A finial comprises a body having a first end and a second end. A collar is attached to the first end using a first releasable connector. A crown is attached to the second end using a second releasable connector where the second releasable connector is independent from the first releasable connector. The body, crown and collar define an interior space where the interior space is open and unobstructed between the crown and the collar.

BACKGROUND

A window covering such as a curtain, drapery, shade or similar covering may be supported by a curtain rod. The window covering may be suspended directly from the rod or it may be suspended from intervening elements such as rings, hooks or the like. Further, the curtain rod may include mechanisms for opening and closing the window covering. Decorative finials may be provided on the ends of the rod to provide ornamentation. Existing finials having a center support rod or bolt that passes through the middle of the framework to secure the finial components together have been found to detract from the decorative style and aesthetics of open framework type finials. While welded solutions exist, welding of a decorative component such as a finial also has a negative impact on the aesthetics of the finial and the perception of overall quality. Welding also adds substantial manufacturing complexity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A finial comprises a body having a first end and a second end. A collar is attached to the first end using a first releasable connector. A crown is attached to the second end using a second releasable connector where the second releasable connector is independent from the first releasable connector. The body, crown and collar define an interior space where the interior space is open and unobstructed between the crown and the collar.

The collar may comprise an inner end that engages the body and an outer end that is adapted to be engaged by a rod. The inner end may define a seat for receiving the body. The collar may comprise an outer section that is secured to an inner section where the inner section is adapted to be engaged by a rod. The body may comprise a see through structure. The see through structure may comprise an open framework. The open frame work may comprise a plurality of solid structural members and a plurality of voids between the plurality of structural members. The see through structure may comprise at least one of a transparent and a translucent material. The body may comprise a plurality of separate body components that together define the body. The first releasable connector may comprise a first clamping mechanism where a portion of the body is clamped by a portion of the collar. The body may comprise a seat that is disposed opposite to the collar and a collar washer that abuts the seat. The seat may extend at least partially about the internal periphery of the body. A first engagement structure on the collar washer may be engaged by a second engagement structure on the collar to prevent the collar washer from rotating relative to the collar. The collar may comprise an outer section and an inner section, and a fastener may engage the collar washer to secure the collar washer to the collar such that a portion of the body is clamped between the collar and the collar washer and to secure the inner section to the outer section. A fastener may engage the collar washer to secure the collar washer to the collar such that a portion of the body is clamped between the collar and the collar washer. The fastener may comprise a screw post having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion comprising screwthreads and being inserted through an aperture in the collar and threadably engaging a threaded member formed on the collar washer such that the collar washer tightly clamps the body against the collar. The second portion of the fastener may define a connector that is adapted to engage a curtain rod to mount the finial to the curtain rod. The second releasable connector may comprise a second clamping mechanism where a portion of the body is clamped by a portion of the crown. The body may comprise a second seat that is disposed opposite to the crown, a crown washer that abuts the second seat, and a fastener that engages the crown washer to secure the crown washer to the crown such that a second portion of the body is clamped between the crown and the crown washer. The second seat may extend at least partially about the internal periphery of the body.

A finial comprises a body having a first end and a second end. A collar is attached to the first end using a first mechanism comprising a first portion of the collar trapped at least in part by a portion of the body. A crown is attached to the second end using a second mechanism comprising a first portion of the crown trapped at least in part by a second portion of the body where the second mechanism is independent from the first mechanism. The body, crown and collar define an interior space where the interior space is open and unobstructed between the crown and the collar.

A method of making a finial comprises providing a body having a first end and a second end; seating a crown on the first end; releasably connecting the first end of the body to the crown; seating a collar on the second end; releasably connecting the second end of the body to the collar. The method may further comprise attaching the finial to a rod.

A finial comprises a body having a first end and a second end. A collar is attached to the first end using a first releasable connector where a first portion of the collar is trapped at the first end of the body. A crown is attached to the second end using a second releasable connector where a first portion of the crown is trapped at the second end of the body where the second releasable connector is independent from the first releasable connector. The body, the crown and the collar define an interior space where the interior space is open and unobstructed between the first end of the body and the second end of the body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The finial of the invention provides a decorative ornamentation for a rod or other similar structure where the rod may be used to support a window covering such as a curtain, drapery, shade or similar window covering. The rod may comprise a wide variety of configurations, structures, materials, finishes and decors. The decorative appearance of the finial may vary significantly from that shown in the figures. The decorative appearance of the finial may be selected to match a wide variety of decors and may be provided with a wide variety of finishes, colors, materials, shapes, sizes, and ornamentations.

The finial described herein does not use an internal support structure such as a center support rod such that the interior space of the finial is an unobstructed, open space. The embodiments described herein provide a unique solution for a finial with an open void or space throughout the interior of the finial that is simple to manufacture, eliminates the use of a connecting structure extending through the open space and maintains the desired decorative aesthetics. Providing an unobstructed, open interior space has particular application where the interior of the finial is visible because the open interior provides enhanced aesthetics. The finial has particular application to finials having an open framework, transparent or translucent structures. As used herein the term “see through” refers to a finial structure where the outer surface or surfaces of the finial allows visibility into or through the finial and includes open framework or lattice structures, transparent materials, translucent materials, or combinations of such structures and materials. While the finial of the invention has particular application to see through structures the finial may also be used with opaque structures. The structure and assembly method of the finial provides a finial assembly that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and that may be used with a wide variety of materials. To achieve the complete open void or space in the finial, while still providing simplified efficient manufacturing, the finial uses a releasable or removable connection or coupling between the major finial components. For example, a finial's crown or end cap can be releasably connected or coupled to the final's main body and the finial's collar may likewise be releasably connected or coupled to the opposite end of the finial's main body. During manufacturing or other assembly process, instead of permanently affixing the crown and/or collar to the main body, such as by welding, and instead of passing a bolt, post or other securing mechanism through the center of the finial's main body, the main body provides the structure between the crown and collar where the crown and collar each are attached to an opposite end of the main body in a releasable or non-permanent manner. Connecting or coupling the crown to one end of the finial body and the collar to an opposite end of the finial body also permits the body to be manufactured in multiple sub-components where the body sub-components are assembled and coupled together by the crown and collar. Accordingly, the example embodiments described in more detail herein provide an improved finial appearance, allowing for an unobstructed and see-through open space between the collar and the crown, while maintaining cost-effective and simple manufacturing techniques.

Referring toFIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of a finial is shown generally at1comprising a collar2, a body4and a crown or end cap6. The collar2is secured to one end of the body4using a first releasable connector and the crown6is secured to the other end of the body4using a second releasable connector. As used herein the term “releasable connector” may generally refer to a connection means that can be assembled (for example by using mechanical techniques) in a non-permanent manner, in contrast to a permanent connection such as welding or single piece die-casting. The term “releasable” does not require that the connection or coupling be intended for release or disassembly after manufacture of the finial. The collar2and crown6are secured to the body4without using a structure interior of the body4that obstructs the open interior space8or that spans the collar2and crown6, such as a center support rod. As a result, the interior space8defined by the collar2, crown4and body6is an unobstructed, open space without any visible internal support structure extending through or across the space. The assembled finial1may be connected to a rod such as a curtain rod12. Typically, one finial will be attached to each end of the rod12.

The collar2comprises an inner end2athat is engaged by body4and an outer end2bthat faces and/or engages the rod12. The outer end2bmay be dimensioned and configured to mate with the rod12such that a close fit is provided between the rod and the finial. In one embodiment the outer end2bcomprises a recess14that is shaped and dimensioned to receive the end of the rod12. The inner end2adefines a seat16for receiving the body4such that the body4may be properly positioned on the collar2. In the illustrated embodiment the seat16is defined by an external flange18and a plurality of spaced internal flanges20. A transverse member21extends radially outwardly from each of the internal flanges20. Seat16receives the inner rim46of body4to support the body on the collar2as will hereinafter be described. While the finial as shown has a round shape the finial may also have a rectilinear shape and the seat16may have a corresponding rectilinear shape, rather than the annular shape as shown. The crown6is formed with a seat86that is substantially identical to seat16on collar2.

An engagement structure24is formed on the collar2that faces toward the body4and engages a mating engagement structure32on the collar washer30to prevent the collar washer30from rotating during assembly of the finial. In one embodiment the engagement structure24comprises a post and engagement structure32comprises an aperture that is dimensioned to closely receive the post. The post and aperture may be reversed such that the post is formed on the washer30and the aperture is formed on the collar2. Further, structures other than a single post and aperture may be used as the mating engagement structures. For example, any arrangement of a male engagement structure on one of the collar and washer and a mating female engagement structure on the other of the collar and washer may be used. Moreover, where the finial has other than a round shape, the engagement of the non-round collar washer with the non-round body4may prevent the rotation of the collar washer relative to the collar without the use of a separate engagement structure. In such an arrangement the mating non-round shapes act as the engagement structures to prevent rotation of the collar washer.

In one embodiment the collar2may be formed as a unitary, one-piece member. In the illustrated embodiment the collar2is formed of two pieces that are coupled together to form the collar2in the assembled finial. The collar2comprises an outer section2′ that abuts with and is secured to an inner section2″ in the assembled finial. The use of a two-piece collar allows the collar to be more easily manufactured in a variety of complex ornamental shapes and size. With a two-piece collar mating structures may be provided to provide a secure connection between the components. For example, inner section2″ may be provided with an aperture31that fits over an annular seat33formed on the outer section2′. An axially aligned bore78is formed in the collar2that communicates the exterior of the collar with the interior of the body4.

The body4comprises an ornamental structure that is secured to and extends between the collar2and the crown6. In one embodiment, the body4comprises a see through structure such as an open framework40or a transparent or translucent globe41. The open frame work40(FIGS. 1-4) may comprise a plurality of solid structural members42that extend between the outer rim44and the inner rim46with voids or open areas48formed between or through the members42. The voids may be filled with a transparent or translucent material if desired. While one embodiment of the arrangement of structural members and voids is illustrated, the body may have any shape and configuration and the structural members may define a lattice structure or other open framework. In the illustrated embodiment, the body4is made of a plurality of separate body components4a,4b,4cand4dthat together define the body4; however, the body4may be formed as one-piece. Use of the separate components to make the body4may make the manufacture of complex shapes easier and may facilitate the assembly of the finial. Referring toFIG. 5, body4comprises a globe50made of transparent or translucent material where the interior of the finial is visible through the solid globe.

The inner rim46of body4is shaped and dimensioned to fit into the seat16formed on collar2. The outer rim44and inner rim46of the body4are substantially identical such that reference will be made to outer rim44as shown inFIG. 4. The rim includes a plurality of axially extending flanges23each having a transverse slot25that is dimensioned to receive the transverse member21of seat16. Each of the flanges23may be positioned between external flange18and one of the internal flanges20with the transverse member21extending into the slot25such that the body4is properly seated on and in a fixed position relative to collar2.

The inner rim46comprises an inwardly extending ledge or flange60that creates a seat62that is disposed opposite to the collar2and that extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A of the finial1. When the body4is located on the collar2the seat62creates a substantially annular platform that extends about the internal periphery of the body4and receives the collar washer30such that the collar washer30abuts the seat62. While the seat62is shown and described as an annular seat that extends about the internal periphery of the body4, the seat62may also comprise a plurality of discrete components spaced from one another about the periphery of the body4. Moreover, where the finial has a rectilinear shape, the seat62may also have a rectilinear shape. Further, while in a preferred embodiment the shape of seat62corresponds to the shape of the finial, the shape of the seat may be different from the shape of the finial. For example, a round finial may be supported on a rectilinear seat.

The collar washer30abuts the seat62and is oriented such that the engagement structure32on washer30is engaged by the engagement structure24formed on the collar2. In the illustrated embodiment the post24formed on the collar2is inserted into the aperture32formed on the washer30. The engagement of the post with the aperture prevents the washer30from rotating relative to the collar2. The collar washer30may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the rim46of body4such that where the rim has a circular shape the collar washer also has a circular shape. Where the finial has a rectilinear shape, the collar washer30may also have a rectilinear shape. While in the illustrated embodiment the collar washer30fills the bottom area of the body4defined by the inner rim46the washer30may extend for less than the entire area provided it engages the seat62sufficiently to secure the body4to the collar2.

A fastener70engages the collar washer30to secure the collar washer to the collar2such that the seat62of body4is trapped between the collar washer30and collar2to create an integrated assembly. If a two-piece collar is used the fastener70also secures the collar portions2′,2″ to one another. In one embodiment the fastener70comprises a screw post having a first portion72and a second portion74separated by a flange76. The first portion72may comprise a threaded member that is inserted through axially aligned bore78formed in the collar2. The fastener70is inserted from outside the finial along the longitudinal axis of the finial such that it threadably engages a threaded hole82formed on the washer30. While the first portion72is shown as comprising a male threaded member that engages a female threaded hole formed on the washer, the fastener70may comprise the female receptacle that is engaged by a male connector on the washer. Further, the connection between the washer30and the fastener70may be made by other than a threaded connection. For example a snap fit connector may be used. The use of a threaded connection allows the washer30and fastener70to be tightly secured to one another to tightly clamp the ledge60of the body4between the washer30and the collar2. When the fastener70is tightened to the washer30the flange76engages the collar2such that fastener70pulls the collar washer30tight against the seat62of the body4to clamp the ledge60of the body4between the collar2and the washer30. In this embodiment the engagement of the collar washer30when it is pulled tight against the seat62of the body4to clamp the ledge60of the body4between the collar2and the washer30forms a first releasable connector. While a specific embodiment of the first releasable connector is shown the first releasable connector may have other configurations. For example, the body4may be secured to the collar2using a snap-fit connection where a portion of one of the collar or body is mechanically engaged by a portion of the other one of the collar or body. The portions of the body and/or collar may elastically deform to make the snap-fit connection. The body4may also be secured to the collar2using a pressure or friction fit connection where a portion of one of the collar or body frictionally engages a portion of the other one of the collar or body. The releasable connector may also comprise mating screwthreads formed on the collar2and body4. In the various embodiments of the first releasable connector a portion of the collar is connected to a portion of the first end of the body such that the connection is made at one end of the body where the connection does not interfere with or obstruct the open space or void of the body.

The second portion74of fastener70defines a connector79that engages the curtain rod12to mount the finial1to the rod12. In the illustrated embodiment the connector79comprises screwthreads that may threadably engage a threaded hole12aformed on the rod12. While connector79is shown comprising a threaded member is shown as connector, the connector79may comprise any structure that may be used to secure the finial1to the rod12and may comprise a snap fit connector, female threaded receptacle or the like in place of the male screwthreads79. Connection of the finial to the rod also may be accomplished using a device other than fastener70. For example, recess14may be provided with internal screwthreads that mate with external screwthreads formed on the exterior of rod12. In this embodiment, connector79may be eliminated and fastener70may comprise a screw having a head in place of flange76.

A similar structure secures the crown6to the distal end of the body4. The crown6comprises an interior side6athat is engaged by body4and an exterior side6b. The exterior side6bmay be configured to have any style and shape. The interior side6adefines a seat86for receiving the body4such that the body4may be properly positioned relative to the crown6. In the illustrated embodiment the seat86is substantially identical to seat16on the collar2. An engagement structure94is formed on the crown6that faces toward the body4and engages a mating engagement structure92on the crown washer100to prevent the crown washer100from rotating. In one embodiment the engagement structure94comprises a post and the engagement structure92comprises an aperture. The post and aperture may be reversed such that the post is formed on the washer100and the aperture is formed on the crown6. Further, structures other than a single post and aperture may be used as the mating engagement structures. For example, any arrangement of a male engagement structure on one of the collar and washer and a mating female engagement structure on the other of the collar and washer may be used. Moreover, where the finial has other than a round shape, the engagement of the non-round crown washer with the non-round body may prevent the rotation of the crown washer relative to the crown without the use of a separate engagement structure. In such an arrangement the mating non-round shapes act as the engagement structures to prevent rotation of the crown washer relative to the crown.

The body comprises a outer rim44that is shaped and dimensioned to engage the seat86formed on crown6. The outer rim44comprises an inwardly facing ledge or rim106that creates a seat108that is disposed opposite to the crown6and that extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A of finial1. When the crown6is located on the body4the seat108creates a substantially annular platform that extends about the internal periphery of the body4and receives the crown washer100such that the crown washer100abuts the seat108. While the seat is shown and described as an annular seat that extends about the periphery of the body, the seat may also comprise a plurality of discrete elements spaced from one another about the periphery of the body4. While the finial as shown has a round shape the finial may also have a rectilinear shape such that the seat86and washer100will also have a corresponding rectilinear shape. Further, while in a preferred embodiment the shape of seat108corresponds to the shape of the finial, the shape of the seat may be different from the shape of the finial. For example, a round finial may be supported on a rectilinear seat.

The crown washer100abuts the seat108and is oriented such that the engagement structure92on washer100engages the engagement structure94formed on the crown6. In the illustrated embodiment the post94formed on crown6is inserted into the aperture92formed on crown washer100. The engagement of the post with the aperture prevents the crown washer100from rotating relative to the crown6. The post and aperture may be reversed such that the post is formed on the crown washer100and the aperture is formed on the crown6. Further, structures other than a single post and aperture may be used as the mating engagement structures. For example, any arrangement of a male engagement structure on one of the crown and crown washer and a mating female engagement structure on the other of the crown and crown washer may be used. Moreover, where the finial has other than a round shape, the engagement of the non-round crown washer with the non-round body4may prevent the rotation of the crown washer relative to the crown without the use of a separate engagement structure. In such an arrangement the mating non-round shapes act as the engagement structures to prevent rotation of the crown washer relative to the crown.

A fastener120engages the crown washer100to secure the washer100to the crown6such that the body4is trapped between the crown6and washer100to create an integrated assembly. In one embodiment the fastener120comprises a screw having a threaded post122that is inserted from inside the finial through an aperture124in the crown washer100and into a mating threaded bore126on the crown6. By inserting fastener120from inside the finial the fastener is hidden from view and does not affect the aesthetics of the crown. While the fastener120is shown as comprising a male threaded member that engages a female threaded bore formed on the crown6, the fastener120may comprise the female receptacle that is engaged by a male connector on the crown. Further, the connection between the crown and the faster may be made by other than a threaded connection. For example a snap fit connector may be used. The threaded connection allows the crown and fastener to be tightly secured to one another to tightly clamp the platform106of the body4between the washer100and the crown6. When the fastener120is tightened against the washer100the head122of fastener120engages the crown washer100such that fastener120pulls the crown washer100tight against the seat108to clamp the ledge106of the body4between the crown6and the crown washer100. In this embodiment the engagement of the crown washer100when it is pulled tight against the seat108of the body4to clamp the ledge106of the body4between the crown6and the washer100forms a second releasable connector. While a specific embodiment of the second releasable connector is shown the second releasable connector may have other configurations. For example, the body4may be secured to the crown6using a snap-fit connection where a portion of one of the crown or body is mechanically engaged by a portion of the other one of the crown or body. The portions of the body and/or crown may elastically deform to make the snap-fit connection. The body4may also be secured to the crown6using a pressure or friction fit connection where a portion of one of the crown or body frictionally engages a portion of the other one of the crown or body. The releasable connector may also comprise mating screwthreads formed on the crown6and body4. In the various embodiments of the second releasable connector a portion of the crown is connected to a portion of the second end of the body4such that the connection is made at the opposite end of the body from the first connector. Because the first connector and the second connector are connected only at the first end of the body and the second end of the body, respectively, the two connections do not interfere with or obstruct the open space or void of the body.

Between the crown6and the collar2, the body4defines an internal space8that is visible to the user when a see through body is used. The separate and independent clamping mechanisms between the crown6and the body4and between the body4and the collar2eliminates any internal mounting structure that would obstruct the interior space8defined by body4. The mounting arrangement eliminates a mounting structure that extends between the crown and the collar.

To make the finial, a body4having a first end with outer rim44and a second end with inner rim46is provided. The crown6is seated on the first end of the body such that outer rim44engages seat86. The crown washer100is placed in abutting relationship with seat108on the outer rim44. Where a multi-piece body is used, each of the pieces (4a-4d) is seated on the crown6to create the complete body4. The fastener120is inserted from inside the finial through the crown washer100and is secured to the crown6to clamp the outer rim44of the body4between the crown washer100and the crown6. The collar2is seated on the second end of the body4such that inner rim46engages seat16. Collar washer30is placed in abutting relationship with the seat62on the inner rim46. Where a multi-piece crown is used, the body4is seated on interior piece2″ and the outer piece2′ is seated on the inner piece2″. The fastener70is inserted from outside the finial through the collar2and secured to the collar washer30to clamp the inner rim46of the body4between the collar washer30and the collar2. The finial may then be attached to a rod12using connector79.

Specific embodiments of an invention are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention has other applications in other environments. Many embodiments are possible. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described above.