Decorative panel assembly

A decorative panel assembly wherein a valance board receives and maintains a plurality of tracks, the tracks receiving rollers connected to decorative panels. The panels and valance board are provided with edge clamps, acting as mouldings, or used for securing decorative coverings thereto. A first source of illumination is provided in the valance board and in front of the panels to cast light upon the same. A second light source is vertically positioned behind the end panels for creating an indirect lighting or ghosting effect. A spring-biased curtain rod holder may be maintained within the valance board and behind the panels, if so desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Heretofore in the decorating art, numerous approaches have been taken to 
provide appealing window coverings, room dividers, and the like. In recent 
years, draperies have become too conventional and costly for the changing 
tastes of a young society and the same have given way to more modern 
devices such as shutters, window shades, and small-slat Venetian blinds. 
However, these devices are complex and costly, and generally of a fixed 
nature, not readily adapted to change to accomodate an alternative room 
decor. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,348,603, presents a decorative panel assembly wherein a 
plurality of panels are maintained by carriers upon an elongated track. 
Such a structure provides a different approach to window coverings and 
room dividers, but it is of a fixed decorative nature. Such a device does 
not allow the panels to slide easily, and the friction of the carriers 
upon the tracks restricts movement of the panels. Further, this patent 
teaches a track which is totally exposed, with no provision for a 
decorative valance or the like to conceal the tracks. 
In the prior art, there are no known decorative panel assemblies wherein 
both direct and indirect lighting effects may be provided in conjunction 
with a valance board assembly to obtain a desired illumination or ghosting 
effect. Yet further, there are no known decorative panel assemblies which 
include a curtain rod holder which may be secured within the valance board 
and behind the panels to maintain curtain, if such is desired. Yet 
further, there are no known decorative panel assemblies which offer to a 
young society the tools of self expression available through contemporary 
materials. 
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
In light of the foregoing, it is an object of the instant invention to 
provide a decorative panel assembly which is easily decorated and 
redecorated to accommodate changes in room decor. 
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a decorative panel 
assembly which includes sources of both direct and indirect illumination 
of the decorative panels. 
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a decorative panel 
assembly which includes a valance board maintaining therein tracks, light 
sources, curtain rod holders, and the like, and which may, itself, be 
quickly and easily decorated. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide a decorative panel 
assembly which may be used either as a window covering, wall treatment, or 
room divider with only slight modifications being necessary to the valance 
board. 
An additional object of the invention is to provide a decorative panel 
assembly which has a significant insulating effect when used as a window 
covering. 
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a decorative panel 
assembly which is inexpensive to construct, attractive in appearance, 
simply to use and install, and readily constructed from state-of-the-art 
components. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The foregoing objects and other objects of the invention which will become 
apparent as the detailed description proceeds are achieved by a decorative 
panel assembly, comprising: a valance, a plurality of tracks maintained 
within said valance; a plurality of panels maintained and movable upon 
said tracks, said panels including removable resilient edge mouldings 
securing decorative materials to said panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referrring now to the drawings, and more particularly FIG. 1, it can be 
seen that the decorative panel assembly of the invention is designated 
generally by the numeral 10. A valance board 12 is fixedly secured to the 
ceiling and maintains therein means for securing panels 14a-14e. As shown 
in FIG. 1, these panels are of a decorative nature, and may be covered by 
wallpaper, vinyl wall-covering, natural fiber, leather, cloth, paint, or 
the like. The panels are movable upon tracks maintained within the valance 
board 12 to open and expose the window when used as a window covering. 
With continued reference to FIG. 1, and particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 
3, it can be seen that the valance 12 includes a ceiling board 16 which 
may be secured to the ceiling by means of appropriate fasteners such as 
screws 18. Connected to the ceiling board 16 is a front board 20 and, if 
the assembly 10 is to be used as a room divider, a rear board 22 may be 
included. The boards 20,22 are secured to the ceiling board 16 by means of 
a plate or pins 24 maintained in complementary angled slots provided 
between the ceiling board 16 and front and rear boards 20,22. It will be 
understood that the valance 12 may be easily assembled by placing a dowel 
pin or plate 24 into the slots maintained within the ceiling board 16 and 
then sliding the mating slots of the boards 20,22 thereonto. As shown in 
FIG. 1, end boards 26 are also included and may be secured to the ceiling 
board 16 in a similar manner. 
In FIG. 3, a wallpaper, vinyl wall-covering, cloth, or other decorative 
material is shown placed over the boards 20,22,26, and secured thereto by 
means of resilient clips 30,32. The top clip 30 is received within a 
longitudinal slot provided in the boards 20,22,26, to secure a top edge of 
the material 28. The resilient clip 32 merely snaps around the bottom edge 
of the board to secure the bottom of that material. Of course, if the 
boards 20,22,26 were merely to be painted, the clips 30,32 could still be 
used to provide the effect of moulding on the valance 12. Further, while 
the clips 30,32 may be of any suitable nature, it is preferred that the 
same are of a molded plastic or thin metal to maintain a resilient nature 
to achieve the desired securing effect. Of course, to enhance the securing 
of the top portion of the material 28, the same may be folded as at 31. 
With specific reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that a plurality of 
tracks 34,36,38 are maintained within the valance board 12 and secured to 
the ceiling board 16. These tracks receive the panels 14 a-14e; the panels 
14a-14c being seen from the end view shown in FIG. 2. While the tracks 34 
will be described in more detail hereinafter, suffice it to say that such 
tracks provide mobility to the panels by means of rollers riding 
therewithin. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the end panels 
14a and 14e, shown in FIG. 1, are fixedly secured by a hook or the like 
such that, even though the same are shown on rollers and tracks, they are 
stationary and do not move. Only the panels 14b-14d are movable, and the 
same may be opened to expose the area defined by the panels 14a and 14e. 
In any event, the panels are connected to the track assemblies 34-38 by 
means of gliders 40a-40c, which comprise small strips, the width of the 
associated panel, and having attached thereto, appropriate connecting 
means for removably securing the panel. In the preferred embodiment of the 
invention, the gliders 40a-40c may be constructed of a plastic, wood, 
metal, or similar material, and have attached thereto a portion of a hook 
and loop securing means. The mating portion of the hook and loop apparatus 
is secured to the top edge of the associated panel 14a -14c. Such 
structure provides for quick and simple engagement and disengagement of 
the panel with the track assembly for redecorating or cleaning purposes. 
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a reflective covering or 
coating 42 is provided as shown in FIG. 2 along the corner defined by the 
intersection of the ceiling board 16 and the front board 20. This 
reflective material could simply be a foil, paint, coating, or the like. 
Secured to this reflective material is a light strip 44, having a 
plurality of lamps 46 maintained in spaced relationship therealong. When 
illuminated, the lamps 46 cast both direct light and light reflected from 
the surface 42 onto the various decorative panels 14a-14e for an appealing 
illuminated effect. 
Positioned along the outside vertical edge of the fixed panels 14a and 14e 
is a vertical light strip 50 having a plurality of spaced lamps 52 
maintained thereon. The strip 50 may be secured to the plate 48 by means 
of a hook and loop engagement. The plate 48 may be fastened by means of 
nails, screws, or the like to the ceiling board 16, although it is equally 
contemplated that the plate 48 could be maintained on a track for 
mobility. In any event, with the lamps 52 vertically spaced behind the 
outside edges of the panels 14a and 14e, an indirect lighting effect is 
presented from behind the assembly 10 to outline the same with a soft 
illumination. With the strip 50 being secured by means of the hook and 
loop engagement at 48, the same may be easily attached or detached 
dependent upon the desires of the user. It is further contemplated that 
the lamps 46 and 52 may operate in concert or independently of each other, 
according to the desires of the user. 
Finally, maintained within the valance board 12 is a curtain rod holder 54, 
which will be elaborated upon hereinafter. Suffice it to say at this time 
that the curtain rod holder 54 may secure a sheer or other type of curtain 
or drapery panel behind the panels 14a-14e, if such is desired. Thus, when 
the panels 14b,14c are slid over the panel 14e, and the panel 14d is slid 
over the panel 14e, the exposed window will still be slightly shaded. 
With reference now to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the panels 14 may be 
covered by means of paper, vinyl, cloth, or the like 56, secured thereto 
by means of a resilient clip 58. The panels 14 may be constructed of any 
suitable material such as particle board, plain or colored translucent 
acrylic boards, or the like, and need not be covered as with the material 
56, but may, alternatively, be painted. In either event, the clip 58 
provides an edge mould for the panel 14, serving in the dual capacity of a 
clip when a covering material 56 is used. Preferably, the clip 58 is of a 
plastic construction to provide a spring-like grip on the edge of the 
panel 14, the clip being normally urged to a position such that it firmly 
grips the board 16. To further provide for secured engagement of the clip 
58, and particularly when the same is not of a resilient nature, prongs or 
other pointed elements 60 may be provided as an integral part of the clip 
58 to make piercing secured engagement with the edge of the panel 14. 
As mentioned above, included as a portion of the assembly 10 are curtain 
rod holders 54, shown in detail in FIG. 5. Of course, at least two holders 
54 would normally be required, one at each end of the rod, and it is 
preferred that a third holder 54 be interposed midway along the rod. It 
will be seen that semicircular members 62,64 are provided for securing a 
curtain rod 66 which has been slid through the top opening of a curtain 
68. Relative movement between the members 62,64 is provided about the 
pivotal pin 70. Part and parcel of the members 62,64 are respective ears 
71,73. These ears are biased by means of a spring 72 interposed 
therebetween and about the pivotal pin 70. The spring 72 urges the 
elements 62,64 toward each other into a closed position to secure the rod 
66. When the ears 71,73 are squeezed toward each other, the elements 62,64 
open to allow easy removal or replacement of the rod 66. A screw or other 
securing device 74 is provided as part and parcel of the element 54 to 
secure the same to the ceiling board 16 of the valance 12. 
As shown in FIG. 6, a typical track assembly 38 includes arcuate tracks 
76,78 receiving thereupon a pair of wheels 80,80. These wheels may be of 
any suitable nature, but are preferably of the ball-bearing type to reduce 
friction and provide easy manipulation of the panels 14. In any event, the 
wheels 80,80 are attached by means of an axle to a connector 82 which is 
secured to the glider 40c. The connector 82 may either be screwed into the 
glider 40c, molded thereinto, or otherwise appropriately affixed. In any 
event, an eye 84 is provided as part and parcel of the connector 82 and 
has affixed thereto a drawcord or string 86, to facilitate movement of the 
panel 14c. The arcuate tracks 75,78, again of plastic or metal 
construction, are secured to a mounting bracket 88 which is attached to 
the ceiling board 16 in any appropriate fashion. It should be briefly 
noted that with the tracks 76,78 being slightly arcuate, a trough is 
provided wherein the wheels 80,80 may ride. 
With final reference to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the cord 86, connected 
to the lead panels 14c,14d, passes over a spool 90 and to a pulley 92 to 
facilitate opening and closing of the panels 14. As has been previously 
known in the art, the panels may make engagement with each other to 
facilitate sequential movement of the same by means of stops 94 connected 
to the associated gliders 40. For example, with the assembly of FIG. 7 in 
the "open" position, the panel 14c may be moved via the cord 86 until its 
end stop 94 makes engagement with the front stop 94 of the panel 14b. 
Continued movement of the panel 14c thus causes a closing movement of the 
panel 14b. This continues until the end stop 94 of the panel 14b makes 
contact with the front stop 94 of the fixed panel 14a. At this point, no 
further movement of the panels 14b and 14c is possible. Of course, the 
panels 14d and 14e function in a similar manner and, when opening the 
panels, the operation is reversed. 
It should now be apparent that there has been presented a decorative panel 
assembly which is readily changeable to accommodate any decor and utilize 
contemporary materials. The panel assembly is adaptable for use as a 
window covering or wall treatment, as well as for a room divider. As a 
window covering, the panel boards provide an insulating effect not 
achieved with standard draperies. Illumination, both direct and indirect, 
has been provided to accommodate the tastes of the user. Yet further, the 
entire system described may be assembled with a minimum requirement of 
tools, and quickly and easily disassembled for cleaning or redecorating 
purposes. 
While in accordance with the patent statutes, the foregoing is only the 
best mode and preferred embodiment of the invention, and it is to be 
understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby. 
Consequently, for an understanding and appreciation of the true scope and 
breadth of the invention, reference should be had to the following claims.