner C, along with the corresponding lateral-most flange portion  44 , in order to permit the lateral extent of the wall brackets  10  to provide complete coverage of the window.  
         [0046]    As shown in FIG. 2, the location of the heavy duty aperture  22  is preferably located substantially along the vertical line between the two pairs of mounting braces  13  and the two top corner apertures  20  and  24 . However, as shown in FIG. 3. a heavy duty aperture  22  may also be located on the vertical line defined by the longitudinal mid-section of a pair of mounting braces  13 . In additional alternative embodiments the heavy duty aperture may be located at any suitable site on the wall bracket.  
         [0047]    Referring now to FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b , it can be seen that the slotted apertures  24  overlie and are normal to the plane defined by the junction of the edge-pieces G and H of the window frame; the purpose of the slotted aperture  24  is to give the user of the bracket  10  sufficient leeway to adjust placement of the screw S and to drill the hole for the screw in a position where it will not coincide with the joint formed by the two edge-pieces G and H of the window frame; the slotted aperture  24  is an important feature which also allows the user to avoid positioning the screw holes in portions of the frame which may coincide with nails or problem areas in the frame such as knots or where the frame may be rotted. In alternative embodiments of the invention any of the other apertures may also be slotted. Also, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the heavy duty aperture may be absent.  
         [0048]    In accordance with the present invention and with reference again to FIG. 2, the bracket plate  12  is generally upright, having front  33  and back surfaces (not shown). A plurality of mounting braces  13  are located on the front surface  33  of the bracket plate  12 . The curtain rod bracket  10  includes a coupling clips  14  for attaching a curtain rod R to the bracket  10 . The coupling clip is shaped so as to be insertable between the front surface  33  of the bracket plate  12  and the back surface (not shown) of the mounting braces  13  extending from the front surface  33  of the bracket plate  12  thereof. The coupling clip  14  has a leg element  50  for fitting through the mounting braces  13 . However, in alternative embodiments, the coupling clip  14  may be slightly bowed to insure a proper fit through the mounting braces  13 . Alternative embodiments of the coupling clip  14  may have more than one leg element as described in this specification.  
         [0049]    The preferred embodiment of the coupling clip  14  is shown in FIGS.  1 - 2  and  7   a . Alternative embodiments of the coupling clip are shown in FIGS. 7 b  to  7   i ; however, referring again to FIG. 2, this specification embraces any dimensional configuration for the coupling clip flange  52  which is commonly known in the art and which serves as a connection means for connecting the curtain rod bracket  10  of the present invention with curtain rods, window shades, and other drapery supporting elements now conventionally used.  
         [0050]    And so in FIGS. 2 and 7 a , it can be seen that each coupling clip  14  comprises at least one generally flat leg element  50  as well as a flange supporting portion  54 , and a coupling clip flange  52 . The coupling clip flange  52  is a generally flat vertically disposed side flange which is configured to support rods or other apparatus for supporting drapery, curtains, or other hangings. The coupling clip flange  52  is so formed at its front edge to define a coupling clip flange end portion, represented by the reference numeral  56 . In the preferred embodiment, the coupling clip flange end portion  56  comprises upper and lower hook portions  58  and  60 , respectively, and upper and lower abutment edges,  62  and  64 , respectively. The upper and lower abutment edges,  62  and  64 , are adapted to fit into and against the open end of the curtain rod R, as shown in FIG. 1, so as to hold the same in place. The hook portions,  58  and  60 , are engageable in the openings defined in the upper and lower portions of the curtain rod R.  
         [0051]    The coupling clip  14 , along with the bracket plate  12 , is made of any suitably strong material including metal or plastic. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting braces  13  each comprise three integrally formed sides to form a substantially arch-shaped structure for holding a coupling clip leg element  50  against the front surface of the bracket plate, each side of a mounting brace  13  being generally rectangular and planar, with the central portion being substantially longer than the lateral side in order to be suitably dimensioned to fit a coupling clip  14 .  
         [0052]    The mounting braces  13  are arranged in pairs, vertically disposed and parallel to each other, and are configured to snugly receive and hold a leg element  50  of the coupling clip  14  securely therein. Each leg element  50  also has a raised ridge portion  66  formed thereon to prevent slippage of the leg element  50  after insertion through the mounting braces  13 . The raised ridge portion  66  preferably extends across the front face of the coupling clip leg element  50 .  
         [0053]    It is to be understood that this specification embraces any combination of the coupling clips described herein in usage with the various embodiments of the bracket plate also described herein, which may be suitable for use, and which may be permitted by the structural limitations of the number of clips that may be supported by any particular bracket plate. Alternative embodiments of the preferred embodiment of the bracket plate  12  shown in FIGS.  1 - 2  and  6   a - 6   b  are depicted in FIGS.  3 - 5 .  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 7 b  shows a coupling clip  114  in which the coupling clip end portion  156  of the flange  152  is identical to the coupling clip  14  of the preferred embodiment in FIG. 7 a , but the flange body portion  100  is elongated compared to the flange body portion  99  of the preferred embodiment to provide space for multiple window dressings. Also illustrated are a generally flat leg element  150  as well as a flange supporting portion  154 . The coupling clip flange  152  is a generally flat vertically disposed side flange which is configured to support rods or other apparatus for supporting drapery, curtains, or other hangings. The coupling clip flange end portion  156  also comprises upper and lower hook portions  158  and  160 , respectively, and upper and lower abutment edges,  162  and  164 , respectively. Coupling clip leg element  150  and raised ridge portion  166  are also identical to the leg element  50  and ridge portion  66  of clip  14 .  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 7 c  shows a coupling clip  214  having a substantially U-shaped notch  222  incorporated in the flange body portion  200  of its flange  252  for supporting a bar or rod for various window dressings. The flange portion  200  is also generally elongated compared to the flange body portion  99  of the preferred embodiment, allowing for more space medially for supporting additional window dressings. The coupling clip flange  322  is generally flat and vertically disposed to its flange supporting portion  254 . Coupling clip leg element  250  and raised ridge portion  266  are also identical to the leg element  50  and ridge portion  66  of clip  14 .  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 7 d  shows a clip  314  for a roll up blind, having a flange body portion  300 . The coupling clip flange  322  is generally flat and vertically disposed to its flange supporting portion  354 . Coupling clip leg element  350  and raised ridge portion  366  are also identical to the leg element  50  and ridge portion  66  of clip  14 . Circular element  377  having aperture  372  is for insertably receiving a support element for a standard roll up blind as commonly known in the art.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 7 e  also shows a clip  414  for a roll up blind, having a flange body portion  400 . The coupling clip flange  422  is generally flat and vertically disposed to its flange supporting portion  454 . Coupling clip leg element  450  and raised ridge portion  466  are also identical to the leg element  50  and ridge portion  66  of clip  14 . U-element  477  having central notch  472  are for insertably receiving a support element for a standard roll up blind as commonly known in the art.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 7 f  shows a clip  514  for a roll up blind, having a flange body portion  500 . The coupling clip flange  522  is generally flat and vertically disposed to its flange supporting portion  554 . The coupling clip flange  552  has apertures  555  and a raised U-shaped element  577  incorporated on its body portion  500  for receiving a support element for a standard roll up blind as commonly known in the art. Coupling clip leg element  550  and raised ridge portion  566  are also identical to the leg element  50  and ridge portion  66  of clip  14 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 7 g  shows a front view of a double clip  614  for heavy duty use, having clip flange  616 , identical to clip flange  52  of clip  14 , and clip flange  618 , identical to clip flange  152  of clip  114 , demonstrating a heavy duty alternative embodiment coupling clip such as might be used for supporting two curtain rods for a window dressing having two types of curtains. This example indicates the enormous variety of heavy duty coupling clips than can incorporate numerous different kinds of clip flange combinations such as mini-blind flanges with curtain flanges or any-other suitable multiple flange combinations. The coupling clip flanges  616  and  618  are both generally flat and vertically disposed to their flange supporting portion  654 . Heavy duty aperture  666  is also seen. Coupling clip leg elements  650  and raised ridge portions  658  are also identical to the leg element  50  and ridge portion  66  of clip  14 . Other embodiments of heavy duty clips are shown in FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b ; heavy duty clips may be formed by any suitable combination of coupling clips by connecting them by a connecting portion  36  and  38  such as shown in FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b , respectively.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 7 h  shows an angular view of an embodiment of the clip for supporting mini-blinds. The coupling clip  714  has a flange body portion  700 . The coupling clip flange  722  is generally flat and vertically disposed to its flange supporting portion  754 . The coupling clip flange  722  has a raised square-shaped element  777  incorporated on its body portion  700  for receiving a support element for a standard mini-blind as commonly known in the art. Coupling clip leg element  750  and raised ridge portion  766  are also identical to the leg element  50  and ridge portion  66  of clip  14 .  
         [0061]    And FIG. 7 i  shows a side view of a coupling clip  814  which may be used in heavy duty applications and when it is necessary to have sufficient space for more than one window dressing. A coupling clip  814  is illustrated in which the coupling clip end portion  856  of the flange  852  is identical to the coupling clip  14  of the preferred embodiment in FIG. 7 a , but the flange body portion  100  is elongated compared to the flange body portion  99  of the preferred embodiment, as well as the flange portion  100  of the alternative embodiment  114  shown in FIG. 7 b , to provide ample space for multiple window dressings. Also illustrated are a generally flat leg element  850  and a flange supporting portion  854 . Coupling clip leg element  850  and raised ridge portion  866  are also identical to the leg element  50  and ridge portion  66  of clip  14 .  
         [0062]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.