Curtain rod assembly and cover

The present invention is a curtain rod assembly for supporting a generally tubular rod cover and a slidable curtain. The assembly includes a generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot therein and a generally tubular pliable cover surrounding substantially the entire length of the tubular member. The assembly also includes a track having a first, generally T-shaped member which may be inserted into the slot to retain a portion of the cover in the slot. The T-shaped member includes a first and second member, the width of the second member being greater than the width of the slot in the tubular member for retaining the cover and track within the slot. The track also includes a second member for receiving and permitting sliding movement of a plurality of retainers for a depending curtain.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The invention relates to a curtain rod assembly and cover and, more 
particularly, to an assembly for supporting a generally tubular rod cover 
and a slidable curtain. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Typical prior art curtain rod assemblies lack aesthetic appeal. While such 
curtain rod assemblies are functionally adequate to permit curtains or 
blinds suspended from the assembly to be adjusted to a variety of 
positions, unsightly metallic or plastic rod or track components often 
detract from the appearance of the assembly. 
The prior art has attempted to solve this problem in a number of ways. For 
example, there is disclosed in the prior art curtain rod assemblies having 
plastic or coated steel fascia for encasing a portion of a track assembly 
and concealing the assembly from view. However, such fascia is often 
unsightly itself, difficult to assemble, and is not readily 
interchangeable to achieve a custom match with a variety of curtains. 
The prior art also discloses a drapery mount for a recreational vehicle 
which includes a fabric cover attached to the front portion of the mount. 
The cover is anchored in a receptor, wrapped around the front of the 
mount, and anchored by an anchoring member under the top of the mount. 
While the cover material may be varied, assembly of such covered mounts is 
often difficult and time consuming. 
There is also disclosed in the prior art a drapery rod assembly having a 
longitudinally split tubular cover covered with a section of decorated 
fabric extending over the outer surface of the split tubular cover. The 
fabric is clamped in position on the cover between flanges of the cover 
and oppositely disposed flanges on the body member of the drapery rod. 
Slots are formed in the body member for suspending drapery hooks or the 
like. 
A window cornice assembly is disclosed in the prior art which includes a 
hollow cylinder of fabric disposed over an arcuate or semi-circular front 
plate. A slidable curtain may be mounted on a third curtain rod means 
mounted separately from the window cornice assembly. 
The prior art also discloses a fabric covered drapery rod having a 
longitudinal slot and grooves formed along the edges of the slot for 
anchoring the fabric using frictional tucking strips. 
The aforementioned prior art curtain rod assemblies are often difficult to 
assemble and do not permit covers to be readily interchanged as desired or 
adjusted after assembly. An economical and functional curtain rod assembly 
which is easily installed, aesthetically appealing and permits the cover 
and curtain to be readily interchanged as well as adjusted after mounting 
is a long-felt but unfulfilled need in the art. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
According to the present invention, the above and other deficiencies of the 
prior art are alleviated or eliminated by a curtain rod assembly for 
supporting a generally tubular rod cover and a slidable depending curtain. 
The assembly comprises a generally tubular member having a longitudinal 
slot and a generally tubular pliable cover surrounding substantially the 
entire length of the tubular member. The assembly also comprises a track 
having a first means for releasably retaining a portion of the cover 
within the slot of the tubular member and a second means for receiving and 
permitting sliding movement of a plurality of retainers for the depending 
curtain. 
In another aspect, the invention is a curtain rod assembly for supporting a 
pliable, generally tubular rod cover and a slidable depending curtain, 
comprising a generally tubular member having an elongated longitudinal 
slot and a track. The track has a first means configured to be inserted 
generally radially through said slot with a portion of said cover and 
retained by the tubular member and for being selectively removed from said 
tubular member by withdrawal radially through said slot so as to 
releasably retain said portion of said cover within said slot. The track 
further has a second means for receiving and permitting sliding movement 
of a plurality of retainers for said depending curtain. 
Another aspect of the present invention is a curtain rod assembly for 
supporting a generally tubular cover and a slidable depending curtain, 
comprising a generally tubular member having a longitudinal slot therein 
defining a opening in the tubular member of a given width. The assembly 
also comprises a track having a first means for retaining a portion of the 
cover within the slot of the tubular member. The first means comprises a 
shaped portion projecting from the track. The shaped portion comprises a 
first member and second member oriented generally laterally to the first 
member. The second member comprises a first arm and a second arm extending 
away in opposing directions from the first member. Each arm has a width in 
a direction laterally away from the first member, a sum of the widths of 
the first arm and the second arm being greater than the width of the slot 
for retaining the second member within the slot. The width of the first 
arm is greater than the width of the second arm. The track also has a 
second means for receiving and permitting sliding movement of a plurality 
of retainers for a depending curtain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience 
only and is not limiting. The words "upwardly", "downwardly", "inwardly", 
"outwardly", "top" and "bottom" designate directions in the drawing to 
which reference is made. The terminology, includes the words above as 
specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
Referring to the drawing, wherein like numerals indicate like elements 
throughout, there is shown in FIG. 1 a preferred embodiment of a curtain 
rod assembly, generally designated 10, for supporting a generally tubular 
rod cover 12 and a slidable depending curtain (not shown). The assembly 10 
may be installed between first and second support structures (neither 
shown), such as walls. The assembly may be mounted between walls, for 
example, by the use of mounting brackets, adhesives, and other mounting 
means well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The assembly may 
be installed in a room of a private dwelling, such as a bathroom or a 
living room or in a commercial place of business, for example. Further 
discussion of the installation of the curtain rod assembly between the 
first and second structures is not necessary to an understanding of the 
present invention and, therefore, further discussion thereof will be 
omitted. 
As best shown in FIG. 1, the curtain rod assembly 12 comprises a generally 
tubular member 14 having a longitudinal slot, indicated generally at 16. 
The tubular member 14 is preferably generally elongated and circular in 
cross section, although one of ordinary skill in the art would understand 
that the tubular member 14 may have a cross-sectional shape of a square, 
rectangle, oval, or any other shape in keeping with the spirit and scope 
of the present invention. 
The generally tubular member 14 is preferably formed from a substantially 
rigid material of sufficient strength to support the cover 12 and 
depending curtain, preferably a metal such as aluminum or a thermoplastic, 
such as polyvinyl chloride, for example, or even wood. The tubular member 
14 may be formed by a variety of methods well known to one of ordinary 
skill in the art, such as extrusion, molding, rolling or drawing, to name 
a few. The method of forming the tubular member 14 depends on, among other 
considerations, the material from which the tubular member is to be 
formed. 
The tubular member 14 includes a longitudinal slot 16, which is elongated 
and preferably extends along the entire length of the tubular member 14. 
One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the slot 16 need 
not be formed along the entire length of the tubular member, but may be 
formed along a single portion or a plurality of portions of the tubular 
member 14, as desired. The slot 16 may be formed during or subsequent to 
formation of the tubular member 14. For example, the slot 16 may be formed 
by cutting a portion of the tubular member 14. 
As best shown in FIG. 1, the slot 16 defines an opening 18 in the tubular 
member 14 having a given width, which extends in a direction between 
longitudinal edges of the tubular member 12 defining slot 16. The width of 
the opening 18 is preferably substantially uniform along the entire length 
of the tubular member 14, although the opening 18 may vary at any point 
along the length of the member 14, as desired. Preferably, the width 
should be sufficient to permit a portion of the cover 12 and track 22 to 
be inserted into the member 14 through the slot 16. 
The curtain rod assembly 10 also comprises a generally tubular, preferably 
pliable cover 12 surrounding substantially the entire length of the 
tubular member 14. Preferably, the cover 12 is generally circular in cross 
section, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that 
the cover 12 may have any desired cross-sectional shape of sufficient 
circumference to surround the circumference of the tubular member 14. 
The cover 12 is formed from a pliable material, such as plastic sheet of 
film, or a fabric, woven or unwoven, with or preferably without 
lamination(s) or coating(s). The cover 12 may be formed by a variety of 
methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the 
cover 12 is formed from the same material as the depending curtain. 
It is preferred that the cover 12 be at least as long as the tubular 
member. It is further preferred that cover 12 has a plurality of gathers 
24 formed to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the cover 12. The gathers 
24 may be formed in a cover 12 having a length greater than the length of 
the tubular member 14, preferably about two-and-one-half to three times 
the length of the tubular member 14, for example. One of ordinary skill in 
the art would understand that the size and number of gathers 24 depends 
upon such factors as the length and thickness of the cover 12 and the 
nature of the material from which the cover 12 is formed. For example, a 
stiffer fabric would tend to form more sharply peaked gathers 24 than a 
more pliable fabric. One of the advantages of the present invention is 
that the gathers can be adjusted after the rod assembly and cover have 
been installed. 
As best shown in FIG. 1, the assembly 10 also comprises a track 22, which 
may be formed from an appropriate material such as aluminum or other metal 
or plastic or even wood. The material from which the track 22 is formed 
should possess sufficient strength and rigidity to support the weight of a 
depending curtain and be retained in slot 16. The track 22 may be formed 
from the same material as that of the tubular member 14, although one of 
ordinary skill in the art would understand that the track 22 may also be 
formed of a more pliable material than that of the tubular member 14 to 
facilitate assembly. The track 22 may be formed by any conventional 
processing method appropriate to the material selected and desired 
structure of the track 22, such as extrusion, drawing, etc. Preferably, 
both the tubular member 14 and track 22 are extruded or drawn. This 
provides cross-sectional profiles to those elements, which are seen in 
FIGS. 2A-2C and which are unchanging along the lengths of those elements 
14, 22. 
The track 22 has a first means, indicated generally at 28, which is 
configured for being inserted generally radially through slot 16 with a 
portion 26 of cover 12 and selectively removed radially through said slot 
16 to releasably retain the portion 26 of the cover 12 within the slot 16 
of the tubular member 14 as is best shown in FIG. 2C. The first means 
preferably at least generally comprises a necked portion, indicated 
generally at 30, extending through slot 16 and a transversely larger head 
portion, indicated generally at 32, which is supported by the necked 
portion 30 within the tubular member 12 across the slot 16. More 
preferably, the first means comprises a generally T-shaped portion also 
indicated at 28 projecting from the track 22. The portion 28 of the track 
22 may be formed integrally with the remainder of the track 22 or it may 
be formed separately and attached to the track 22 by conventional mounting 
means, such as fasteners or adhesive. Preferably, the portion 28 of the 
track 22 is formed integrally with the remainder of the track. 
The T-shaped portion 28 preferably includes a first planar member 
projecting outwardly from the track 22, which is also indicated at 30 and 
which constitutes the necked portion and part of the head portion, and a 
second planar member oriented generally laterally with respect to the 
first member 30. The second member is also indicated at 32 and constitutes 
the remainder of the head portion. 
The term "width" as used herein will refer to the major cross-sectional 
dimension of a longitudinal member or element. The remaining 
cross-sectional dimension will be referred to as the "thickness". The 
width of the first member 30 is measured in a direction radial to tubular 
member 14 and slot 16 and is generally greater than the thickness of the 
wall of the generally tubular member 14 proximate the slot 16. The 
thickness of the first member 30 is less than the width 20 of the opening 
18 of the slot 16. 
The width of the second member 32 is measured perpendicularly to first 
member 30 and is also preferably greater than the width of the slot 16 for 
retaining the second member 32 within the slot 16. The second member 32 
preferably further comprises a first arm 36 and a second arm 38, extending 
away from opposing sides of the first member 30. Each arm 36, 38 has a 
width in a direction extending away from first member 30. The width of the 
first arm 36 is preferably greater than the width of the second arm 38. 
The width of the first arm 36 and the thickness of the first member 30 are 
collectively greater than the width of the slot 16 while the width of the 
second arm 38 and thickness of first member 30 are collectively less than 
the width of slot 16 so that member 22 can be inserted and removed and the 
first arm 36 retained in the slot 16 when the assembly 10 is oriented with 
the first arm 36 extending upwardly, as shown in FIG. 2C while first 
member 30 rests on the lower edge of slot 16. 
As best shown in FIG. 2C, the track 22 also includes a second means for 
receiving and permitting sliding movement of a plurality of retainers or 
hooks 40 for a depending curtain. The second means preferably comprises a 
generally C-shaped portion 42 of the track 22, the lower half of which 
defines a slot or groove 43 receiving and permitting sliding movement of a 
plurality of retainers 40. The C-shaped portion 42 of the track 22 is 
generally positioned opposite the T-shaped portion 28 of the track 22. 
The C-shaped portion 42 of the track 22 is preferably formed integrally 
with the T-shaped portion 28, although one of ordinary skill in the art 
would understand that the C-shaped portion 42 may be formed separately 
from the remainder of the track 22 and attached thereto by conventional 
fastening means or adhesive, for example. 
The C-shaped portion 42 has an opening 44, indicated in FIG. 2A, for 
receiving retaining and permitting sliding movement of a plurality of 
hooks 40. The hooks 40 support at least one depending curtain (not shown). 
One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that a plurality of 
curtains, such as a shower curtain and shower curtain liner, may 
simultaneously depend from the hooks 40. Preferably, the hooks 40 have a 
T-shaped portion 46 sized to be accommodated within the C-shaped portion 
42 of the track 22. Preferably, hook portions 46 and C-shaped track 
portion 42 are sized so that the track guides the hooks linearly along 
track 22 without twisting or overlap of the hook portions 46 which might 
trap or damage the hook(s) or disrupt the smooth sliding motion of the 
hooks. The hooks 40 also preferably include a J-shaped portion 48 for 
receiving the curtain. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand 
that the shape of the portion 48 may vary as desired. For example, the 
portion 48 may be button-shaped. 
The method for assembling the curtain rod assembly 10 in accordance with 
the present invention will now be discussed generally. 
Prior to mounting the assembly 10 on the wall of a room, essentially the 
entire length of the tubular member 14 is inserted into the pliable cover 
12. Preferably, gathers 24 are formed in the pliable cover 12 by 
compacting longitudinal sections of the cover 12. Once the cover 12 has 
been arranged as desired to cover the tubular member 14, the excess 
portion 26 of the cover 12 can be inserted through slot 16. For example, 
portion 26 can be pushed through slot 16 with a yardstick or similar thin, 
rigid, flat object. This facilitates insertion of track 22. 
Track 22 is then positioned within the slot 16. As best shown in FIGS. 
2A-C, the track 22 may be positioned within the slot 16 by pressing the 
first arm 36 of the track 22 against the portion 26 of the cover 12 to 
insert the first arm 36 and portion 26 radially into and through the 
opening 18 of the slot 16 (see FIG. 2A). The track 22 is then moved 
upwardly, as shown in FIG. 2B, and the second arm 38 is inserted radially 
into the slot 16, together with the remainder of portion 26 of the cover 
12. The track 22 is moved in a downward direction such that first member 
30 rests on a lower edge of slot 16 with the distal ends of arms 36 and 38 
nesting against the inner circumferential surface of tubular member 14 
adjoining slot 16, above and below slot 16. The portion 26 of the cover 12 
is securely retained within the slot 16, pinched between tubular member 14 
and portions of the T-shaped first means portion 28. The second member 32 
of the T-shaped portion 28 of the track 22, having a width greater than 
the width of the slot 16, retains the gathered cover 12 in position and 
prevents the track 22 from slipping from the slot 16. Also, the cover 12 
and its gathers may be adjusted on the tubular member with the track 22 in 
place, since the retaining force is only the weight of the track and the 
dependent curtain, if in place. 
The T-shaped portion 28 of the track 22 may be removed from the slot 16 by 
reversing the steps set forth above. More particularly, the T-shaped 
portion 28 may be moved upwardly to permit the second arm 38 to be removed 
radially outwardly through the opening 18 from the slot 16. When the 
second arm 38 has been removed from the slot 16, the first arm 36 may be 
moved generally downwardly and radially outwardly to remove the track 22 
from the slot through the slot and release the cover 12. The cover 12 may 
be removed and laundered or a different cover 12 may be substituted, for 
example. Also, the cover 12 may be more readily adjusted with the track 16 
in place by raising the track 16 slightly to move first member 30 and 
either or both arms 36, 38 out of contact with tubular member 14 and 
freeing some or all of cover portion 26 for the adjustment. 
While a preferred embodiment has been disclosed, those of ordinary skill 
will appreciate that other embodiments, instrumentalities and arrangements 
might be employed. 
One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the first means need 
not be formed as the preferred, T-shaped portion 28, but may be formed in 
any size or shape sufficient to be releasably accommodated within the 
opening 18 of the slot 16 and to retain a portion 26 of the cover 12 
therein. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the first means of 
track 16 may be of a rigid material having any shape that includes a 
necked portion passing through slot 16 and an expanded portion with a 
width transverse to the necked portion greater than the width of slot 16, 
but overall size smaller than interior of tubular member 14, as the track 
may also be installed in the tubular member in other ways to be described. 
For example, the first means may comprise a second member or head portion 
of elliptical or ovoid or other curved shape or of a triangular or other 
angled shape. The first portion may even be a resiliently deformable 
member of almost any shape, as long as such member will expand to a 
dimension greater than the width of slot 16 while necking down to a 
thickness less than or equal to the width of slot 16 where the first means 
portion of track extends through slot 16. Such portion must also be 
removable from the slot 16 without damage to any of the components, 
preferably by being removed generally radially through slot 16. 
One skilled in the art would also understand that the second means need not 
be formed as a C-shaped portion 42, but may be formed in a variety of 
ways. For example, an elongated groove or slot, which might resemble the 
lower half of the C-shaped portion, might be provided on the top side of 
track 22, extending substantially the entire length of the track 22, to 
accommodate a plurality of S-shaped hooks (not shown). The top of each 
S-shaped hook may be inserted into the elongated slot to permit sliding 
movement of the hooks and the curtain may depend from the bottom of each 
hook. Alternatively, while the provision of sliding capability is 
preferred, a second means can be provided which does not permit sliding 
movement of the hooks 40 and curtain, but rather retains the hooks 40 and 
curtain in a stationary position. 
Alternatively, the assembly 10 may be assembled by inserting the T-shaped 
portion 28 or other first portion at one end of the track 22 into a 
tubular end of the portion 26 of cover 12, which has been previously 
passed through slot 16, and then passing the track 22 longitudinally along 
the slot 16 to a desired longitudinal position. A track member inserted in 
this manner can have a first means of almost any shape as long as it 
includes a necked portion which has a thickness less than the width of 
slot 16 and a head portion which is supported by the necked portion and 
which has a width transverse to the necked portion greater than the width 
of the slot but still sufficiently small to fit within the interior of the 
tubular member. The assembly 10 may then be hung in any conventional 
manner. For example, an expanding screw mechanism, indicated in phantom at 
100 in FIG. 2A, may be provided having an outer stationary female member 
configured to be received and non-rotatably held within tubular member 12 
by various projections formed on the inner surface of the tubular member. 
FIG. 3 depicts the cross-sectional profile of a second tubular member 114 
having a longitudinally extending slot 116, which can be substituted for 
tubular member 14 in assembly 10. Preferably member 114 is extruded or 
drawn and its cross-sectional profile is unchanging along its length. The 
female portion of an expanding screw mechanism or stop, which might be 
received in an open tubular end of member 114, is indicated in phantom at 
110, non-rotatably held between two diametrically opposed, open slots 
115a, 115b formed inside member 114. 
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that still other changes 
could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from 
the broad inventive concept. It is understood, therefore, that this 
invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but is 
intended to cover modifications which are within the spirit and scope of 
the invention as defined by the appended claims.